Disney's highly anticipated return to the Grid has resulted in a spectacular system failure with TRON: Ares, the latest instalment in the beloved sci-fi franchise that fails to live up to its groundbreaking predecessors.
Jared Leto steps into the digital realm as Ares, a sophisticated AI program who ventures into the human world, but the performance feels more like a system glitch than a leading role. Despite Leto's commitment to the character, the film struggles to establish any meaningful connection with audiences.
A Visual World Without Soul
While the film attempts to dazzle with updated visual effects and neon-lit landscapes, the technological marvels feel hollow without compelling narrative to support them. The cutting-edge graphics that made the original TRON revolutionary are replaced by generic CGI that fails to capture the same sense of wonder.
The supporting cast, including Jodie Turner-Smith and Greta Lee, deliver competent performances but are ultimately let down by a script that prioritises style over substance. Character development takes a backseat to flashy light cycles and digital battles.
Missing the Original Code
What made the 1982 original and its 2010 sequel TRON: Legacy so memorable was their ability to balance technological innovation with human emotion. TRON: Ares forgets this crucial formula, creating a visually stunning but emotionally empty experience.
The film's exploration of AI-human relationships feels particularly dated in 2024, covering ground that numerous other productions have already mapped out with greater sophistication and depth.
Final Verdict
TRON: Ares represents a missed opportunity to revitalise a franchise with immense potential. While hardcore fans might appreciate the return to the digital landscape, most viewers will find this sequel lacking the heart and innovation that defined the TRON universe.
Disney's attempt to reboot this iconic series ultimately feels like trying to run modern software on outdated hardware - the components are there, but the magic simply doesn't compute.
