“Tron: Ares” has proven to be a polarizing movie. If you read the critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes or the “Tron: Ares” review of TG’s very own Martin Shore, this sci-fi film is a big letdown. But if you read the audience reviews, the third “Tron” movie is a great time at the movies, with some going as far as to call it “excellent.”
Well, I’m sorry to disappoint those expecting me to add to the hyperbolic response, but I saw the movie in IMAX, and I see both sides of the argument regarding “Tron: Ares.” Critics are right: The performances of Jared Leto and the rest of the movie’s cast are forgettable. The movie’s plot and story might even be more underwhelming than the acting. There’s a lot to dislike about this movie if you’re looking to dislike it.
On the other hand, the “Tron” movies aren’t known for being great. Even the first movie wasn’t a smash hit critically. These sci-fi films about the digital world keep getting made because they excel at delivering impressive visuals and incredible soundtracks. They are the embodiment of style over substance. In this matter, “Tron: Ares” largely delivers, and if all you want is an impressive-looking (and sounding) movie, you could easily come away content with your cinematic experience.
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But I’m here to warn you that to deliver a satisfying theatrical experience, “Tron: Ares” needs to be seen in theaters. This movie is designed to be seen in large formats; the bigger the screen and the bigger the speakers, the better time you’re going to have.
Malcolm McMillan
Streaming Editor
Malcolm has been with the Tom’s Guide streaming team since 2023, reviewing dozens of movies and shows for the site every year.
‘Tron: Ares’ is set up to underwhelm on Disney Plus
(Image credit: Disney)
As I’ve already laid out, this movie is all about the sights and sounds. Don’t go to “Tron: Ares” expecting “Citizen Kane.” If you want to watch a cinematic masterpiece, go check out “One Battle After Another” instead, which is my best film of the year so far.
But despite its shortcomings, “Tron: Ares” looks great on an IMAX screen. Particularly in the sequences set in the Grid, like when Leto’s Ares leads a team of Dillinger AI soldiers against ENCOM’s digital defenses.
It also sounds great, thanks to an excellent original soundtrack from two-time Academy Award winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, credited in this movie as Nine Inch Nails. Is the soundtrack used a bit too much? I’d say so; this movie could benefit from some moments of silence, both in terms of taking breaks from the constant soundtrack and forgettable dialogue. But when the soundtrack works, it works, and it sounds excellent in large format theaters.
So trust me when I say this movie isn’t meant for Disney Plus. You need the large screen and big speakers to deliver this film the way it’s intended, and I wholly expect it to underwhelm on the best TVs and best soundbars you’re likely using at home. While a soundbar like the Sonos Arc Ultra I use might do the Nine Inch Nails soundtrack justice, there’s no way a smaller screen will deliver the visuals of “Tron: Ares” in a satisfying manner.
If you don’t want to see this movie at all, I get it. There are better movies out right now, and better ways to spend the $20+ an IMAX ticket can cost today. But if you are planning to see this movie, don’t wait for it to come to streaming services. Go see it in a theater. I promise you’ll be grateful you did.
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