'Tron: Ares' review: Disney's sci-fi action sequel is a bland blockbuster with one major redeeming feature

L-R: Eve Kim (Greta Lee), Ares (Jared Leto) and Seth (Arturo Castro) in a scene from Disney's "TRON: Ares" — (Image credit: Leah Gallo/Disney)

I had the chance to see "Tron: Ares" early, and I'm sad to say, it's a big letdown. In our current, rapidly evolving technological era, one that's actively being revolutionized by AI, Disney's "Tron" franchise feels like the perfect place to explore our changing relationship with cutting-edge technology.

Alas, if you were optimistic that "Ares" might offer up some intriguing ideas ... temper those expectations. After seeing some of the early negative reactions ahead of my preview showing, I went in somewhat apprehensive but open to being impressed. Sadly, once the credits were rolling, I had little choice but to concede that the takes you can find online are right. "Tron: Ares" might look futuristic, but it arrives feeling underbaked and outdated.

What is 'Tron: Ares' about?

Tron: Ares | Official Trailer - YouTube

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Joachim Rønning’s "Tron: Ares" introduces us to a highly sophisticated new Program, Ares (Jared Leto), who is conceived by his creator, Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), to be his ultimate soldier: super strong, intelligent, and, crucially, endlessly expendable.

Julian brings Ares from the digital realm into our world and dispatches Ares on a dangerous new mission after ENCOM CEO Eve Kim (Greta Lee), who is out to uncover a key piece of code penned by Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). After Ares has his first taste of the real world, his consciousness starts to evolve, and he pivots away from his creator and allies with Eve, putting them in Dillinger's crosshairs.

"Tron: Ares" also stars Jodie Turner-Smith, Gillian Anderson, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan and Sarah Desjardins.

'Tron: Ares' looks good and sounds even better — but does very little else

Ares (Jared Leto) in a full suit and helmet in a scene from "Tron: Ares" — (Image credit: Disney)

I want to say up front that I really like what's come before for "Tron." Even though it was released long before I was on the scene, I remember stumbling on it a long time ago and really digging the vibe of Steven Lisberger's original cult hit. "Tron: Ares," though, is a hollow experience.

This new release wholly relies on dazzling viewers into submission with admittedly impressive visuals, and liberal sprinklings of nostalgiato rely on nostalgia — Jeff Bridges is here! This bit looks like the old movie! Isn't it fun that Ares is a fan of Depeche Mode! — and "Tron" fans' enthusiasm for the franchise to coast along. In a nutshell, "Tron: Ares" is part AI-era Frankenstein/Pinocchio/Close Encounter-type tale (Ares experiences the real world, adjusts to it, and turns against his creator), with an added dose of sci-fi blockbuster.

Problem is, from that mesh of ideas and CGI spectacle emerges a thoroughly dull affair. "Tron: Ares" is a movie that lacks engaging characters and struggles to make us care about our major players, and it boasts a script prone to superficial philosophising and just plain bad dialogue. It's a real slog, and ultimately stands as proof that "Tron" as a franchise has run its course.

Eve Kim (Greta Lee) runs from a Recognizer in a scene from "Tron: Ares" — (Image credit: Disney)

Parts of our cast at least try their best to elevate things. Jodie Turner-Smith's devout hench-Program Athena and her annoying technocrat real-world overlord Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) stood out most of all to me. But "Tron: Ares" is nowhere near as exciting as this movie seems to believe it is, and other great performers in the frame get lost in the mix.

Thank god for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, then. The Nine Inch Nails duo's pounding, electronic soundtrack is undoubtedly the best thing about "Tron: Ares," as it complements the on-screen work wonderfully. Even if some of the action and fights (barring a major light-cycle chase) lack any real weight, they look impressive on the big screen and are given a real jolt of energy thanks to Reznor and Ross's at-times-moody, at-times-electrifying soundscape.

"Tron: Legacy" had its fair share of earworms, courtesy of Daft Punk, and some might miss the orchestral elements, but I think "Tron: Ares" soundtrack just about eclipses it; It's just a shame that this score accompanies a film of such middling quality.

'Tron: Ares' verdict: Skip the movie, stream the soundtrack

All in all, "Tron: Ares" is a flashy but truly forgettable follow-up, one that I wouldn't recommend anyone rush to see anytime soon. Sure, the spectacular score and digital landscapes won't impress at home the way they will in the movie theater, but I can't in good conscience say they're worth the price of admission on their own.

If that banger score, solid art direction, and simple sci-fi spectacle are enough to lure you into the theater (and to keep you entertained for a full two hours), then you'll likely have some fun. Just don't expect to be on the edge of your seat.

"Tron: Ares" is in theaters now.

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Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from "Doctor Who" and "The Witcher" to "Bridgerton" and "Love Island". When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.

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