Tron: ARES

TRON: Ares 

Directed by Joachim Rønning

Your nerdy uncle's favorite franchise is back. The tech-heavy future forward psychedelic smorgasbord of sight and sound that is TRON. It's been 15 years since we last entered the grid in LEGACY. That film with its cool blue hues and Daft Punk soundtrack was a very modest hit, but since has been reappraised as the modern masterpiece that it is. 

Set in the same universe but introducing a new cast of characters, ARES continues to explore certain story elements from previous films. Specifically, instead of humans beaming into the computer world, what if we beamed AI people into the real world? Enter Ares, Jared Leto's highly advanced super AI program. Initially created by a rival company and packaged as a "super soldier" (yawn), things go south quickly when Ares begins to question everything.

The fabulous Greta Lee is our heroine, on a search to finish the work our Fearless Leader Jeff Bridges (from Tron 1 & 2) started. Super evil and slimy Evan Peters is hot on her tail and will stop at nothing to get the knowledge she has. 

This is the most visually and aurally pleasing movie I have seen in some time. Jaw dropping visuals, all drenched in a sinister red and black. Oh yeah, Nine Inch Nails does the soundtrack and from the very SECOND the opening credits start you're smacked in the face with their excellent excellent music. Industrial, techno, pulsing and pounding. No spoilers, but the action scene where we first hear Trent singing is one of my favorite movie moments of the year (and ever!) 

Is it as good as LEGACY? Not quite but in some ways it's better because it is it's own thing. The decision to start a new story instead of a direct sequel was necessary. Everyone hates Jared Leto (I get it) but I have to be honest, he's kinda good in this. Everyone here is delivering performances with a bit more nuance then you would expect, even when delivering clunky expository dialogue.

Besides the sight and sound, the real MVP is Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena. The AI program after Ares that will do anything to complete her objective. She will come for and gather you, with every glance or cock of the eye you can feel her rage. One of the best antagonist portrayals I've seen, I truly felt worried whenever she would pop up!

My official review? This shit is sick AF. See you in 20 years for the next sequel. INIT

☆☆☆☆ out of 4