Tron: Ares has finally burst onto the scene, but is this long-awaited sequel the electrifying revival of the franchise that fans have been dreaming about? Dive in with us as we unpack the buzz, the brilliance, and the big questions surrounding this digital adventure.
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After what felt like an eternity, the sequel to Tron: Legacy—and by extension, the original Tron—has hit theaters with Tron: Ares, zooming in on light cycles and high-stakes action. Early reviews are rolling in, and while the visual spectacle is getting rave notices, the storyline isn't quite lighting up the same way. For instance, our very own Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, shared his take in his review, describing it as 'visually and sonically stunning but not perfect.' He went on to say, 'As with Tron: Legacy, Ares is a mixed bag, but once the action kicks in and the Nine Inch Nails soundtrack goes into overdrive, I found myself having a great time. While a truly great Tron movie has yet to be made (I love the original, but I wouldn’t call it great), Tron: Ares is still an entertaining return to The Grid.'
And this is the part most people miss: The Grid, for those new to the Tron universe, is the virtual reality world inside computers where programs live and battle, a concept that blends sci-fi with digital philosophy in a way that's both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Meanwhile, this techno-action-thriller from Disney has garnered a 55% aggregate rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 141 critic reviews, paired with an impressive 86% audience score. But here's where it gets controversial: With such a divide between critics and everyday viewers, is Tron: Ares a misunderstood gem, or does it fall short of the franchise's potential? Some argue it's a step forward in visual effects and sound design, while others feel the story lacks the depth of its predecessors. What do you think—does this mixed reception reflect a broader issue in modern blockbusters prioritizing spectacle over substance?
As opinions flood in, we're curious: What did YOU think of the movie? Were you already a Tron franchise enthusiast before this installment? Does it stand up against the earlier films in the series? And perhaps most provocatively, do you believe it's an improvement over Tron: Legacy or even the original? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your side of the debate!
The film is helmed by Joachim Rønning, the director behind Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and boasts a stellar cast including Jared Leto (known for Morbius), Cameron Monaghan (from Gotham), Evan Peters (Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story), Greta Lee (Past Lives), Sarah Desjardins (Yellowjackets), Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), Hasan Minhaj (No Hard Feelings), Arturo Castro (Road House), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), and the returning Tron star Jeff Bridges. Behind the scenes, producers include Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger, with Russell Allen as executive producer.
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Penned by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, Tron: Ares weaves the tale of a highly advanced Program named Ares, dispatched from the digital realm into our real world on a perilous quest—this marks humanity's inaugural brush with artificial intelligence entities. Jared Leto takes on the role of Ares, and as Deadline described it, he's a fictional figure who leaps from the realm of video games straight to Earth.
To add to the excitement, the much-anticipated Nine Inch Nails soundtrack for Tron: Ares is now out and ready for purchase on their official online store right here. Revolver magazine notes that this new album marks a comeback after a five-year break, following their 2020 releases Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts, which were offered as free downloads that same month. The Tron series has always embraced synth-heavy music, with Tron: Legacy famously featuring Daft Punk's techno compositions. Nine Inch Nails brings a similar synth-rock vibe, complete with Trent Reznor's distinctive vocals, creating an immersive auditory experience that enhances the film's high-energy sequences.
Source: JoBlo
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