Whenever there is a follow-up or sequel to a beloved film or IP, people will likely be overly critical and protective of the originals. Tron: Ares doesn’t try to overthrow any predecessor; it just comes in peace and wants the audience to have a great time while watching. The film doesn’t try to rewrite or replace, but instead brings up the question, “What happens when the artificial intelligence you created begins to feel?”
Jared Leto stars as Ares, the head of the cyber-security program that Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) has designed and is overseeing, despite the growing concerns from his mother, Elisabeth Dillinger (Gillian Anderson). Dillinger’s somewhat competitor is Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the successor to Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). When Eve’s sister tragically succumbs to cancer, she sets out to finish the work they started together, which is to find the permanence code that will allow their creations to exist past the current 29-minute limit. It’s a back-and-forth battle, as both have very different intentions with the discovery.
One question often asked is whether it’s necessary to have seen the previous films to understand or enjoy this installment. While it has been 15 years since Tron: Legacy, Ares does a solid job of catching you up with the opening sequence. If you’re familiar with the previous two films, then you’re in good hands, but if you aren’t, the context and plot of this one aren’t lost on you. Some of the absolute standouts are the jaw-dropping visuals that are some of the best in any film since Dune: Part Two (and that’s really saying something).
The red lighting that beams off of the characters’ suits and the streaks left behind their bikes make for some really cool cinematography that is truly stunning. To add to the tone being set, Nine Inch Nails helming the soundtrack is by far one of the best things about Tron: Ares. The music fits each scene so perfectly and really elevates the vibe to where you’re left thinking, “Damn, I must own that soundtrack ASAP.”
Leto is solid as Ares, as he gives just enough to the role without overdoing it, while Peters shines as a villain. Sure, we’ve seen him in dark projects like American Horror Story and as Jeffrey Dahmer, but he delivers as a great mix of power-hungry and determined tech bro that you love to hate. The women of Tron: Ares really did their thing as Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith are the absolute standouts. It’s very clear that the dialogue of the film isn’t very deep, so what Turner-Smith can do with what she is given is beyond epic.
Her way of acting with just her facial movements alone needs to be studied in film school, as she is powerful and commands your attention. The film is advertised as Leto being the main character, but the heart of it all is Greta as Eve, with her relatable motive to make her late sister proud.
The Tron franchise was previously limited by the technology available to them at the time, but we are far from those days. The beautifully designed grids and bright neon landscape make the third installment a visual buffet for the eyes to feast upon. Can skip over the treat of seeing Bridges included, as he is the only actor to be featured in all three installments. While not all characters don’t have a ton of depth, that is easily lost as the scene and score sweep you away and keep you entertained for the 119-minute run time (with a promising mid-credit scene fans will love).
With only two months left in 2025, Tron: Ares slides in to clutch the title as one of the best movies of the year.
Catch Disney’s Tron: Ares in theaters on October 10th
