Jared Leto finds himself in a challenging position in the latest sci-fi film, “Tron: Ares.” Despite his portrayal of a malfunctioning computer program gaining empathy, the movie falls short of delivering a compelling story. Leto’s aspiration for serious recognition as an actor is evident, yet his film choices like “Suicide Squad,” “Morbius,” and now “Tron: Ares” raise concerns.
Compared to the disastrous “Morbius,” “Tron: Ares” faces criticism even before its release, being labeled as one of the worst big-budget films. The movie lacks the impact to evoke strong emotions, settling for forgettable mediocrity rather than stellar success or abysmal failure.
“Tron: Ares” follows Eve Kim, a tech CEO, and her rival Julian Dillinger in a quest for technological advancements within The Grid. The narrative introduces intriguing elements like a quest for the “Permanence Code” and a twist involving Ares, the weaponized AI program. However, the execution feels disjointed, with gaping narrative holes and forced character developments hindering engagement.
Despite its shortcomings, “Tron: Ares” boasts sleek cinematography and a Nine Inch Nails score, though not on par with its predecessor’s soundtrack by Daft Punk. Lead actors Greta Lee and Evan Peters deliver commendable performances, albeit constrained by a lackluster script. Leto’s presence adds a peculiar charm, yet fails to elevate the film beyond its unremarkable status.
While the film teases potential themes like AI ethics and corporate influence, it struggles to deliver a clear message, opting for superficial action sequences over substantial commentary. Despite its entertaining moments, “Tron: Ares” misses the opportunity to engage with relevant societal issues, leaving viewers with an entertaining yet morally ambiguous viewing experience.
