Jared Leto may garner sympathy as he struggles through his role in “Tron: Ares,” a sci-fi installment that feels both underdeveloped and overly bloated. His character, a malfunctioning computer program seeking empathy and perhaps an abundance of hair products, highlights his eagerness to be taken seriously as an actor. Unfortunately, his film choices like “Suicide Squad,” “Morbius,” and now this latest venture do little to enhance his reputation.
Compared to the disastrous “Morbius,” “Tron: Ares” faces similar criticism as potentially one of the worst big-budget films produced. The anticipation of its release has already earned it a reputation as a lackluster creation. Despite Leto’s efforts, the film fails to evoke strong emotions from viewers, landing it in the realm of forgettable cinema.
The storyline of “Ares” picks up after its predecessor “Legacy” but introduces a new protagonist, Eve Kim, a tech CEO embroiled in AI innovation alongside her rival. The narrative lacks depth, relying heavily on dialogue to convey character backgrounds. The CEOs exploit The Grid for their gains, utilizing it to create weaponry and other resources, including the formidable Ares, a weapon of mass destruction.
The film introduces a convoluted plot involving a search for the “Permanence Code” and a kidnapping strategy that thrusts Kim into The Grid. “Tron: Ares” attempts to blend elements from various sci-fi genres, resulting in a mishmash of themes reminiscent of other iconic films. Despite some positives like sleek cinematography and a solid score, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and impactful message on AI and tech industry ethics.
While “Tron: Ares” manages to entertain with its action sequences, it misses the mark in providing meaningful commentary on relevant issues. The film’s lack of originality and purpose leaves viewers with a sense of disappointment, despite its visual appeal and occasional excitement. In the end, it falls short of being a truly memorable cinematic experience.
