TRON: Ares Film Review

TRON: Ares

It seems the TRON movies take their precious time finding their footing. The first film released in 1982,

the sequel in 2010, and now 15 years later, Ares. While the films have encountered negative reviews, they

became cult classics later down the road. 

In this film, the Grid has entered our world, but not for the right reasons. Ares is the security program for

Dillinger Systems. All he knows is how to take orders, programmed by Julian Dillinger to do so. Yet, Ares knows

there is something missing.

Eve Kim is the CEO of Encom, a company once run by Kevin Flynn. Both Eve and Julian are after

something valuable: the Permanence Code. Their purposes for said code differ greatly, thus engaging them

into an unhealthy race against the clock. But as the competition heats up, so does the imminent danger that

programs and humans face. (Note: Spoilers are contained in some sections of this review).

Positive Elements: Ares is a program, not meant to have human feelings. However, he longs for something

more than just doing what his programming is. Ares begins to feel things, such as rain drops and catching

fireflies. (Spoiler Warning): He eventually forsakes Julian’s orders to help Eve, and incessantly puts his life on

the line. As Ares learns more about Eve, he becomes caring and compassionate towards her.

Eve misses her deceased sister, and desires to finish the work she started. Eve relays great news to her

staff, and asks for their help in some situations. She comes to care for Ares too, and helps him on a few

occasions.

Julian’s mother Elisabeth tries to prevent him from going overboard. “You think you’re in control of this?

You’re not,” she states. Her concern for Julian’s ethics are proven right. 

Eve’s employees risk their lives to protect her. Even a digital character aids Ares in his quest, cautioning

him not to “move too fast” and enjoy the little things in life. Ares concludes “life isn’t permanent.”

Spiritual Elements: Athena and Ares’ names are from Greek mythology. When Julian’s creations run out of

time, they are remade through digital tech lasers. A character is alive inside one particular grid and pulls a line

of code from one light. Athena declares “We were given a directive. It’s our purpose.” The Permanence Code

delivers more time to certain objects. Three different characters transport themselves into opposite versions of

the Grid. 

Sexual Content: Ares “cyber spies” on Eve, noting he read the “deeply personal” text messages. Both form

a connection that includes longing looks and one instance of hand holding. Eve sarcastically refers to Ares as

her boyfriend. Someone comments on a person’s “crush” on Kevin Flynn.

Violence: The first two films were rated PG: Ares is rated PG-13. While the violence is almost typical like

your average superhero flick, there are moments that cross the line into disturbing territory. 

For one thing, Ares, Athena, and their accessories time out after 29 minutes. This includes glitching and

vanishing into black ash. Their screams are heard as well. There are several perilous scenes that feature fights,

cars being damaged, and destruction of property. Eve suffers some bruises on a few occasions. 

(Spoiler Warning): Athena kills Julian’s mother when the latter attempts to shut down the Grid (we see her

blood-stained shirt). Elisabeth slaps Julian during a heated moment. A police car is split in half by the Light

Cycle’s beam. Reckless driving and stunts get screen time as well.

Language: Mild to medium smatterings of “d—n,” “h—,” God’s name, (two or three paired with “d—n”), and

one s-word.

Drugs/Alcohol: Some characters drink mixed drinks. Eve and Seth drink orange juice in champagne

glasses.

Other Negative Elements: Both Encom and Dillinger Systems engage in hacking software to one up each

other. Julian believes all will be forgiven once the world sees his creations. As mentioned, Ares hacks into Eve’s

personal information, considering it “tame” than outright killing her. 

Eve is still struggling with her sister’s death, noting that “love and loss” are a negative part of it. Ares lies to

Dillinger in an attempt to keep Eve safe. Both steal someone’s car to arrive at Encom in record time.

Conclusion: TRON: Ares is a great film in the franchise. Those who have seen the 1982 film and Legacy will

appreciate the callbacks and Easter eggs presented here. The special effects are mesmerizing, acting is decent,

and action scenes are a thrill to watch. 

But unlike the other two films, Ares has a bit of bark to its bite. The violence feels more intense than in

Legacy, and it doesn’t help that Ares and Athena time out after 29 minutes. Mild language appears as well,

putting a somewhat harsh vibe to this franchise. These issues and other content concerns could be deal

breakers for families.

However, Ares has heart. It captures the feel of the first two films, but manages to break new ground in

the technology aspect. Since AI is on the rise, viewers will probably be invested in this story. Having light cycles,

recognizers, and digital guns in the real world are far more dangerous than in a video game. Yet, the CGI team

made their designs immaculate to the core.

It’s important to note that similar movies (The Creator comes to mind) have the premise of AI becoming

human. As most of us know, AI can’t replace creativity or humans. But in the movies, as programs become

human, their prejudices subside. Such is the case with Ares. 

The world pressures us to “fit the mold,” similar to Ares’ directive. But when we desire more than what

society has to offer, our curiosity deepens. In Ares’ case, he decides to help Eve, despite his Master Control

(Julian) calling the shots. In a way, when we break free of bad habits that hold us down, peace and joy slowly

transform our lives. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) is clear on this: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up

against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We have a

choice to either let our emotions control us or step out of our comfort zone and do the right thing.

TRON: Ares has content concerns that need to be approached with caution. Yet, this sequel will delight

fans of the franchise in more ways than one. For those desiring a great digital trip, TRON: Ares takes the cake.