TRON: Ares * Dazzling Visual Effects But Struggles To Land Its Emotional Core
Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated security AI program named Ares who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a mission to find the “Permanence Code.” This code could allow digital programs and constructs to become permanent in reality, ending the 29-minute limit currently imposed by technology from rival companies, Dillinger Systems and ENCOM. After Ares questions his orders and goes rogue to help a human, a conflict ensues with his original creator, Julian Dillinger, and his lieutenant, Athena, who wants to use the code for military purposes.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Rayce S. comments, “Tron: Ares delivers dazzling visual effects and clever nods to its predecessors but struggles to land its emotional core… It has its strengths — the CGI and visual effects are top-tier, immersing viewers in a sleek futuristic world. Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn) makes a late appearance, bringing grounded energy that elevates the scenes he is in.” Chase L. and his Dad offer up their honest reviews of the new “TRON: Ares” movie, after attending an advance media preview in New York City. See their full reviews below.
Tron: Ares
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Jared Leto as Ares in Disney’s TRON: ARES. Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Tron: Ares delivers dazzling visual effects and clever nods to its predecessors but struggles to land its emotional core.
The storyline follows Ares a highly advanced program, sent from the digital realm on a very important mission into the physical world as he tries to understand human emotion.
Tron: Ares has its strengths — the CGI and visual effects are top-tier, immersing viewers in a sleek futuristic world. Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn) makes a late appearance, bringing grounded energy that elevates the scenes he is in. Jared Leto’s portrayal of Ares adds intrigue, especially as he wrestles with the film’s central theme — what it means to be human. There are also a few well-placed comedic moments that earn genuine laughs without trying too hard.
(L-R) Jared Leto as Ares and Jeff BRidges as Flynn in Disney’s Live Action TRON: ARES. Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The film’s biggest flaw lies in its characters. Despite the attempts to build emotional stakes, most of the cast of characters feel underdeveloped. They lack depth which makes it hard to connect emotionally to them. Even in moments meant to evoke sadness or triumph, the emotional impact doesn’t land.
The pacing also fails at the end. The story builds intriguing concepts and ideas, but the ending feels rushed and unresolved. The movie is not bad but it’s not great either. It’s worth watching for fans of the franchise or those drawn to high concept sci-fi but don’t expect it to be a deeply moving experience.
The theme of this movie is about understanding what makes a being human and this is mainly portrayed by Ares as he navigates his purpose. The film has stylized sci-fi combat and mild to moderate profanity.
I give Tron: Ares 2.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters on October 10, 2025.
Tron: Ares
By Chase L. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Hasan Minhaj as Ajay Singh in Disney’s Live Action TRON: ARES. Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Chase L. and his Dad offer up their honest reviews of the new “TRON: Ares” movie, after attending an advance media / influencer preview in New York City.
How does this latest installment hold up to its predecessors? Jump on a light-cycle and join us on the Grid for this post screening review! “TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
“TRON: Ares” is in theaters now!
