Pop Culture Happy Hour TRON: Ares And What's Making Us Happy
12 snips
Oct 10, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Jordan Cruciola, a writer and producer known for his podcast Feeling Seen, and Candice Lim, co-host of Slate's ICYMI, dive into TRON: Ares. They explore its ambitious premise of AI entering our world and debate Jared Leto's performance, which Jordan finds lacking. The duo discusses nostalgia versus innovation, questioning the film's appeal and emotional depth. Candice highlights its uneven cultural reception and recommends The Wrong Paris, while Jordan excitedly shares insights on Taylor Swift's latest album.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Franchise Premise Reversed
- Tron: Ares flips the franchise by bringing human-shaped AI programs into the real world instead of humans into the digital grid.
- The film frames AI soldiers and permanence code as central threats and plot drivers.
3D Enhances The Experience
- Jordan Cruciola loved the visual style and said the film delivered on looking like Tron.
- She recommended seeing it in 3D, saying it was a rare case where 3D added value.
A Bigger, More Action-Oriented Entry
- Candice Lim expressed strong affection for Tron: Legacy and appreciates Tron Ares for reinvigorating the franchise.
- She noted this new entry feels bigger and more action-oriented, likening it to Marvel-style spectacle.