Review of ‘Tron: Ares’: A Robotic Reboot Exploring AI and Humanity

‘Tron: Ares,’ directed by Joachim Rønning, is the latest installment in the 43-year-old Tron franchise. It aims to bring the classic digital world into contemporary relevance through a story where an AI program named Ares, played by Jared Leto, is sent from the Grid into the real world to retrieve a code for “permanence.” This code would allow digital beings like Ares to exist longer without breaking down. The film revisits iconic characters like Kevin Flynn, portrayed briefly by Jeff Bridges, and introduces new figures such as Encom CEO Eve Kim (Greta Lee), who is focused on advancing AI technology. The antagonist, Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), the grandson of the original villain, attempts to intercept Ares to serve his own agenda. The movie combines flashy visual effects and intense action sequences, reflecting current debates about AI and human interaction. While the screenplay by Jesse Wigutow touches on these themes, it often defaults to typical action set-pieces instead of deep exploration. Performances by the lead cast are solid, particularly Leto’s portrayal of a digital entity discovering humanity. The film offers entertainment with some thoughtful questions about AI’s future but falls short of deep philosophical insight, leaving some viewers wishing for a more profound treatment of its premise.