Tron: Ares

Last weekend, Tron: Ares, the newest film in the Tron franchise, was released in theaters. Tron: Ares follows a newly created program, Ares, as it is directed to find a code in the real world that will allow programs to be permanently brought over from the grid. I am not a huge Tron fan, but I have watched both of the other movies and was curious to see how this movie would compare.

As with all the other Tron films, this movie features some impressive visuals. I like the vibrant colors and glowing characters that contrast with the real world. I also appreciate how this movie does something different with its story: instead of bringing real people to the virtual world, it brings programs to the real world. There is a brief time in the grid, but most of the movie takes place in the real world, creating a dynamic where programs adapt to everyday things, like rain. The story is also much more straightforward than in the other films. It is about two companies seeking a permanence code to bring programs to the real world, with one company willing to put lives on the line to get it. The simpler story makes the movie much easier to follow than the previous Tron films. Tron: Ares also has some good action, with the bike chase as a standout. It was cool to see the Lightcycles riding through a real city, chopping cars in half.

However, this movie is a prime example of all style and no substance. While I do appreciate the simplicity of the story, outside of the visuals, there is nothing memorable about this movie. The conflict is pretty generic, and the characters are all super bland and forgettable. The characters are all just so monotoned, with the Ares character being so dull. There is no chemistry between anyone, and any attempt at charm just falls flat. It isn't as convoluted as the other films but just as dull.

Overall, Tron: Ares has some great visuals and action sequences, but on the whole is all style and no substance, with nothing really memorable coming out of this movie.

Score: 6.5/10 Grade: B-

Recommendation: Check it out if you are a Tron fan; otherwise, wait to stream it