In 2045 convicted criminals are given the opportunity to compete on the world’s #1 televised sporting event in Brandon Slagel’s violent sci-fi film Arena Wars.
Back in the early 90’s Arena Wars would have been the type of film that as a teenager I’d have excitedly hunted down in the video store. I can well imagine this sitting proudly next to Robot Jox, Arena and Jean Claude Van Damme’s back catalogue with tremendous cover art that draws your gaze.
Written and directed by Brandon Slagle and set in a dystopian 2045 Arena Wars throws viewers into a future where televised brutality is the biggest box office smash and the title “Arena Wars” is the name of the hottest TV show on the planet. A show that pits death row inmates against sadistic killers for a chance of freedom. When we enter the world this ultra-violent entertainment programme is facing a ratings slump, with the producers desperately looking for something to shake up the show, enter Luke Bender (John Wells), a possibly innocent ex-Marine framed for a crime, who becomes their unexpected answer. So far so Running Man and with Arena Wars that is exactly what we get, a film that plays up to this influence proudly, one character trying to escape has his head blown off by an explosive implant, we get vox pops from the watching viewers and to hammer home the influence, just in case you weren’t sure, another character is referred to as “The Governator”.
To Slagle’s credit he does attempt to do things slightly differently than the Schwarzenegger vehicle, he pumps the action up to 11 and gives us more costumed killers to root for but the plot remains wafer thin. Our contenders must survive 7 rooms and 7 of the most vicious killers in the country and they regain their freedom if they win. We follow Luke and his Dirty Dozen style group of death row inmates who are thrown into the arena armed with nothing but their fists. It’s all very predictable as we witness brutal fights and convicts who are inevitably slaughtered, but it’s also an entertaining, gore-fest where necks break, limbs fly, blood splatters, and the crowd roars. With practical effects that are convincing enough to deliver the promised thrills.
Where Arena Wars stands out is in its casting. Michael Madsen as the smooth-talking announcer, Samson, adds a touch of dark humour commentating on the action with corny one liners while one of the busiest men in Hollywood Eric Roberts appears as Luke’s contact in the outside world. But it is John Wells’ and his portrayal of Luke that carries the film with his stoic determination and hidden motivation reminiscent of Hugh Jackman’s best roles that makes him an interesting hero, even if the story is fairly straightforward.
Much like The Running Man, Arena Wars doesn’t shy away from social commentary and in fact does a much better job at highlighting it. The obsession with violence and celebrity, The TV corporation embodying greed and manipulation, the exploitation of human suffering for entertainment. Are we as viewers, any different from the bloodthirsty crowds in the arena?
On the downside what Arena Wars does lack is a fiendishly smug and evil villain, here the antagonist is Belladonna played by Kevin Hager and he doesn’t have a great deal to do, becoming overshadowed by other characters. This is unlike Richard Dawson who’s delicious turn as Killian in the 1987 classic created arguably one of the most memorable villains of the 80’s.
Despite its shortcomings, Arena Wars delivers an action-packed entertaining movie with fight choreography that is well-executed, and pacing that keeps you watching. Fans of gore will find plenty to satisfy them, while some dark humour provides occasional laughs. If you’re looking for something thought-provoking, then this isn’t it. But if you fancy a bloody spectacle with some satirical bite then check out Slagel’s Arena Wars when it’s released on the 25th June.
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