Tron: Ares has finally burst onto the scene, but is this long-awaited sequel the thrilling revival of a beloved sci-fi franchise, or does it leave fans feeling a bit short-circuited? Dive in with us as we unpack the buzz, the brilliance, and the big debates surrounding this digital adventure.
Movie News
Posted just moments ago
After what felt like an eternity since Tron: Legacy—which itself was a distant echo of the original Tron—Tron: Ares is zooming into cinemas with its iconic light cycles and high-stakes action. Early buzz from critics, as seen in these initial reactions (https://www.joblo.com/tron-ares-first-reactions/), raves about the film's stunning visuals, but the storyline? Not so much. Our very own Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, shared his take in his review (https://www.joblo.com/tron-ares-review-visually-and-sonically-stunning-but-not-perfect/), noting, 'Much like Tron: Legacy, Ares feels like a blend of highs and lows, but once the adrenaline-pumping sequences start and the Nine Inch Nails tunes blast through, I was totally hooked. While a truly exceptional Tron film remains elusive—I adore the first one, but greatness might be a stretch—Tron: Ares delivers a fun trip back to The Grid.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the emphasis on spectacle over substance a deal-breaker for purists, or does it capture the essence of what makes Tron special? And this is the part most people miss—the film's 55% aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 141 critic reviews, contrasts sharply with an 86% audience approval rating. It's a classic case of critics versus fans, sparking debates about whether technical wizardry can outweigh narrative flaws.
While opinions flood in from all sides, we're dying to hear from you: What were your thoughts on Tron: Ares? Were you already a devotee of the Tron series before this installment? Does it stand tall alongside its predecessors? Or, perhaps, do you believe it surpasses them? Share your views in the comments below!
This techno-action-thriller, brought to life by Disney, was helmed by Joachim Rønning, the visionary behind Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. The stellar cast includes Jared Leto (known for Morbius), Cameron Monaghan (from Gotham), Evan Peters (Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story), Greta Lee (Past Lives), Sarah Desjardins (Yellowjackets), Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), Hasan Minhaj (No Hard Feelings), Arturo Castro (Road House), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), and the returning Tron icon, Jeff Bridges. Behind the scenes, producers Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger teamed up, with Russell Allen as executive producer.
Sponsored Content
Penned by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, Tron: Ares weaves the tale of Ares, an incredibly advanced digital entity—a 'Program' in Tron lore—who ventures from the virtual realm into our tangible world on a perilous quest, representing humanity's inaugural brush with artificial intelligence. Jared Leto embodies Ares, and as Deadline described, he's a made-up figure who leaps from video game worlds straight to Earth.
For beginners curious about the Tron universe, think of 'The Grid' as a vast, simulated digital landscape where programs (like AI beings) live and interact, often in high-octane battles that blend reality and cyberspace. This crossover element adds layers of intrigue, exploring themes of technology's impact on society—imagine if your favorite game character suddenly became real and started influencing the real world.
Adding to the excitement, Nine Inch Nails' eagerly awaited contribution to the Tron: Ares soundtrack is now out, available for purchase on their official site HERE (https://shop.nin.com/products/tron-ares-soundtrack-store-exclusive-cd). As Revolver reports (https://www.revolvermag.com/news/hear-nine-inch-nails-first-new-album-in-5-years-tron-ares-soundtrack/), this marks their comeback after a five-year break, following 2020's Ghost V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts, which were offered as free downloads that same month. The Tron series has always embraced electronic sounds, with Tron: Legacy's score famously crafted by techno pioneers Daft Punk. Nine Inch Nails brings a similar synth-rock vibe, infused with Trent Reznor's distinctive voice, creating an immersive auditory experience that echoes the franchise's futuristic energy.
Source: JoBlo
About the Author
News Editor
Favorite Movies: 80s and 90s action flicks, Bruce Lee classics, Jackie Chan adventures, Die Hard, the Back to the Future series, Jurassic Park, Rocky IV, Speed, Terminator 1 & 2, and plenty more!
Likes: Cinema, performing, storytelling, Photoshop wizardry, video editing, vintage Simpsons episodes, Conan O'Brien's humor, Bill Burr's comedy, deep YouTube explorations, french fries with Pepsi, and crafting art on my DeviantArt page at https://www.deviantart.com/ejtangonan
What do you think—does Tron: Ares innovate on the franchise or play it too safe? Is the divide between critic and audience scores a sign of evolving tastes, or does it highlight a fundamental flaw in prioritizing style over story? Some argue that in an era of blockbuster spectacles, visual feasts like this are exactly what fans crave, even if the plot feels recycled. Do you agree, or disagree? We'd love to hear your take—jump into the comments and let's discuss!
