Being a long-time fan of the franchise does not automatically make every new instalment a home run. «Tron: Ares» had a compelling idea on paper, and the overall plot carried a promise that could have landed beautifully. Unfortunately, it never quite found that punch. The Permanence Code technology, which should have felt awe-inducing, was treated almost like everyday gadgetry—it was the core of the story!

The characters were … meh. No depth. No development. An NPC from any game is much better, or a child's stick figure drawing can sometimes carry more personality and intent than what we got here.

As for the philosophy, there was not much to it. Touching on life and reality does not automatically make a story philosophical; those themes need depth and direction. There was none of it.

In the end, it felt like a film orbiting around a genius son teetering near obsession, chasing superiority for the sake of being the best. Add the visual spectacle, which admittedly was polished and flashy, and it appeared like it was a portfolio or demo of the effects studio.

Six out of ten stars is the most I can give it.