After completely forgetting about the Tron Ares movie, it finally came to Disney+ this week. So I got a chance to take a watch. Just what did I think of the latest 2025 Tron offering?

It didn’t take very long to realise that I was at a disadvantage by watching at home rather than in a theater setting. Big, almost overpowering visuals that were obviously meant for the IMAX screen. Along with loud, heavy racing sound track that was mostly (maybe completely) 9 inch nails just sets the entire feel for Tron Ares.

I’ll admit I may have let some of the reviews I’ve seen partially color my initial thoughts on what I should expect. But it didn’t take long to see this movie with my own takes. But remember that there probably will be spoilers, but spoilers that have already been spoiled.

The movie feels like the Tron “legacy” (ha) has evolved a bit or atleast moved ahead. . But they tell you and show you this right from the beginning with a very quick informational run down and the backstory that has led the Tron universe to the point where this movie is at.

And that point is that the artificial intelligence world as we knew it has grown, changed, increased. And is now being manifested to the real world, outside of the virtual. 

Of couse there are the ever present 2 sides, the goods and evils that are vying to control what this new AI and what is used for.

These goods and evils are for the most part are the standard Tron universe entities, Encom and Dillinger Systems

Both have been using the cutting edge AI for their own purposes. Warfare on one side, world relief on the other, using super 3d printed creations that included almost living entities.

The thing is, the code for this new form of AI has an issue of not being able to last out in there in the free world for more than 29 minutes, there by limiting its power and more or less keeping it contained.

Both companies are racing to rewrite or replace the code, to get persistence. 

The usual Tron battles between users, creators and programs ensue, All with just fantastic graphics featuring big time action and excitement. 

From brand new modern CGI scenes to 80’s style retro graphics, the movie covers a lot of ground while keeping story points tight.

Albiet the plot wasn’t hugely innovative or even surprising for that matter, but the way it was presented really kept me entertained for the entirety

One of the issues that people had with Ares was Jared Leto’s acting. But I gotta say that (weirdly) I didn’t have any issue with him considering what he was portraying and the path his character was taking.

All in all I would say that on paper the story direction was good and the visuals and sound were top notch,, but somewhere towards the end with how the main plot point was resolved, it felt a bit, or rather, very forced and almost out of place. 

Even though that part is very much part of the franchise needed to be there. And even being I’d say, mostly accurate,,, it didn’t age out as well as the rest of the call backs. This is one of those “you know it when you see it” things.

I am going to say that yes, I liked this movie. And already have started a rewatch. So many background props and references of past Tron films and shows, but not the over obvious distracting kinds. 

If you might have passed on this because of negative things you may have seen,, just go give it a watch,, I am glad I did.