All the Positives of the New "TRON" with Jared Leto That Critics Trashed. It Has a Shot at Becoming a Cult Classic

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If you were hoping "TRON: Ares"—about a sophisticated program sent into the human world—would take this cult cyber-franchise to the next level, you might want to temper those expectations a bit.

Early reviews are in: as of October 8, the film sits at 54% on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 65 reviews) and 50 on Metacritic (based on 31 reviews). Sure, the visuals are stunning, the Nine Inch Nails score sends shivers down your spine with its epic intensity, and finally doesn't overact (points for that).

But then comes what critics love tearing into blockbusters for: "looks great, but empty inside."
Tron: Ares Trailer

What Critics Are Saying

The main takeaway—the film looks gorgeous. Even those who gave Tron failing grades admit the visuals and sound are top-tier. But the story? That's where things fall apart. Many say the film is literally "stuck between reboot and rehash," and the plot feels like a greatest hits compilation of AI movies.
  • The Guardian calls it "about as relevant as a CD player in your car"
  • The Independent—"loud, beautiful, but questionable"
  • Collider notes that while Ares looks slick and sounds powerful, the story is "dumb"—though admittedly "fun"
Some are trying to defend it. The Hollywood Reporter writes that "it's no masterpiece, but as popcorn entertainment—it works."

Overall, critics agree on one thing: strip away the music, and you're left with an empty shell—stylish, but soulless.

Previous Franchise Films

Here's the thing: Tron has never really clicked with critics.

The 1982 original felt too weird for many—it's sitting at just 61% on Rotten Tomatoes. But it became a cult classic anyway, mostly thanks to its striking, high-contrast visuals.

It was also one of the first films to use CGI. Ironically, that actually got it disqualified from the Best Visual Effects category at the Oscars—the Academy considered computer animation "cheating" back then, journalist Steven Rose reported in The Guardian.
Actor Jared Leto in a futuristic red and black suit riding a motorcycle
Frames from the trailer for "Tron: Ares"
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"Tron: Legacy" from 2010 got slammed too—just 51% on Rotten Tomatoes. But it became one of the most recognizable films of its time: neon lights, that Daft Punk soundtrack, and a visual style that got copied in countless games and music videos. Critics hated it, fans loved it.

"Tron: Ares" tries to be everything at once—smart AI commentary, spectacular action, and retro sequel—but ends up stuck in the middle.

Should You Give Ares a Shot?

Based on early reactions, Disney still can't turn Tron into a Marvel-level franchise. Sure, the film looks impressive and has its moments, but it's missing that magic people were waiting for.

Still, it's too early to write Tron off completely. Even the earlier films got mixed reviews at first, and now they're considered cult classics. Maybe Ares will find its place in cyberpunk history too—even if just as a beautiful misfire.

If you want something more interesting from this universe, check out the short film "Tron: The Next Day" (2011)—it bridges the original and the sequel. Or the animated series "Tron: Uprising" (2012–2013)—it's got the style, story, and atmosphere of the real Tron we fell in love with. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com reported that a new Mark Wahlberg film failed to impress critics, who are calling it "dumb."