In the latest installment of the Tron franchise, “Tron: Ares,” director Joachim Rønning attempts to weave a complex narrative of digital existence and corporate rivalry, but ultimately falls short in terms of character engagement and coherence. This third film follows the imaginative 1982 original and the somewhat lackluster 2010 sequel. It takes viewers on a visually overwhelming journey through a neon-lit universe that, at times, feels more disorienting than captivating.
From the outset, “Tron: Ares” overwhelms with an abundance of neon colors that evoke the aesthetics of arcades and dive bars. Such visuals are often unappealing and become particularly grating in the confined space of a movie theater. The film’s plot centers on a digital character named Ares, portrayed by Jared Leto, who is brought into the real world by a programmer. Ares is depicted with a blend of human-like sensitivity and a mechanical perspective that lacks depth, making him a less compelling character than audiences might hope.
The narrative unfolds with Ares embroiled in the power struggle between his creators at Dillinger Systems and their rivals at ENCOM. This corporate clash, reminiscent of the intense rivalry between gaming giants of the 1990s, forms the backbone of the story and serves as the framework for various hacking and coding conflicts. While the tangible motivations of the human characters provide some interest, Ares himself, even when liberated from the digital realm, fails to resonate with viewers.
Rønning is not known for subtlety; he leans heavily into flashy visuals over meaningful storytelling. Despite introducing potentially intriguing elements, such as a romantic subplot between Ares and ENCOM CEO Eve Kim (played by Greta Lee), the dialogue often gets lost beneath a cacophony of sound effects and an intense score by Nine Inch Nails. This leaves much of the emotional connection in question, as plot developments feel rushed and underexplored.
One moment of brightness comes from the surprise appearance of Jeff Bridges as a nod to his role in the original “Tron.” However, this cameo is overshadowed by the overall lack of character development and plot cohesiveness, leaving viewers with a sense of confusion rather than clarity.
While “Tron: Ares” seeks to expand on the themes of human versus digital existence, it ultimately presents a confusing experience filled with style over substance. The film serves as a reminder that even with high production values, captivating storytelling and well-developed characters remain central to engaging cinema. There are elements that could have offered depth and insight, but they fall victim to a barrage of glitzy visuals and incoherent plotting. Despite its shortcomings, the film continues the legacy of the Tron franchise, proving there are always opportunities for stories in the intersection of humanity and technology.