Rating:
Summary: Fantastic action and visuals, strong music, but with a simple story that could have been more (and might be more, if they make a sequel).
"Tron" is an all-time classic sci-fi movie, of that there is no doubt. "Tron: Legacy" improved the visuals by about 1000%, and the music by Daft Punk, wow. With these two facts in mind, "TRON: Ares" was always going to have a hard time living up to its predecessors, and while it struggles to forge an identity of its own, there's no doubt that the even better visuals, tight action set-pieces, and the hardcore tracks by Nine Inch Nails, all add something to the franchise.
For those not plugged into the "Tron" universe, fear not, this movie largely stands alone from the previous two movies, and the only thing you need to know is that a digital world, called the Grid, exists, filled with digital beings called programs. There are cool bikes, races, and fights. Selected humans, including the world's creator Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges) and his son, Sam (played by Garrett Hedlund in "Tron: Legacy"), have both travelled to and back to this world through being digitised by lasers (don't think too much about the "how" of this - this originated in the early '80s, so the "science" of "science fiction" wasn't quite there yet). "Tron" was always a standalone story, and while "Tron: Legacy" expanded upon it, ended some threads from the first movie, and opened a couple of more at the end, "TRON: Ares" has decided not to follow those threads and instead focuses on a new story set in the same universe. And that's probably the right choice.
The story of "Ares" is rather a simple one, perhaps too simple for some. Even just from the trailers, you can basically make out the story. The hubris of a Tech Bro (Evan Peters's Julian Dillinger, the grandson of the first film's antagonist, Ed Dillinger) brings a deadly programs from the digital world into the real world with devastating consequences. Instead of the movie being mostly set in the Grid, this is the first Tron movie that's mostly set in the real world, which does make it more accessible than the other movies. Plus, its release comes at a fortuitous time, what with the hype/panic over AI in full swing (at the very least, fuller swings than in 1982 and 2000). Unfortunately, the film decides not to tackle any of the heavier elements of the AI debate, and I feel it would have been a stronger film if it had incorporated a bit of philosophical debate on the hot topic.
It's been 15 years since the last movie, and having recently watched "Tron: Legacy", I can say the visuals still stack up today. "Ares" takes it to the next level, and the added complication of interactions with the real world is well handled. I watched this film on IMAX at a special preview event organised by Disney, and the film features a ton of IMAX scenes (probably more than 50%). It's definitely worth watching on IMAX if you're a fan of the format, like I am.
Before I re-watched "Legacy", I wasn't sure I had seen it before, but I was 100% familiar with its kick-ass soundtrack. Composed by Daft Punk, it was just banger after banger, and I had it as my in-game playlist for several appropriately themed games (and a few not as appropriate, but still worked). "Ares" tasks another musical group with its soundtrack, this time Nine Inch Nails. I can't with good conscience say that this new track is on the level of "Legacy", but it is still an outstanding soundtrack, and "As Alive As You Need Me To Be" is now one of my favourite songs.
Jared Leto stars as the titular Ares, the AI program brought to the real world. Leto was instrumental in bringing the Tron series back to the big screen, but I can't help but feel that Ares should have been played by someone else, someone better able to handle the balance between an emotionless AI and someone who starts developing a human persona. The rest of the cast is solid, if not exactly stellar.
Luckily, there were only sprinkles of references to the previous movies, enough to keep hardcore fans happy, but not too much to make it a bore for everyone else. There is one satisfying cameo from the first movie, and I'm not talking about the Jeff Bridges cameo.
"TRON: Ares" is an enjoyable film, and while it doesn't add anything significant to the franchise, it does open it up for a new generation, and box office willing, more movies. The visuals and action (especially on IMAX), and the killer soundtrack will be enough for many, even if the story could have used a bit more work.
And yes, there's a mid-credit scene that is probably worth watching, especially if you liked the film enough to think it warrants a sequel.
"TRON: Ares" is in Australian cinemas on 9 October 2025. Australian streaming release date: TBA
