I guess Tron was too complex…
I crack myself up, but seriously: This movie is a solid ok. If you have kids, are tired of thinking too much, or ever played in an arcade; you should probably check this out.
The film imagines video game characters as electronic versions of the Toy Story toys. They’ve got a job to do, though their personalities may not always fit their skill set and game placement. Though you’ve experienced the ‘what you want to do’ vs ‘what has to be done’ morality tale countless times; this is a moderately stylish version.
I always imagined the arcade games as being worlds unto themselves and that the screen was merely a window. I was always curious what was happening beyond my view. This movie had the potential to tap that kind of wonder. And it does, to a point. But then it forgets what it was doing and tries to focus on being a morality tale.
What you have here is more style than substance. I enjoyed the old game in-jokes and I even accept the Donkey Kong wants to be Link from Zelda story. But the thing didn’t realize its potential. The comic themes were inconsistent and the priority of the story was in constant flux. However, the film did come up with some charming characters (especially the little candy girl glitch) but ultimately needed to do them the respect of shaping a better story for them.
No need to see it in the theater, not as good as your average Pixar (but better than Toy Story 3 and Cars 2) but better than Ice Age and the like.
Oh and 2 notes: on the short cartoon to open the movie, Disney, you assholes, everyone knows you can animate. That’s not the point of a fucking short. That story was asinine. What the fuck did you buy Pixar for if you won’t take a lead from them. Content is King. And second note: 3D is shitty and pointless. Nobody buys 3D TV’s because it’s shitty and pointless. Just stop.