JEANNE’S REVIEW

It’s been 15 years since TRON: Legacy, so not knowing what to expect, TRON: Ares is surprisingly entertaining. Jared Leto stars as Ares, a new digital Program created by the smarmy, arrogant Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), head of Dillinger Corp., a rival tech company to ENCOM, whose CEO Eve Kim (Greta Lee) is searching for the same permanence code Dillinger is desperate to find.

In his current state, Ares and his subordinate, Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), self destruct in 29 minutes. So, for Dillinger to sell his Master Control security software as an expendable but highly intelligent, obedient soldier, he must acquire the permanence code.

Unfortunately for him, Eve and her trustee sidekick --- albeit very, very smart sidekick --- Seth (Arturo Castro) have already found it. Eve wants to use the code for good --- and we all know that’s not in Dillinger’s plan.

Directed by Joachim Rønning from a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow, TRON: Ares is a fast-paced, technological wonder laced with humor and incredible visual effects. The new light cycles are obnoxiously cool. Zipping through the city streets at break-neck speeds was enough to keep even David awake. And the infamous light suits, designed here by Christine Bieselin Clark, are skin tight --- black worn by Ares and Athena, red worn by the Dillinger Grid guards.

TRON: Ares is a lot of fun. Heading into the crazy, overloaded holiday season of much more serious films, it’s a great diversion. Add to that the spirited, hardcore soundtrack by the rock band Nine Inch Nails and it’s well worth a trip to the theater. Make sure you see it in 3D IMAX!

Opinion: See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

Special effects geeks will revel in the spectacular visual show that is TRON: Ares. Buoyed by a solid performance from Oscar-winner Jared Leto, the film’s nearly two-hour runtime moves rapidly.

TRON: Ares is an ambitious movie from director Joachim Rønning, with a screenplay/story from writers Jesse Wigutow, David DiGilio, Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. Two-time Oscar nominee Jeff Cronenweth (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, THE GIRL with the DRAGON TATTOO) heads the extraordinary cinematography, including a thrilling light cycle racing scene.

Leto plays Ares, a new digital Program from Dillinger Corp. headed by Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters). Ares and his fellow digital creation, Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), have a “shelf life” of only 29 minutes, at which time they self-destruct into dust particles, thus losing their “resolution”.

ENCOM CEO Eve Kim (Greta Lee) is in search of a permanence code which will allow the digital creations to exist indefinitely. One of the producers of TRON: Ares likened the film’s concept to Pinocchio because the puppet evolved to become a person. Ares’ tale fits that perception perfectly. Leto, with his chiseled cheekbones, adds a certain panache to the wannabe human. His performance makes TRON: Ares an emotional cinematic experience.

The fine cast also includes Gillian Anderson as Julian’s mother Elisabeth and Hasan Minhaj as Ajay, Eve’s business partner at ENCOM. Jeff Bridges appears briefly as Kevin Flynn, former CEO at ENCOM (he was the lead in the original TRON 43 years ago). Bridges’ turn is pivotal and gives a light-hearted touch to the film.

TRON: Ares boasts a gigantic behind-the scenes crew, including almost 200 visual effects people. The eclectic soundtrack is provided by Nine Inch Nails.

Opinion: See It Now!