TRON Ares review: visual spectacle fails to elevate weak story
TRON: Ares, the much-anticipated third installment in the iconic sci-fi saga, has finally hit theaters. With Jared Leto and Greta Lee taking center stage, this film aims to pay homage to the original 1982 classic featuring Jeff Bridges. After a long wait since the sequel, Tron: Legacy, debuted in 2010, Disney has chosen to revive this cherished franchise with a fresh and innovative approach, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
The narrative follows Ares, a highly advanced program created by Julian Dillinger, the grandson of Ed Dillinger. As the CEO of Dillinger Systems, a rival to ENCOM, he harbors ambitions of transforming his company into a dominant force. To achieve this, he sends Ares into the real world on a perilous mission, marking humanity's first encounter with materialized artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, at ENCOM, Eve Kim, the successor to the Flynn legacy, embarks on her own journey to redefine the connection between reality and the digital realm.
Visual and auditory spectacle
For those seeking a visually stunning cyberpunk experience, TRON: Ares delivers on that promise, albeit with some caveats. The film excels in its visual and auditory presentation, featuring spectacular sequences and impressively crafted special effects. The seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds creates an immersive futuristic atmosphere.
One of the standout features is the brilliant soundtrack composed by Nine Inch Nails (NIN), an industrial rock band that perfectly complements the film's tone. As the action sequences unfold, including high-octane motorcycle chases and breathtaking fight scenes, the film reaches its peak. However, the significant issue remains that these visual triumphs are overshadowed by underlying weaknesses in the narrative.
A hollow cinematic experience
Despite the film's aesthetic merits, TRON: Ares suffers from a lackluster script riddled with plot holes and conveniences. Its story is simplistic, predictable, and ultimately forgettable, with a pacing that varies between dull and erratic. While the film is not outright terrible, it fails to leave a lasting impression, which is unfortunate considering the intriguing premise of bringing the franchise out of the digital realm into reality.
Only a few moments stand out, such as the iconic motorcycle race, now set against the backdrop of a bustling city rather than within a digital landscape. Although this sequence is well-executed and lengthy, it cannot justify the film's overarching reliance on this singular concept. The rest of the narrative drags as characters meander without substantial ideas or creativity, resulting in situations that range from tedious to absurd. A particularly awkward moment involving characters experiencing sensations through rain serves as a prime example of unintentional humor.
In essence, there is nothing within TRON: Ares that elevates its narrative above mediocrity. The characters lack depth and interest, and the conflict unfolds in a manner already seen countless times in other films, often executed with far more finesse. The film leans heavily on nostalgia without offering any meaningful insights or contributions to current discussions about artificial intelligence and its complexities.
Ironically, the film's screenplay feels algorithmically generated, lacking the emotional resonance necessary to connect with audiences. It presents random ideas that occasionally hit the mark but often fall flat. Ultimately, there is a distinct absence of emotional depth, risk, and genuine engagement, replaced instead by recycled themes and predictable outcomes.
A disappointing digital realm
Another significant flaw of TRON: Ares lies in its portrayal of the digital world. The original film introduced a captivating and innovative cinematic universe, while Tron: Legacy expanded upon it with great success. However, in this latest entry, the digital landscape feels neglected and underdeveloped.
With the storyline prioritizing the transition to the real world, the digital realm suffers as a secondary focus, leading to limited exploration of its potential. Even when we do venture into this world, there is nothing particularly groundbreaking or visually striking to behold, despite the significant advancements in technology over the past 15 years. There were opportunities to delve into the interplay between independent networks, yet these ideas are merely touched upon and then quickly abandoned.
An uneven cast
When examining the cast, there are certainly bright spots alongside weaker performances. Both Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith shine as the heroine and antagonist, respectively. Their portrayals are skillful and resonate with the essence of their roles, with Lee's Eve Kim emerging as a worthy successor to Flynn. Meanwhile, Turner-Smith embodies a chilling and formidable presence as a cold-blooded program.
However, the performance of Evan Peters, who plays the antagonist, falls short of expectations. He oscillates between being overly villainous and surprisingly weak, leaving audiences uncertain about his character's true nature. This inconsistency is disappointing, as viewers anticipated a more nuanced performance.
As for Jared Leto, there are mixed results. Initially, his casting seems ideal for the role of Ares, a program characterized by its lack of emotion and calculated demeanor. Leto brings this essence to life with his detached performance. However, as Ares evolves and discovers its own identity, Leto struggles to convey these changes effectively, preventing the audience from fully connecting with the character.
What makes TRON: Ares stand out?
Despite its flaws, TRON: Ares does have its moments of brilliance, particularly in its visual presentation. Here are some aspects that make it noteworthy:
- Stunning visual effects: The film's visual effects are a testament to advancements in technology, creating a striking visual experience.
- Engaging action sequences: While they may not be groundbreaking, the action scenes provide entertainment and excitement.
- Cultural relevance: The film touches on important themes related to artificial intelligence, reflecting contemporary societal issues.
For many fans, the film may still hold nostalgic value and appeal, serving as a visual feast that can be enjoyed, especially in formats like IMAX 3D. Ultimately, TRON: Ares releases on October 10, and while it may not fulfill all expectations, it still offers a unique cinematic experience.
For more engaging content surrounding the TRON universe, you might find this video insightful: TRON: Legacy | Análisis a Fondo.
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