El-Balad presents an in-depth exploration of the latest installment in the Tron franchise, titled Tron: Ares. The film tries to continue the narrative established by its predecessor, Tron: Legacy, but seems to diverge significantly from its roots.
Tron: Ares – A Narrative Breakdown
Tron: Ares is set against the backdrop of a power struggle within the tech corporation Encom. The film features a new character, Eve Kim, played by Greta Lee, who is positioned as the Encom CEO. She contends with Julian Dillinger, portrayed by Evan Peters, who adds a theatrical flair to the role.
Key Characters and Plot Points
- Eve Kim: CEO of Encom, introduced as a strong female lead.
- Julian Dillinger: Antagonist, whose character revisits familiar themes of corporate conflict.
- Ares: A pivotal character played by Jared Leto, who embodies a new technological advancement.
- Arturo Castro: Supports Eve with a plucky cohort role.
- Gillian Anderson: Plays the mother of Julian, adding depth to the character dynamics.
The film opens with a recreation of Kevin Flynn’s iconic office. This nostalgic setting symbolizes a significant aspect of the film, as it invests heavily in references to the original Tron. However, it raises questions about furthering the narrative instead of wallowing in nostalgic moments from the past.
A Shift in Tone and Theme
Unlike the original Tron, which explored counter-culture themes, Tron: Ares presents a straightforward hero-villain dynamic. The characters lack relatability, and the conflict is less engaging. The film fails to resonate deeply, leaving audiences with little emotional connection.
Ares – The Central Conflict
The character of Ares, designed as a top-tier technological marvel, does not evolve compellingly. His robotic portrayal by Jared Leto captures the aloofness expected from a character of such design, but does little to engage the audience.
Visuals and World-Building
The visuals in Tron: Ares struggle to innovate. While there are moments of intrigue, they often pale in comparison to the dynamic visual storytelling of its predecessor. The film fails to capitalize on the potential for a gripping narrative where technology seeps into the real world.
Soundtrack Highlights
A standout feature of the film is its soundtrack, composed by Nine Inch Nails. The music sets the tone throughout, effectively creating an eerie atmosphere that complements the film’s visual aesthetics.
Conclusion: Tron: Ares – A Mediocre Return
Overall, Tron: Ares does not successfully reinvigorate the franchise. It seems caught between tradition and modern expectations, resulting in a film that feels lackluster. With a mix of nostalgia and a reliance on familiar storytelling tropes, it remains mediocre in execution.
As audiences assess Tron: Ares, the question remains: who is this film truly for? Despite its ambition, it does not capture the essence of what made Tron a beloved classic.
