REVIEW: TRON - ARES

3.5/5

Gridlocked

119 Mins. Starring: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson & Jeff Bridges. Screenplay: Jesse Wigutow. Director: Joachim Rønning. In: Theatres.

Users, the fight is over. We've been waiting so long for another 'TRON', ever since 2010s 'TRON: Legacy' changed the way we see and hear movies on the big-screens of IMAX and now Dolby Atmos in this digital world. It almost felt as long as the sequel to the pioneering original of 1982 that finally gets its love here in a legendary scene of legacy. Since the 10s, we've had 'The Next Day' short-film, the 'Uprising' of an animated series, and even an amazing Lightcycle/Run ride at the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disneyland (c'mon Tokyo), but no movie...until now. As we see 'TRON: Ares', yep, like the God of war, infiltrate the Cinderella castle digital grid of Disney's I.D. in devil red. Yet, of course, legendary French dance duo Daft Punk are not back with an iconic score. Thankfully, score settlers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine-Inch Nails give us a soundtrack that could win 'Tron' another Academy Award. The album's been out for weeks and has been on our playlist for that long and more time to come.

'Legacy' stars Garrett Hedlund ('Four Brothers', 'Mudbound', 'The Bikeriders') and Olivia Wilde (now a 'Booksmart' amazing director) sadly don't return. And there are more problems. 'Dallas Buyers Club' Oscar winner and Thirty Seconds To Mars leading man Jared Leto ('American Psycho', 'Blade Runner 2049' and the 'Suicide Squad's' Joker) takes the lead, and although he puts in a fine performance in this film, what he's been accused of is truly disturbing and atrocious. What do we do in a situation, like this? Boycott the blockbuster? Still watch because there are many other members of the cast and crew working on this movie who did nothing wrong? It's been a troubling problem since cancel culture found its voice, and one that warrants much consideration. "Innocent until proven guilty" doesn't quite cut it any more. The smart move would be to wait until this film makes its way on to Disney Plus, even though it belongs on the biggest screen. Especially as in regard to the rest, it's a so-so affair. But then again, after what happened with Jimmy Kimmel, how many people still have Plus?

Let's move on, because there is plenty of other talent here on digital display, credied_as_such. Namely, the perfect 'Past Lives' indie star Greta Lee (whose A.I. we also love 'Into The Spider Verse'). The 'Russian Doll' and 'The Morning Show' supporting star who is about to light it up in Kathryn Bigelow's 'A House Of Dynamite' pilots this picture. She has done so, ever since she was recognizably seen running from a Recognizer in the city in 'Tron' three's teaser trailer. That's right, the city. The users have made their way home to our grids and networks, which speaks deeper to the idea of A.I. taking over the world like 'T2', and this movie has cycle chases, chopping cop cars in two, to rival the 'Terminator' superior sequel, looking like time-lapse photography throughout the city. Not to mention a class cast featuring a megalomaniac Evan Peters (your favourite Quicksilver with a Dillinger apt name), an always amazing Jodie Turner-Smith ('Queen and Slim'), turned up as the Goddess of war. Comedian Hasan Minhaj, the comic relief of Arturo Castro, 'Star Wars' and 'Gotham' favourite Cameron Monaghan (making for two Jokers in the pack), and a sadly wasted Gillian Anderson. But dude, when you see Jeff Bridges, that's when it all comes together. Fascinating. A neon dream reimagined for the modern world that almost makes its legacy dated...until now. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Tron', 'Tron: Legacy', 'Blade Runner 2049'.