“Tron: Ares” follows Ares, a highly sophisticated AI program that leaves the Grid for a dangerous mission in the real world.
Visuals That Redefine the Franchise
Just by getting through the opening credits, “Tron: Ares” cements itself as the most visually stunning film in the franchise. It takes what the other entries brought to the table and heightens it in virtually every aspect – showcasing its potential in just the first few minutes alone.
This is done through incredible action sequences. “Ares” introduces new elements that haven’t been done before – both in the hand-to-hand combat and light cycle chases. The film integrates the classic, neon streaks in exciting ways that keep it feeling fresh. With the combination of impressive choreography and non-stop vibrant visuals, the action proves to be top-tier.
Even while the story may be lacking, “Tron: Ares” keeps you engaged – at the least being a feast for the eyes.
The score is another success, with music by Nine Inch Nails giving the movie a standout feel of its own. It adds an electric, robotic touch to the most intense moments. This industrial feel fits right in with the real-world trajectory that the film takes.
Leaving the Grid Behind
“Tron: Ares” takes this story in a different direction than the previous two installments, going for a more modern approach. This works in moments but also proves to be one of the film’s biggest weaknesses.
By leaving the Grid for the real world, the movie often doesn’t have the same imaginative feel that the first flicks had. While the audience is able to see classic “Tron” elements in a new light, it also feels… boring. Simply put, “Tron: Ares” isn’t able to capture the magic.
Similar to the rest of the franchise, the script here is nothing to write home about. The film follows a beat-for-beat formula that plagues modern Disney blockbusters, and it never steps too far away from it. With cliché-riddled characters and uneven pacing, “Tron: Ares” once again falls into the bubble of more style than substance.
Artificial Intelligence Without Soul
There’s also something to be said about the movie’s central themes. With so many modern anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence, “Tron: Ares” misses a big opportunity to examine these fears in a new light.
With the topic being such a big talking point – especially in the movie world – it’s also an interesting decision for a studio to base a film around the audience rooting for AI. For one, it’s derivative. It’s also a character that I never necessarily wanted to celebrate.
This is in part due to the character development but also because of the film’s lead performance. Jared Leto (Ares) is underwhelming. While he is meant to be robotic – as an AI machine would – this is only an excuse to a degree. He lacks the charisma and star power needed to lead the franchise.
Those around him do the best they can to save the film, however. Greta Lee (Eve), Jodie Turner-Smith (Athena), and Evan Peters (Julian) each deliver. Lee brings the humor and energy needed to match Leto’s blandness. Turner-Smith is loud and intimidating, with a performance that thrives in the movie’s action-packed moments. Peters is limited but still manages to create an intriguing villain – albeit a stereotypical one – through his delivery.
Despite its issues, “Tron: Ares” will likely be a hit with longtime fans of the franchise. It has many callbacks to “Tron” and “Tron: Legacy” that add a steady dose of nostalgia. Still, there’s a negative in this aspect as well. The film tends to heavily pause in these moments, detracting from any sense of buildup that it developed.
There’s lots of new ideas in “Tron: Ares,” but it ultimately feels like much of the same. In a franchise that overly relies on its visuals, the pattern repeats itself here. It’s full of neon-soaked spectacle, but remains emotionally vacant. While it has the nostalgia to appeal to hardcore fans, everyone else will likely be lost amidst the glow.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
