I have the original film on LaserDisc and watched it prior to seeing this in IMAX 3D. This film is very good. The 3D effect lends itself well to this type of film and the production design was very fascinating to watch, if not a bit confusing at times. It was similar to Tron meets The Matrix. I was curious to see where they would take the story line from the first film. I assumed that they would expand on the concept of the virtual world as automation and computers have expanded in the interm., which was not the case. Instead we have a megolamanic story against a rebounding of a father and son team. Not the greatest plot, but entertaining never the less. It is evident that this is being set up as a franchise for the long haul. The acting is very good and the women are very alluring. Overall, an enjoyable cinema experience.
While not a 'great' film....a very, very good film. The real strength of this movie is the production design and attention to detail. After 10 minutes, I forgot that I was wearing 3D glasses and watching mostly CGI work. The film is actaully beleivable in the visual sense.