By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
New music from Nine Inch Nails and dazzling special effects mask an otherwise weak and formulaic storyline. “Tron: Ares” is the third installment of this science fiction franchise from Disney that once captured everyone’s attention back in 1982. Since then, the visuals have certainly improved, but the plot has become overly simplistic and predictable.
All these years later and the two tech giants are still battling each other for supremacy in the market. ENCOM is now in the hands of Eve Kim (Greta Lee) and Dillinger Systems is led by Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters). Both CEOs are racing to be the first to find the permanence code to help humanity in very different ways.
Julian has already developed an incredibly enhanced AI program called Ares (Jared Leto) and has even brought him from cyberspace to the real world, demonstrating the enticing military applications. The only problem is he can only last exactly 29 minutes before he disintegrates. As Ares, who just can’t get enough of Depeche Mode, experiences interactions with humanity, he begins to question his directive, complicating the mission and leading to an inevitable showdown.
Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Rønning seems to gravitate towards directing sequels like “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” both of which fell flat with underwhelming screenplays. Unfortunately, it’s much of the same with his latest effort, “Tron: Ares,” which relies on a mundane script and a cookie cutter sequence of events that will have audiences almost unanimously confirming this is the weakest film of the trilogy. Joachim offers nothing new that hasn’t been done before, constructing these scenes in such a prescribed pattern that viewers have no doubt as to where the story is heading. Setting up the initial antagonist to grow a conscience and align with the protagonist is an obvious technique that surprises nobody, especially when he professes his love for Depeche Mode. Anyone who likes that band that much has got to be a good guy.
Where Joachim succeeds is in the technical aspects of the film. This is a visual spectacle with state-of-the-art special effects that viewers will find incredibly appealing. The director successfully incorporates the look and feel from the two prior films that is immersed in the world of “Tron,” using that signature neon glow and those impenetrable light trails that can slice through just about anything. He then blends the two worlds seamlessly with a realistic integration of the advanced vehicles from the grid interacting with the real world. Taking these visuals to the next level is the sound and score that gives this film a more memorable identity. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are decorated veterans of composing film scores, and they put their talents on display here, achieving a pulse pounding industrial sound that is in perfect harmony with the world of “Tron.”
The acting is as monotone and forgettable as the plot, which is somewhat surprising considering the names involved. Although, Jared Leto has not come close to his Oscar winning performance in 2013’s “Dallas Buyers Club,” becoming widely known as the worst actor to ever portray The Joker. Greta Lee (“Past Lives”) is an even bigger disappointment, offering nothing more than a surface level, benign performance as the main protagonist. In fact, the entire cast is guilty of providing no depth for their characters and will be forgotten as shapeless shadows as soon as the film ends its run in theaters. Jeff Bridges is the only cast member to have returned to all three movies, albeit his appearance in this one is rather brief.
While it is a treat to see this film on the big screen, especially in IMAX, fans of the franchise and newcomers alike will still walk away with the bitter taste of disappointment. “Tron: Ares” does its best to make up for its shortcomings with some eye-popping, eardrum melting, sci-fi action scenes that is sure to leave some jaws hanging on the floor, but it rings hollow with a story that lacks soul. Joseph Kosinski simply did it better with “Tron: Legacy” in 2010.
This movie earns:
