Tron: Ares – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Tron: Ares – Life off the Grid: Am I Alive?

To question is to inquire.  Behind every situation, there is a place to see further truths that reflect something more in yourself.  So, when it comes to what may be beyond a collective, will the perplex thought lead to a creative unknown.  For films, this can breed unique properties, but it is a risk that may lead to basic outcomes.  In this review, I look at the latest fantasy/sequel from Disney.  A venture of technology and life, we head on a journey around simplistic means in a visual spectacle.  For all its predictability, Tron: Ares is an escape of the mind that leads to the question, what does it mean to be alive?

When an intelligent AI breaks away from its program, two worlds collide as the AI faces the question, what does it mean to be real?  Diving into creative thought can lead to an intuitive prowess, but it is an unknown risk.  With this film, it becomes a creative risk with mixed results.  We begin in this film with a visual/background narration that details the history of The Grid, the rise of rival tech companies ENCOM and Dillinger Systems, and there race to achieve the ultimate technological feat; bring the digital world to theirs.  Through a point A to B like directive, we learn that both companies are in search of what is known as the permanence code (MacGuffin).  While this is going on, Dillinger Systems introduces the world to its new Master Control Program AI, Ares (Jared Leto) and how this program will ‘change the world’.  From this point, the film moves through a clustering of ideas and CGI action sequences that are placed on a ‘race against time’ foundation.  This fast-paced directive glosses over the AI technology vs. reality themes, leaving the journey to feel more like style over substance.  In most circumstances, this initial lack thereof buildup would break the experience, but the filmmakers do a good job of focusing on Ares and his journey.  In the basic storytelling beats, Ares becomes the catalyst for the emotional and conversational depth that slowly builds towards a unique confrontation of man vs. machine.

As the dueling companies fight over control of the permanence code, Ares’s evolution starts to elevate this technological race.  In this ‘race against time’, Ares slowly becomes aware of his own existence.  In each of his continued travels to the real world, it begins to shed light on new things, leading him to question his own program directive.  This fragile sense of ‘being’ provides unique levity, adding value to Dillinger CEO’s Julian (Evan Peters) and ENCOM’s CEO Eve’s (Greta Lee) motives.  As Ares interacts with these two individuals, it paves the way for genuine character development. As the race to retrieve the permanence code reaches a crossroads, we head into a final act that is a mix of nostalgic bait, amazing visuals, over-the-top action sequences and a continued amazing score.  Through some convenient plot device moments, we lead into the ultimate face-off climax and an epilogue eluding to what may come (in the future).  Tron: Ares is a predictable tale into a unique world of man vs. machine.  If you are a fan of the property, fantasy or action films, I say check it out.  For everyone else, there might be something here to enjoy, but at the right price.  

Full Score – 3 out of 5 (Theater Discount)