ARWIN REVIEWS
TRON: Ares poster

TRON: Ares 2025

★★★½
Reviewed by Arwin Edward Bagaslao · 2025-10-08
After fifteen years, here we are again. Yay or nay? For me, it sits somewhere in the middle, ambitious, nostalgic, but not fully immersive. Sound design Otherworldly. Every explosion and missile launch made the chair literally shake. Yumayanig talaga. The power of the mix pulls you back into the Grid even when the visuals start to fade. It is a proper return to form for TRON’s soundscape, mechanical, clean, and rhythmic. Cinematography There are moments that genuinely shine, shots where the laser or gunfire seems to leap out of the screen. The low angle shots of the Recognizers are excellent, really capturing their massive scale. However, aspect ratio switching is hit or miss. The jump from cinemascope to IMAX works for action sequences but feels awkward during calmer story moments. Parang Dark Knight Rises all over again. Story and pacing The first act drags a bit, medyo slow burn na parang nakikipagusap kay ChatGPT. It explores human and AI connection before the action ramps up. The plot itself follows a familiar villain turned redeemed arc with a few characters still loyal to the old directives. Bitin ang ending and clearly setting up a planned trilogy. World building You can still feel Joseph Kosinski’s DNA here. Geometric precision, contrast of cold light and darkness, and grounded futurism. Iba pa rin talaga direction and design sensibility niya. Music The score brings back the TRON vibe, somewhere between Daft Punk and Linkin Park, a great blend of synthetic and human energy. Performances Jared Leto (Ares): fine overall, fits the tone but lacks dynamic range Evan Peters: underutilized Eve: strong new addition, intelligent, confident, and elegant. May rich but capable energy that commands attention onscreen Athena: solid supporting presence that adds depth to the ensemble Action sequences The classic light cycle chase remains undefeated sa legacy, hindi napantayan ng TRON ARES. Explosions have tangible weight, and the Recognizers look imposing. However, the aerial sequences lack the thrilling polish of Top Gun Maverick. Final thoughts This feels like a soft reboot and part one of three. It is not the masterpiece fans might have hoped for, but it is far from a disaster. The film has enough heart, sound power, and visual ambition to make you curious for what comes next.