Leto's Program Walks Into Our World: Tron: Ares Review

This tron: ares review starts with a simple question: can a franchise built on glowing visuals still surprise us? Joachim Rønning's sci-fi action sequel stars Jared Leto and pushes the neon spectacle further than ever. The story is less daring than the look, but there is plenty to enjoy.

Tron: Ares Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Tron: Ares plot centres on Ares, a highly sophisticated Program sent from the digital world into ours on a dangerous mission. His arrival marks humankind's first meeting with A.I. beings, and the film plays that as both a threat and a mystery. The tagline, "No going back," sums up the stakes.

On the human side, rival corporate interests circle the technology. The Dillinger family wants to control it, while Eve Kim is pulled into the fallout. The script, by Jesse Wigutow, splits its time between corporate manoeuvring and cyberspace showdowns.

The first act is mostly setup, and it moves briskly. The film clocks in at 119 minutes, so it rarely drags.

What Works in Tron: Ares

The visuals are the main draw. Light cycles, identity discs and glowing vehicles look sharp, and the action scenes are well built from a technical standpoint. Viewers who loved the look of Tron: Legacy will find the design pushed even further.

Seeing the digital world crash into the real one is a smart twist on the formula. Glowing machinery on ordinary city streets gives the action set pieces a fresh texture.

The soundtrack also stands out. Nine Inch Nails perform "I Know You Can Feel It", and the pounding electronic mood suits the material.

• Slick, imaginative design and a strong sense of scale

• Clean, readable action sequences

• A driving industrial-electronic sound

Tron: Ares Cast and Performances

The Tron: Ares cast is led by Jared Leto as Ares. His stillness suits a Program learning what it means to exist outside the system, though some viewers will find him distant. Greta Lee, as Eve Kim, brings warmth and wit that the film needs.

Evan Peters plays Julian Dillinger and Gillian Anderson plays Elisabeth Dillinger, the corporate side of the conflict. Jodie Turner-Smith appears as Athena, and Jeff Bridges returns as Kevin Flynn, which gives longtime fans a link back to the original world.

The cast is solid, but the material gives them little room for depth. Several characters feel more like functions than people.

Where Tron: Ares Stumbles

The biggest problem is emotional weight. Audience reactions are mixed, and a common complaint is that the action looks great but lacks the feeling it needs to land. For a story about an artificial being finding a self, the human heart sometimes gets lost in the glow.

The story also plays it safe. The corporate espionage plot is familiar, and some critics found the first half underwhelming before the film connects more closely to the 1982 original and gains interest.

Fans who know the wider Tron canon may also feel the worldbuilding from other media is only lightly touched. Newcomers will have an easier time than devoted followers.

Is Tron: Ares Worth Watching?

Yes, if you want a big-screen sci-fi spectacle and can accept a thin story. The film earns its price of admission with its visuals and sound, and it runs at a reasonable length.

It does not reinvent the franchise, and it will not move you the way the best sci-fi does. Think of it as a sleek, loud and often exciting ride. The Tron: Ares release date was 8 October 2025, and it is rated PG-13.

For more of the same, browse our Action movie reviews and Adventure movie reviews. You can also find background on the film at IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy Tron: Ares

• Fans of the franchise who want another dose of the Grid's neon look

• Viewers who go to the cinema for sound and visual spectacle

• Casual sci-fi action fans who do not need a deep story