Tron: Ares (2025)

Director Joachim Rønning

The Good

While narratively I’m not sure the existence of separate and independent Grids works, I did absolutely love the modern recreation of the original film’s graphics- including the og Light Cycle. If you gave a whole film of this, I would be incredibly happy. There was also a mid-credit callback to Dillinger’s grandfather.

You recast Dillinger?! You had Cillian Murphy in the role during Legacy (in his peak post-Dark Knight Scarecrow slutty glasses phase) and don’t try anything and everything to get him back? To add insult to injury Evan Peters, who I’ve adored since 2004’s Sleepover, gives a very not-fun angry-ham performance.
Once again we’ve got problems naming things. There’s an early use of ‘Tron’ when I believe they’re referring to The Grid, then we have Dillinger referring to Ares as Master Control. Which wouldn’t have thrown me if it wasn’t for the big fat face calling him that. For those who don’t remember, the big fat face was Master Control in the first film.
This film also claims that Dillinger had his own rival business for 40 years. Which goes against Legacy having Julian on the board at ENCOM. Don’t retcon and, if you do, you make it worth while.
Gillian Anderson is WASTED in this film as the scolding mother of Julian.
Alas, the music does not work for me. It only survives the Ugly because it had such a tough act to follow that it was never going to win me over.

Jared Leto. He’s strangely, and inconsistently, wooden and a little too old for the lead Programme. He keeps his beard when no Programme has EVER had facial hair.
Much in the same way CGI Jeff Bridges was bad in Legacy from the very first viewing, there are scenes within this outing that really stand out as ones that will age poorly: the first Ares fight and returning Eve to the real world reminded me of Shark Boy and Lava Girl.
I have a massive issue with the main story being set in the real world. 1. Real world is boring. I can see that all the time. The Grid, however, takes my breath away. 2. The Science (Physics) of The Grid does not work for me in the real world. The Light Cycle trails that cause most of the destruction just defy physics.
You really going to retcon my boy Jarvis’ best line for Legacy?! Yes, it’s ‘cool’ that the stick is now multi function but ‘I’ll give you a hint; not that’ lives rent free in my head thanks to James Frain’s inflection.
You had Cameron Monaghan right there, yet he’s in one scene. One blink and you’ll miss it scene. He would have made for a better Ares, and if we *had* to have Leto in this, he would have made for a better Dillinger.

Visually it is the next step on from Legacy. Story wise, it’s a mess and doesn’t understand what a life long fan, like me, wants.