The latest installment of the TRON franchise, titled TRON: Ares, has had a complicated reception, failing to capture the audience’s attention upon its release, which resulted in a significant box office failure. The film, which cost 180 million dollars, is now premiering on Disney+, leading many to wonder if the home experience can salvage its perception.
A movie that has failed at the box office
In the background of the movie, two tech companies compete for the legacy of the iconic character Kevin Flynn. One of them works on using cyberspace to enhance reality, while the other seeks to extract resources from the network to create permanently deployable soldiers. This narrative intertwines with the journey of Ares, a character who begins to question his purpose in a world where technology and ethics collide.
Although Ares features well-executed visual effects and has a soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, its visual aspect does not reach the splendor that characterized previous installments of the franchise. The story, which evokes themes from Pinocchio and Frankenstein, feels like a typical Hollywood spectacle, lacking a human element that truly connects with the viewer.
Jared Leto’s performance has been criticized for its lack of charisma, contributing to the film feeling hollow and expendable. In a landscape where science fiction cinema often offers more stimulating visual and narrative experiences, TRON: Ares seems to disappoint by not providing significant value beyond its audiovisual display. If you want to enjoy the film, the combination of visual effects and music may be enough for some; however, many fans of the franchise might find themselves at a crossroads.
