Here’s the deal with the Tron series: vibes > plot. This was true with elder entry Tron when it uploaded in 1982 with a mid story bolstered by “high tech” imagery that influenced an entire sci-fi-loving generation. 2010’s Garrett Hedlund-starring successor delivered much the same result. A pounding soundtrack from Daft Punk (who also appear as cyber DJs in the film’s computer interspace, the Grid), chroma-key effects, and Olivia Wilde’s asymmetrical bob provide pretty cool lipstick for this fairly pedestrian pig of a plot – but honestly, isn’t that why movies exist? If the vibes are there, the boring bits can be ignored. (Although, thanks to trilogy-maker Tron: Ares dropping last summer, we can’t ignore the large Jared Leto-shaped elephant in the code.) Local pedal pushers Hill Country Ride for AIDS present this screening in the spirit of the series’ ideas – “fighting back against systems that control and silence people, and choosing courage over fear” – with proceeds benefiting HIV/AIDS funds. – James Scott
