Today's audiences take for granted CGI (computer generated imagery) movies. They're a dime a dozen these days: just check out Toy Story,Dinosaur and A Bug's Life. All of these movies can trace their roots back to Tron.

Produced by Disney in 1982, Tron is the story of Flynn, a maverick computer programmer (played by Jeff Bridges) who must enter into a computer world to save it from the corrupt MCP (Master Control Panel). Aiding Flynn in his quest is Tron, a counter program designed by Flynn's friend Allen (both Tron and Allen are played by Bruce Boxleitner). Rounding out the cast is Cindy Morgan as Yori and David Warner as Dellinger and Zaak.

The true pleasure of this movie lies in its special effects. Tron was the first movie to make use of CGI, and, while the effects pale in comparison to those of today, they are still a joy to watch. The light cycle scenes are breathtaking, as is the final scene in which Flynn confronts the MCP. Some parts of the movie seem a bit of a stretch at times. For example, Flynn enters the computer world via a device that takes apart his molecules and reassembles them inside the computer. The denizens of this computer world are all programs, who bear a resemblance to their creator, and they all have personalities and feelings. Hokey? Yes, but it doesn't deter from the entertainment value of the movie that much.

For a Disney movie, Tron is very thought provoking. One can see numerous religious references; two examples of this are that the programs believe in what they call the "users," who take on a godlike status, and that Flynn can be seen as a Christ-like figure. The film also raises the issue of computers and their place in society, an issue that is still being debated today. With both a computer generated world and its questions of existence, one would not be too far off calling Tron a forerunner to The Matrix.

Ironically, when Tron was released, it received a less than enthusiastic reception from both critics and the movie-going public; no doubt this was due to the fact that the movie was years ahead of its time. Over the years, as people have come to realize just how groundbreaking this movie is, it has developed into a cult classic.

Rumors of a sequel have been circulated lately. More than likely it will be handled by Pixar, who did the CGI work in Toy Story. Given the developments in the field since then and the increased role of computers in our everyday life, a sequel isn't a bad idea at all.