Disney’s Tron Ares Review: Bland Sci-Fi Action Sequel with One Major Redeeming Feature

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The Disney franchise has long been a household name, with a plethora of iconic movies and characters that have captivated audiences of all ages. Recently, the studio released a sequel to the 1982 classic Tron, titled Tron: Ares, which has left many fans and critics divided. On one hand, the film boasts impressive visuals, adrenaline-fueled action sequences, and a star-studded cast. On the other hand, it suffers from a convoluted plot, underdeveloped characters, and a general lack of depth. So, what makes this sci-fi action sequel a bland blockbuster, and what is the one major redeeming feature that sets it apart from the rest?

### A Brief History of Tron
To understand the appeal and shortcomings of Tron: Ares, it’s essential to delve into the history of the franchise. The original Tron, released in 1982, was a groundbreaking film that explored the concept of virtual reality and the intersection of technology and humanity. The movie followed the story of Kevin Flynn, a brilliant programmer who becomes trapped in a virtual world created by his own computer program, Clu. With its innovative special effects, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, Tron quickly gained a cult following and cemented its place as a classic in the sci-fi genre.

### The Sequel: A Mixed Bag
Fast-forward to the present, and we have Tron: Ares, a film that promises to expand on the original story while introducing new characters and plotlines. The movie takes place several years after the events of the first film and follows a new protagonist, Ares, as he navigates the complexities of the virtual world. While the sequel boasts impressive visuals, with sleek and futuristic landscapes, the story itself falls flat. The plot is convoluted, with too many characters and subplots that fail to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. The action sequences, while thrilling at times, feel overly reliant on CGI and lack the practicality and grit of the original film.

### Underdeveloped Characters
One of the most significant problems with Tron: Ares is the underdevelopment of its characters. Ares, the protagonist, feels more like a prop than a fully fleshed-out person, with motivations and emotions that are never fully explored. The supporting cast fares no better, with characters that feel like cardboard cutouts rather than living, breathing beings. This lack of character development makes it difficult for the audience to become invested in the story, and the film’s attempts at emotional resonance fall flat as a result.

### The One Major Redeeming Feature
Despite its numerous shortcomings, Tron: Ares has one major redeeming feature: its visuals. The film’s special effects are truly breathtaking, with a level of detail and complexity that is unmatched in many modern blockbusters. The virtual world is richly realized, with a depth and texture that makes it feel like a lived-in environment. The action sequences, while overly reliant on CGI, are nonetheless thrilling, with a sense of speed and energy that is hard to match. The visuals are so impressive, in fact, that they often distract from the film’s narrative shortcomings, making it possible to become lost in the world of Tron: Ares, even if the story itself is lacking.

### The Importance of World-Building
Tron: Ares highlights the importance of world-building in sci-fi films. A well-realized virtual world can transport audiences to new and exciting places, making the viewing experience feel immersive and engaging. The film’s visuals are a testament to the power of world-building, and they serve as a reminder that, even in the most lackluster of films, there can be moments of brilliance that make the experience worthwhile.

### Lessons from the Original
So, what can Tron: Ares learn from the original Tron? For starters, the importance of a strong narrative cannot be overstated. The original Tron had a clear and concise story, with characters that were well-developed and relatable. The film’s themes of technology and humanity were thought-provoking and timely, and they added a layer of depth to the story that is lacking in the sequel. Additionally, the original Tron had a sense of practicality and grit, with a focus on stunts and action sequences that were performed in-camera, rather than relying solely on CGI.

### The Future of Sci-Fi
Tron: Ares may be a bland blockbuster, but it highlights the potential of sci-fi films to explore new and exciting ideas. The genre has always been a staple of Hollywood, with a wide range of films that have captivated audiences and inspired new generations of filmmakers. From classic films like Star Wars and Blade Runner to modern blockbusters like Inception and Interstellar, sci-fi has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible on screen. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how sci-fi films incorporate new innovations and ideas into their stories.

### Conclusion
Tron: Ares is a film that is difficult to recommend, despite its impressive visuals. The story is convoluted, the characters are underdeveloped, and the action sequences, while thrilling at times, feel overly reliant on CGI. However, the film’s visuals are a major redeeming feature, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of world-building in sci-fi films. As the Disney franchise continues to expand and evolve, it will be interesting to see how they address the shortcomings of Tron: Ares and create new films that are engaging, thought-provoking, and visually stunning. If you’re a fan of the Tron franchise, or if you’re simply looking for a film with impressive visuals, then Tron: Ares may be worth a watch. However, if you’re looking for a film with a strong narrative and well-developed characters, then you may want to look elsewhere.

In the end, Tron: Ares is a film that feels like a missed opportunity. With a bit more attention to story and character development, it could have been a truly great film. As it stands, it’s a bland blockbuster with one major redeeming feature. If you do decide to watch it, be sure to appreciate the visuals, but don’t be afraid to criticize the film’s shortcomings. After all, that’s what makes cinema so great – the ability to spark conversations, debates, and discussions about the films we love and hate. So, what do you think about Tron: Ares? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss the future of sci-fi films.