Tron: Ares - A Disappointing Reboot Stumbles in the Digital Realm
Tron: Ares
AI
Film Review
Disney
Sci-Fi
Entertainment
Movie
4
Lost Signal
Media Hype
6/10
Real Impact
4/10
What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
While ‘Tron’ maintains a strong brand recognition, the film’s critical reception indicates a lower-than-expected impact. The hype surrounding a ‘Tron’ sequel will likely diminish as audience engagement remains lukewarm, signaling a less impactful cultural moment than initially anticipated.
Article Summary
Charles Pulliam-Moore's review of ‘Tron: Ares’ paints a picture of a film struggling to justify its existence. The reviewer notes a significant disconnect between the film's ambitions—attempting a tech-forward reboot of the ‘Tron’ universe—and its execution. The movie resembles a somewhat uneven blend of ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Jurassic World,’ characterized by excessive exposition dumps and a baffling lack of chemistry between its leads, Greta Lee and Jared Leto. Leto's portrayal of the AI program, Ares, is described as ‘awkwardly flat,’ failing to charm despite the film's visual spectacle. The movie’s attempt to ground the digital world of Dillinger Systems and the corporate rivalry between Eve Kim and Julian Dillinger felt particularly weak, with little energy found beyond the VFX-heavy set pieces. The reviewer criticizes the film's reliance on ‘snazzy’ Tron™ vehicles and the underutilization of supporting characters, including Gillian Anderson and Jodie Turner-Smith. Furthermore, Pulliam-Moore expresses concern over Disney's apparent lack of confidence in ‘Ares’ itself, suggesting that much material was left on the cutting room floor, highlighting a lack of faith in the project's potential. The review emphasizes that while the film might appeal to newcomers with low expectations, it falls short of delivering the engaging and thought-provoking experience that fans of the original ‘Tron’ deserve.Key Points
- The film’s core narrative – attempting a tech-forward reboot – fails to deliver compelling storytelling, suffering from convoluted plotting and a lack of character development.
- Jared Leto’s portrayal of Ares is underwhelming, described as ‘awkwardly flat,’ hindering the film's attempts to create a sympathetic AI protagonist.
- Disney’s apparent lack of confidence in ‘Tron: Ares’ is evident through the reportedly extensive material cut from the final version, indicating a potentially premature sequel attempt.