Review of 'Tron: Ares'

Forty years after the events of the original Tron film, both ENCOM and rival Dillinger Systems, led by former ENCOM executive Ed Dillinger's grandson Julian (Evan Peters), race to bring digital constructs into the real world but they “derez” after 29 minutes. Julian has created a new master controller of his grid “Ares” (Jared Leto) but the program shows signs of independence the ambitious Julian has not anticipated. CEO of ENCOM Eve Kim finds the “permanence code” in a remote Alaskan station set up by Flynn aided by her confidante Seth. Julian brings Ares and second-in-command Athena into the real world to track Eve down but when corned by Ares Julian destroys her copy of the “permanence code”. Eve is then digitized and transferred into the Dillinger Grid so they can extract the code from her despite Ares being warned it cost her digital and real life. Ares experiences guilt about this so escapes with Julian, hotly pursued by Athena…will they be able to get back to the real world and keep the code away from Julian?

A fun instalment in the Tron series of films which, of course, are completely ridiculous in terms of premise but look absolutely great on the screen. A pumping soundtrack keeps the pace of the film going along with some amazing chase sequences on all manner of digitally rendered transport…light bikes are just the beginning! It is also great to see some prominent nods to the first film with not only a cameo by Lloyd Bridges as Flynn but also a trip to the original Flynn-created ENCOM grid complete with the simple graphics and even the return of “bit” (yes/no only) sprite. There is also a recurring reference to the music of Depeche Mode which will keep those of a certain age entertained.

Jared Leto is great as the conflicted digital avatar Ares - A perfectly judged performance of a cold digital construct struggling to come to terms with his own existence and yet with the physicality needed for the role. You may remember him from films such as the Joker from Suicide Squad. Greta Lee does a decent enough job as Eve, the perpetually running underdog just trying to keep away from the “evil” CEO Julian, and it is around her that the plot revolves. There is a great dramatic performance by Gillian Anderson (of “X-Files” fame) as former Dillinger CEO and Julian's mother as his “voice of reason”…which, of course, as with all great “evil” characters, he ignores.

Incidentally, for those who can't remember the original films or have never seen them, the film starts with a quick montage of video clips explaining who people are and where they came from. I saw the film with someone who could not remember the first films but was able to follow along quite easily which is a tribute to the filmmakers - To be honest, the plot is not terribly complicated and can be enjoyed simply at that level without knowing much about what came before (though it does help).

A fun, action filled romp through the world of Tron with some great action sequences and cool looking digital special effects overlayed in the real world. There are hints a potential sequel with the inner-credit sequence however with this film not performing too well at the box office this seems to be in doubt, which is a shame. Perhaps the plot is just a bit to simple or maybe the digital effects too bizarre for the modern film goer?

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2025-11-02

Directed by: Joachim Rønning

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Year: 2025

Length: 119 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6604188/