A Possible Farewell To A Fascinating Franchise ("Tron: Ares" Review)

 Around the time I was starting to obsess over Star Wars, there was an equally groundbreaking sci fi franchise...1982's "Tron." I knew of it through my cousin, who had action figures of Sark and Tron himself. I always enjoyed looking at the clear blue and red plastic figures. And I also experienced the Tron film when I rode the Peoplemover at Disneyland. It was perhaps the most exciting part of a 'ride' that was more of a resting vehicle for parents. Still...good times.

As for the film itself, I always enjoyed its whimsical, fairy tale vibes as it existed not in a traditional fantasy setting but in a living video game/computer world. The effects absolutely look dated now, but back then they were pretty darn cool.

This was the period in the '80's when the great Disney empire was struggling to maintain relevancy, believe it or not. And funny enough, some of my favorite Disney properties were made in this era..."Tron," "The Black Cauldron," "Return To Oz," and the Star Tours ride at Disneyland. 

The original "Tron" film bombed at the box office but after 28 years Disney decided to resurrect the franchise with "Tron: Legacy." Picking up with a storyline focusing on the disappearance of Kevin Flynn and following his son Sam, the film was flush with modern era CGI and a reimagining of the Grid. Sadly, this film was a bomb as well, despite a rousing score by the great Daft Punk. 

So fifteen years later, Disney once again brushed off the dust of this sadly unloved franchise (unless you're a diehard like I am) and released "Tron: Ares." Starring Jared Leto as Ares, an artificial intelligence super soldier created by Julian Dillinger, grandson of Ed Dillinger, the film follows this creation as he becomes self aware and choosing free will as he helps Dillingers rival Eve Kim, played by the wonderful Greta Lee. Once again, it wouldn't be a Tron film without sumptuous visuals and incredible digital music...this time by the great Nine Inch Nails.

I don't think I can be too objective about these films. I love them all. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, but overall they are what movies are made for...a pure escape from the real world and an entry into a world of digital fantasy.

As with those first two films, this one will also lose the Disney studio a lot of money. And it seems like this is the third and final strike for the franchise. Which is oddly comforting to me. I'm actually happy that it's going to be a trilogy and that it will be a special property of Disney. Coming back to Star Wars, since they acquired the franchise from George Lucas, they have created films and shows and new theme parks...saturating the market. As a kid I dreamed of a lot of Star Wars content, but now having it I think putting it to rest may be a good thing. It's kind of had a forced break, and that's probably the best we can get. With Tron, you won't get that. You'll have the trilogy, some animated content, and that's about it. For fans, it will definitely feel like it's truly yours and yours alone.