Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.  

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Gotta admit it - I came into Tron: Ares blind. I’ve seen parts of the original and caught its sequel when it hit cinemas in 2010, but I’m in no shape or form a superfan yearning for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Tron: Ares follows a pretty standard sci-fi thriller plot line which doesn’t really surprise or necessarily innovate either which can at times leave you with the sense that it’s all a little formulaic. 

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What helps to break up this somewhat formulaic story are the characters in the film which all, including the minor characters, help to add a humanity and depth to the tale. You end up caring for the AI rendered Ares and the story of Eve and her sister adds a lot of heart and drive into the centre of the film. 

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While the narrative could have had some more flourishes, the production design and score is immense - I don’t think I’ve seen or will see a better looking film all year. Director Joachim Rønning manages to not have visuals that are the story itself or dominate proceedings but are all here helps to compliment the narrative drive.

 

From the heart pumping motorbike chase that furiously cuts through the dense city landscape with great wide god shots showing them race through the streets like a maze to the stunning, brutal and physically exhausting final action sequence, Tron: Ares is a wonder to behold. 

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I was slightly concerned about Jared Leto’s presence in this, basically as the lead of the film. Leto can conjure up incredible performances like his Oscar winning turn in Dallas Buyers Club but he has also been in films like Morbius and House of Gucci. But Leto is magnificent here, perfectly capturing the coldness of Ares but also bringing a robotic humanity to the character as well. 

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While the story itself can seem a little formulaic at times, Tron: Ares is a visual spectacular, the most stunning film to hit the big screen this year with a beautiful, thunderous score and soundtrack.