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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) \u2014 Disney is heading back into the digital frontier this weekend with Tron: Ares, marking the studio\u2019s first return to the sci-fi series since 2010s Tron: Legacy.<\/p>\n
The franchise originally launched in 1982, and this new installment promises to bring upgraded visuals and a fresh direction for the story.<\/p>\n
According to Box Office Pro, projections put Tron: Ares between $40 and $48 million for its opening weekend, a number that could place Disney firmly at the top of the charts.<\/p>\n
However, early reviews have been mixed, hovering in the low 50s on Rotten Tomatoes. Whether the film races ahead or short-circuits may depend on audience word-of-mouth.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in second place, Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst star in Roofman, a quirky crime comedy that\u2019s earned strong reviews out of TIFF. Box Office Pro estimates it could land between $7 and $10 million in its debut.<\/p>\n
Also holding strong is Paul Thomas Anderson\u2019s One Battle After Another. Now in its third week, the film is expected to add another $5 to $6 million to its domestic total, which has already surpassed $45 million.<\/p>\n
This week, I also checked out The Smashing Machine, the latest sports biopic drawing major buzz. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film stars Dwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr, chronicling his rise in the late \u201990s, his battle with addiction, and the personal struggles he faced outside the ring.<\/p>\n
Johnson delivers one of the strongest dramatic performances of his career, showing he can absolutely be taken seriously as a dramatic actor. Emily Blunt also shines, though the film\u2019s pacing can feel slow at times. For a movie centered around MMA, the biggest fights play out more in the characters\u2019 relationships than in the octagon.<\/p>\n
While the emotional weight lands, I couldn\u2019t help but wish it leaned more into the sport\u2019s intensity. Still, the story left me curious to learn more about the real Mark Kerr. Overall, it\u2019s a solid watch. I\u2019m giving The Smashing Machine a 6\/10.<\/p>\n
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