The Wasteland Reviewer

Tron: Ares (2025) Written Review

Is the cinematic world ready for another diversion into The Grid and the world of Tron? The first sequel took a few decades to finally materialize with a deep connection to the original film. This third entry into the franchise cut that gap in half with 15 years passing since Legacy. This time around, there is a much smaller direct connection to the characters of the original film (with a few threads here and there) but it does still capture the broader philosophy and perspective of The Grid…this is humanity’s gateway to a new way of life (a better one specifically). Greed and money versus greater good and advancement. Ares is the latest chapter in this struggle. 

Does director Joachim Ronning (of Disney sequel making fame) capture the spark with Tron: Ares? First off, the special effects are downright incredible. The digital worlds (all versions shown in the film) are breathtaking in the creation. The detail, colors, and lighting are wondrous to look at. There are few moments in the film where you ask whether the digital world or the technology is real or not. If you thought Legacy looked great…just you wait for Ares. As an extension, the action in this film is thrilling and breathtaking as it comes to life so vividly and clearly with all the visual effects. There are a few jaw-dropping chase sequences in the film. The climactic siege of a real-world city is quite impressive as well. The pacing of the film is quite energetic and rarely slows things down (for better or worse). But the most impressive element of the technical side of the film is the score from Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring the crew together to deliver a thumping, mechanical, and bombastic score that brings an impressive bit of energy to the film. The songs created for the film elevate those sequences so much (even more than this film probably deserves). 

Does the story live up to this engrossing cinematic experience? The overarching ideas for Ares are quite interesting. The idea of a program wanting to live a human life off The Grid is an intriguing idea for sure. The timeless struggle between corporate greed and advancement is ever present in this sequel. There are even some strong character connections with emotional potential. But the actual screenplay from Jess Wigutow doesn’t quite make the most of these ideas with plenty of potential. The code to give life in the real world becomes an obvious MacGuffin. Most of the characters are one-note traits or are just defined by the ideas or connections they serve in the film. There are zero characters who feel fully realized or even like human beings outside of this plot. The themes are overly clear and blunt. The dialogue is shallow and uninteresting while spelling everything out on everything the audience is supposed to feel. This clunky script does pull the experience down quite a bit.

But can the cast make up for some of the writing shortcomings? What is most frustrating is the titular program character is given a few fun layers and interests but that all falls flat because of Jared Leto’s bland and flat performance. Intense, steely, and dry-witted was the goal but flat nothingness was the result. Greta Lee is the protagonist of the film and is given a few moments to shine emotionally (which she does) but the more humorous beats for her are so unfunny that she cannot even make them work. Jodi Turner-Smith is the antagonistic Athena who is a ruthless killing machine and the intensity and presence that she brings certainly delivers on that. Evan Peters is the latest in a long line of Dillinger men in the franchise and his talents are wasted on a stereotypical antagonist with Gillian Anderson being wasted right next to him as his mother. Hasan Minhaj and Arturo Castro are both one note supporting comic relief…who don’t have any fun material to work with. The best performance by far and the most interesting one is Jeff Bridges. No surprise at all. But the less said about his limited and important role the better for review purposes. 

Is Tron: Ares a worthwhile sequel for this franchise? Not really. This makes for a thrilling diversion in the movies for sure. But there is not much else to the experience with such a week’s screenplay and “nothing” characters. The ideas are too broad, and the potential is wasted. At least the effects, music, action, and Bridges are there for us.