Tron: Ares | Now Showing

This week on Forgotten Cinema: Now Showing, we jack back into the Grid for the long-awaited Tron: Ares, a visually stunning, sonically charged continuation of Disney’s cult-favorite sci-fi franchise.

A Dazzling Return to the Grid

More than a decade after Tron: Legacy, Jared Leto and Tron: Ares arrives with all the spectacle fans could hope for. From breathtaking neon landscapes and IMAX-scale set pieces to a pulsating new score by Nine Inch Nails, the film is a feast for both the eyes and ears. We praise the aesthetic ambition and technical artistry on display, with the world of the Grid as immersive and visually inventive as ever.

Style Over Substance in Tron: Ares

Unfortunately, once the digital dust settles, the story itself struggles to keep pace with the film’s presentation. We both agree that Jared Leto delivers a solid performance as Ares, the movie’s shortcomings aren’t on him. Instead, the problems stem from weak writing, thinly drawn supporting characters, and the frustrating decision to ignore much of what made Tron: Legacy memorable. What could have been a bold continuation often feels like a missed opportunity.

The Future of Tron

Tron: Ares is undeniably impressive on a technical level, a neon-soaked sensory experience tailor-made for the big screen. But it’s also a reminder that great visuals alone can’t sustain a legacy. We walk away entertained but unsatisfied, wondering if this will be the franchise’s final trip into the Grid… at least for another decade. (Even if Disney is "retiring" the franchise from movies which means...get ready for the Disney+ shows!)

Catch the full discussion now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.