Tron: Ares

The TRON brand certainly carries weight within the cinematic world, but it’s a franchise that was never going to enjoy the same sort of mainstream success that often is synonymous with Disney. The original film, though ground-breaking, failed to be the blockbuster production that the studio had hoped for when it was released in 1982. It gained cult status in the ensuing years, and in 2010 its follow-up, TRON LEGACY, grossed $409.9 million at the worldwide box-office, but failed to garner the type of attention that guaranteed the continuation of the series. Despite this, one Hollywood heavyweight was enamored by the lore of TRON. Jared Leto, fresh off his Oscar win from DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, was passionate about his plans for a third film, and though his initial vision fell through, his persistence paid off, and TRON:ARES (in which he serves as star and producer) arrived in theaters this October.

As a continuation of the TRON saga, ARES works. It is sure to elate fans of the first two films but unlikely to win over many who weren’t keen on the heavy sci-fi story to begin with. At the very least, the story is timely. Dueling corporations Dillinger Systems and ENCOM are battling as to who can crack the code of sustainable AI. Dillinger, lead by Julian (Evan Peters) the grandson of original TRON villain Ed Dillinger, sees the revolutionary tech as a way to build an unbeatable army and earn billions. ENCOM, led by the empathetic Eve Kim (Greta Lee), looks to use the same technology to eradicate hunger and cure cancer.

Peters adds his ever-growing resume of fantastic performances as the power-hungry Dillinger. His descent from greedy executive to occasional hacker, to homicidal maniac isn’t exactly subtle, but Peters toes the line of absurdity and camp with immeasurable charisma. Aside from developing a fleet of sleek all-terrain vehicles, Dillinger has created a super-soldier known as Ares (Leto). The digital creation is a skilled fighter who, if struck down in battle, can be regenerated and ready to fight within seconds. We get a look at all the impressive eye candy that Dillinger has to offer in these moments, and for those who remember the original TRON (and don’t worry if you don’t, there is an amazing scene that references the original aesthetic) it’s remarkable to see how far the franchise has come.

Ares serves as Master Control and has other soldiers, including Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), at his disposal. He is the ultimate weapon, and, for Dillinger, the ultimate paycheck. What the CEO fails to tell investors, though, is that the code for Ares and all of his friends and toys disintegrates at the 29-minute mark. For the creation to become truly infinite, he must discover the Permanence code, which just so happens to be in the possession of Kim.

From the very beginning, Ares questions his existence and purpose, somehow transforming from creation to sentient within the opening action montage. Triggered by rain and Depeche Mode, he knows that “life” is more than just following orders from a tyrannical overlord.

ARES delivers multiple excellent action sequences, featuring eye-popping visuals that are electrically bolstered by the infectious score by Nine Inch Nails. This, as expected, is where the latest edition of TRON shines. From a thrilling chase sequence in the digital world to a terrifying digital invasion of a terrestrial city, the effects are flawless and the execution results in a production that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

TRON:ARES

GRADE: B

RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 1h 59min
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
STARRING:  Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jeff Bridges
DIRECTOR: Joachim Rønning
WRITERS: Steven Lisberger, Bonnie MacBird, David DiGilio

Now playing in theaters.

Brian Miller