From a fan perspective, Ares clearly exists within the Tron universe, though it takes a noticeably different approach. Despite the title, Tron himself never appears, and long-standing characters like Alan Bradley are absent. Instead, the film leans on indirect connections: a memory-like appearance of Kevin Flynn, a passing mention of Sam Flynn, and the lingering mystery of Quorra—now missing and actively sought by Ares. These touches feel intentional, positioning the film as both a continuation and a soft reset.
The core concept—true AI achieving sentience through Ares—is the movie’s most compelling idea. It’s familiar sci-fi territory, but it fits Tron exceptionally well. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t push this idea as far as it could. This is especially noticeable with Athena, a character who feels full of potential but is ultimately discarded rather than explored.
Ares himself works as a central figure, though he never fully reaches the depth needed to create emotional investment. That issue extends to most of the cast. While performances from Jared Leto and Evan Peters stand out, the characters overall lack familiarity and depth, making it difficult to truly care about their outcomes—even when the stakes are clear and meaningful.
Visually, the movie is a mixed bag. The Grid is interesting but underutilized, and in comparison to Tron: Legacy, the visuals sometimes feel cheapened and unpolished. That said, one standout sequence—a light cycle chase in the real world—is a clear highlight and shows flashes of what the film could have done more often.
Where Tron: Ares absolutely shines is its music. The soundtrack pairs perfectly with the film’s tone and energy, enhancing scenes dramatically. While Daft Punk’s score from Tron: Legacy remains iconic, this new score holds its own—different, but comparable in impact.
Pacing is another weakness. The film often feels rushed while simultaneously lingering on moments that don’t add much, especially when that time could have been spent developing characters. Still, it feels like the director did the best possible job with the material provided.
Final Fan Take
Tron: Ares is an entertaining, standalone sci-fi film with strong music, intriguing ideas, and meaningful ties to the Tron universe—but it ultimately falls short due to shallow character development. It may be remembered as an “okay” entry now, yet it has the potential to become an important turning point for the franchise if future films build on what it sets in motion.
Rating: 8/10
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