TRON: Ares

If you're into sleek visuals, neon-drenched action, and the ever-blurring line between humans and artificial intelligence, TRON: Ares might just be your next cinematic ride. This third installment in the TRON franchise picks up the digital thread from where TRON: Legacy left off, but with a fresh twist: this time, the digital world is coming to us.

Directed by Joachim Rønning, TRON: Ares introduces a new lead character—Ares, a highly advanced program sent from the Grid into the real world. Played by Jared Leto, Ares is more than just code; he's self-aware, curious, and increasingly human-like. The story revolves around his mission in our world and the ethical, emotional, and technological chaos that follows. Alongside him is Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM, who’s on her own quest involving a mysterious "Permanence Code" that could change everything.

The film features a stacked cast including Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, and Gillian Anderson. Jeff Bridges also returns as Kevin Flynn, adding a nostalgic touch for longtime fans of the series.

TRON: Ares is visually stunning, with dazzling effects and a gritty, industrial vibe that sets it apart from its predecessors. The soundtrack, composed by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, adds a moody, immersive layer that fans of the band—and of atmospheric scores in general—will love.

That said, the film has received mixed reviews. Critics have praised the visuals and performances, especially Leto’s more restrained take on Ares and Lee’s compelling presence. But some felt the story was too formulaic or emotionally distant, and others found the film’s philosophical musings on AI a bit heavy-handed.

If you’re a fan of the TRON universe, sci-fi action, or just want to see what happens when a digital being tries to make sense of the real world, TRON: Ares is worth checking out. But if you’re looking for tight storytelling or emotional depth, this might not fully hit the mark. Still, for a high-concept, visually rich experience with a killer soundtrack, it delivers plenty of eye (and ear) candy.