Arena Wars – Movie Review
Director: Brandon Slagle
Writer: Brandon Slagle (Screenplay)
Writer: Michael Mahal, Sonny Mahal (Story)
Cast
- Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs)
- Eric Roberts (The Expendables)
- Robert LaSardo (Death Race)
- John Wells (Wolf Hound)
- Kevin Hager (Bermuda Island)
- BJ Mezek (That’s a Wrap)
- Mercedes Peterson (A Life to Choose)
Plot: In 2045 convicted criminals are given the opportunity to compete on the world’s #1 televised sporting event, Arena Wars. They must survive 7 rooms and 7 of the most vicious killers in the country. If they win, they regain their freedom.
Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Arena Wars starts as the charismatic hosts Samson (Madsen) and Moses (Donavan) introduce the latest show. The contestants are convicted criminals who are allowed to compete for their freedom by defeating 7 of the deadliest killers in the country.
The killers include Calypso, Cutie Pie, Master Blaster, Mister Smiles, Nero, Counter-Strike and Meat Wagon. Meanwhile, the contestants include Luke Bender (Wells), and a group of others. Now, they face no escape other than to fight against the killers to survive for the audience’s entertainment.
Verdict on Arena Wars
Arena Wars is an action thriller following a former marine and a group of convicts placed on TV shows where convicts fight against serial killers. He must lead the group through the challenge while learning more about the corruption in the system.
This movie could easily be compared to ‘Running Man’ with the idea of convicts fighting past glamourized killers. It even puts an innocent man front and center of the latest game. The host of colourful killers and convicts makes this an entertaining watch. One you never need to take too seriously and continues to poke fun at the need for extreme television. The movie does have one weakness and one factor holding it back from being epic and that is the lack of flair from the leading contestant. Otherwise, you can have a lot of fun watching this movie.
Where to Watch
Release Date – June 25th, 2024 through Gravitas Ventures.
Final Thoughts –Arena Wars is an entertaining all-out action movie.