Why Would Anyone Make the Next “Tron” Movie without Tron?
“Tron” is the odd science fiction movie franchise that spans 43 years with decades between installments. That’s certainly a hard way to build momentum. The third film, “Tron: Ares” comes out in theaters on October 10th.
The first two, “Tron” (1982) and “Tron: Legacy” (2010) weren’t especially successful, though they offered cutting-edge visual effects for their time. The original “Tron” hasn’t aged well at all, but the analog execution of a digital civilization inside a computer video game was still remarkable. “Tron: Legacy” stretched the technology limits from those days to “de-age” Jeff Bridges in parts of the movie.
“Tron: Legacy” was the Sequel We Wanted
I really enjoyed “Tron: Legacy.” Though it didn’t quite stick the landing, it got most everything else right. This wicked-cool sequel successfully continued its own core storyline almost three decades later and brought in new, engaging characters. The movie was fun, and the visual effects, other than the de-aging tech, were slick.
But it didn’t make enough money at the box office. So though “Tron: Legacy” ended with something of a cliffhanger, Disney never made the next film. I was disappointed.
I thought that was it for “Tron.” But never say never.
“Tron: Ares” is Not the Sequel I was Hoping For
And then seemingly under the radar and without much fanfare other than the normal prerelease marketing hype, this third “Tron” movie got made. Fifteen years later, we have another “Tron” ready for release.
It’s apparently a soft reboot for this franchise. And that makes sense at one level. Who else other than a science fiction geek like me will remember its predecessor that’s as old as my teenage son?
In the trailers for this new film, the premise is flipped. Instead of going into the “Grid” of the computer universe, the digital characters and machines are released into our world. And they’re not friendly. Mayhem ensues.
Okay…
Truthfully, I’m not feeling that excited.
How Can You Have “Tron” without Tron?
Where’s Tron, the character played by Bruce Boxleitner in the first two movies?
Where’s Jeff Bridges’ Kevin Flynn? He does show up (surprisingly) in the trailer. So, there’s a connective thread. But it looks pretty thin. Sadly, the other characters from “Tron: Legacy” are all absent.
The trailers tell us that “Tron: Ares” centers around Ares, an AI program in humanoid form played by Jared Leto. And he has questions.
He says, “I’m looking for something. Something I do not understand.” That’s pretty vague.
Will he destroy the world? Will he save it? The trailer suggests he’s the good guy. Maybe he’s the new Tron? (I don’t think so.)
The plot seemingly leans into the topic of AI. But weren’t all “Tron” characters (‘Programs’) always AI-enabled?
Good Characters Matter More than Special Effects
I don’t know if “Tron: Ares” is a good film. I do know the trailers are not compelling. And that’s usually not a positive sign for a movie (but not always).
Strong science fiction flicks are always character driven. Sure, the special effects are important, but they’re never enough to carry a film. And besides, the special effects displayed in the “Tron: Ares” trailers only feel like incremental updates to “Tron: Legacy.”
Maybe the producers feel nobody will remember. So why not rinse and repeat?
That’s fine, as long as there’s a stated story that will draw the audience. And interesting characters. Unfortunately, the trailers just focus on the special effects and pounding music.
Is Being Tron-Adjacent Enough?
Yes, I’m disappointed that this “Tron” will be mostly ‘Tron-less.’ At best, it will be ‘Tron-adjacent.’
Sure, one could praise this effort to narratively break from the mothership and forge ahead in a different direction, but still in the same universe. But I can’t help feel a sense of loss that so much has been jettisoned from the core of this franchise.
No, I shouldn’t prejudge “Tron: Ares.” I should watch it first and then offer an informed opinion. And I intend to (even if the reviews are scathing).
And of course, this type of movie is best seen on the big screen (IMAX). There are so few films being released in theaters these days. So, why not?
But as we approach the release of this new “Tron” flick, this ‘User’ wants to feel more excited.
Game over? Well see…
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