Disney's highly anticipated return to the Grid has finally arrived with TRON: Ares, but this cyber-sequel starring Jared Leto fails to boot up properly, delivering a disappointing experience that lacks the visual innovation and compelling narrative of its predecessors.
A Diminished Digital Realm
Where the original 1982 TRON pioneered visual effects and 2010's TRON: Legacy became a visual and auditory masterpiece, TRON: Ares feels surprisingly dated. The neon-lit world that once felt revolutionary now appears conventional, lacking the wow factor that made the franchise iconic.
Jared Leto's Underwhelming Performance
Leto plays Ares, a sophisticated AI who ventures into the human world, but the performance lacks the charisma needed to carry the film. Despite his dedication to the role, the character feels flat and fails to establish the emotional connection necessary to engage audiences.
Weak Narrative Foundation
The film's central premise—exploring the relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence—feels tired and unoriginal in 2024. Rather than pushing boundaries, the storyline recycles familiar tropes without adding meaningful commentary or fresh perspectives.
What Went Wrong?
- Visual stagnation: The Grid no longer feels cutting-edge
- Character development: Underwritten roles throughout
- Pacing issues: The narrative drags in crucial moments
- Missed opportunities: Fails to leverage modern AI anxieties
A Legacy Tarnished
For die-hard TRON fans, this sequel represents a significant letdown. The magic of light cycles, identity discs, and digital warfare feels diluted, replaced by generic action sequences and superficial philosophical musings.
TRON: Ares ultimately feels like a program that's crashed one too many times—the pieces are there, but they never properly come together to create something memorable or engaging.
