The latest installment in the Tron franchise, titled Tron: Ares, attempts to rekindle the groundbreaking charm of its predecessors but ultimately falls into a pattern of mediocrity. Released on October 10, 2023, in the UK and US, this film is the third chapter in a series that began with the iconic 1982 original and continued with Tron Legacy in 2010.
Weak Narrative and Characters
In Tron: Ares, viewers are met with a lackluster plot revolving around a fictional evil corporation named Dillinger, which rivals the now-dwindling virtual reality company Encom. The story picks up with Julian, played by Evan Peters, the grandson of the original Encom executive, who harbors ambitious plans to create virtual soldiers and vehicles.
- Key Characters:
- Julian: Played by Evan Peters, he leads Dillinger.
- Eve Kim: Encom’s CEO played by Greta Lee, discovers the “permanence code.”
- Ares: A humanoid warrior played by Jared Leto, tasked with stopping Eve.
- Athena: Ares’s second-in-command, portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith.
Undefined Stakes and Limited Engagement
The film’s central conflict arises from Eve’s discovery of the “permanence code,” allowing virtual creations to exist indefinitely. However, Julian’s assaults, featuring Ares as his main enforcer, lack tension and relatability. The humanoid warrior can only exist in the real world for 29 minutes before returning to his digital realm, a limitation that serves to diminish stakes.
Despite being studded with visually striking elements—like motorcycles reminiscent of classic arcade games—Tron: Ares struggles to deliver genuine excitement or emotional connection. The film fails to engage its audience, appearing as a mere shadow of its predecessors.
Critique of Performances
Jared Leto’s portrayal of Ares attempts to bring a modern twist but is ultimately described as annoying and unconvincing. Meanwhile, fellow cast members such as Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith also seem to suffer due to a lack of character depth and engaging dialogue. Jeff Bridges makes a brief appearance, but even his legacy cannot elevate the film from its lack of inspiration.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Tron: Ares may attract loyal fans of the franchise but is unlikely to please a broader audience. The film’s release on October 10 marks a moment where nostalgia may not be enough to mask its shortcomings. As it struggles to blend past innovation with contemporary storytelling, Tron: Ares finds itself overshadowed by the very legacy it aims to honor.
