Tron: Ares Review: A Visually Stunning, Brilliantly Scored Film With A Basic Plot & Basic Characters

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Let me tell you, after seeing the trailer for *Tron: Ares*, it was immediately clear this is a film demanding the full cinematic experience. Seriously, it’s built for a massive screen and a killer sound system. The visuals are absolutely stunning, the action is huge, and the score, created by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, is truly unforgettable. All of that combined makes it worth the trip to the theater. Honestly, strip away those elements, and it’s just…okay. Perfectly watchable at home, but it wouldn’t leave much of an impression.

Jared Leto leads the cast of the new *Tron* movie, which explores the potential risks and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence. However, this important theme gets somewhat lost amidst a lot of action. Leto plays Ares, a complex program brought into the real world by his creator, Julian Dillinger, played by Evan Peters. Dillinger is a classic villain, driven by a desire for power, and Peters delivers a fantastic performance – he’s both charming and menacing, making him a standout character. Aside from the stunning visuals and music, Peters’ portrayal of Dillinger was the highlight of the film for me.

Tron: Ares Is a Feast for the Eyes

Visually blending the digital world of the Grid with reality is a difficult feat, but *Tron: Ares* manages it remarkably well. The iconic lightcycles particularly pop against the real-world city environments, thanks to their signature bright red glow. This is the first time these two worlds have seamlessly merged on screen, and the result is stunning. While some action and chase scenes are a bit lengthy, they showcase the impressive visuals and score – and that’s exactly where the movie’s budget should have been focused.

The movie isn’t just visually impressive in its depiction of the real world. Early on, the portrayal of hacking is incredibly clever and exciting – unlike anything I’ve seen before – and it genuinely made me happy. It’s a standout, creative sequence, and it’s made even better by Evan Peters’ energetic and over-the-top performance as he gives commands.

Tron: Ares Boasts One of the Best Scores of the Year

Okay, as a total movie score fanatic, let me tell you, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were *perfect* choices for the music in Tron: Ares. Seriously, the score doesn’t just fit the scenes, it cranks up the emotion to eleven. There’s only a little scene *after* the credits start, not one *during* them, but trust me, stick around. It’s so worth it to hear more of this incredible music. Honestly, the score, along with the visuals, is a huge reason you need to see this one in a theater. No home sound system, no matter how fancy, is going to give you the full experience.

Overall Thoughts on Tron: Ares

“Tron: Ares” is set 14 years after “Tron: Legacy” and includes many references to previous films, but you don’t need to have seen them to understand the story. While the plot and characters aren’t particularly groundbreaking, the actors deliver solid performances. The film’s direction and message are fairly predictable from the start, and major plot points unfold as expected.

Jared Leto perfectly embodies the character of Ares, portraying a reserved and subtly emotional presence. Evan Peters delivers a compelling performance as the villain, fully committing to the role. Greta Lee provides the film’s emotional core, adding depth to many scenes. Jodie Turner-Smith is strong as Athena, a character also under Dillinger’s control. Gillian Anderson is, as always, brilliant as Elisabeth Dillinger, though her character could have been utilized more effectively; at times, she felt underused.

While not a perfect film, *Tron: Ares* is best experienced in a movie theater. The stunning visuals, immersive sound, and powerful music truly come to life on the big screen. Plus, a post-credits scene suggests the story could continue if audiences want to see more.

Final Rating: 6/10

Disney will release Tron: Ares in theaters on October 10, 2025.

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2025-10-07 21:04