Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Arena Wars’

7/2/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘Arena Wars’ Courtesy of Mahal Empire Productions.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were an interesting time for home video entertainment. Simply because the market was discovered to be a bastion for independent film and new ideas could find root on the shelves at Blockbuster or at your local mom and pop shop and that prompted so many filmmakers to take chances and bring forth wild movies. Which led to unique trends storytelling wise, such as the glut of arena and battlefield-themed stories that found their way to VHS. Because they were all the rage, for they offered audiences stuff they’d never seen before. Such as nations battling for their future via giant robots in Robot Jox, or gladiator type battles in space in Arena.

But alas, while it was amazing to see such new sights and enjoy stories that were indeed quite original, the word trend is the right one to use in describing them. Because a glut of them would come out, and if there wasn’t immediate return, everyone would move onto what the next hot thing seemed to be, and that was the case with this type of film, and that left but a handful of cult classics out there for people to enjoy today and left so much on the table from a storytelling standpoint. Since the full potential of this type of story was never put on display. But since we live in an era where nostalgia is king, there are some filmmakers and companies, revisiting this type of story, to properly explore its potential, as evidenced by the latest offering from Mahal Empire Productions, Arena Wars.

A feat that this story accomplishes by taking us into the year 2045. Where entertainment has become a touch more immersive and darker, through a partnership with the justice system. For in this time period, crime and punishment is handled in prime time. Courtesy of brutal gladiator battles that take place on live television between criminals and skilled killers with a flair for the dramatic. And of course, this is relevant and engaging for audiences in part because it holds nothing back, and because if the criminal in question can survive the onslaught of violence that surrounds them… they can earn their freedom. And this particular tale surrounds us with seven fresh inmates that are eager to throw down to see freedom again, no matter the risk.

Which is a plot that truly harkens back to that golden era of VHS, and those gladiator style films. In fact, visually, the film pays a lot of homage to that particular era. Since it harbors the bright colors and snappy camera angles that permeated these stories and of course, it’s full of bravado and characters that you love to hate and hate to love. Not to mention, it also doesn’t hurt that there are some tributes to The Running Man thrown in here for good measure as well, courtesy of the combatants that our anti-heroes face. But while it is nice to be reminded of the wonder and the glory, and the fun factor of those movies from yore… there was mention of the fact that this film makes full use of the potential of this type of film.

For this motion picture, is filled to the brim with social commentary. Solid, social commentary, not the fluffy stuff that say, Robot Jox, hit upon. For it dives deep into so much regarding our modern world. Such as how reality television has become a staple of our lives and how it could become a conduit for violence if audiences were willing to let it push the envelope in that manner. Not to mention, it explores how that could become the case, since clearly… appealing to our disdain of the justice system and the divides in America could allow for a show like Arena Wars to come to life. All of which showcases a different kind of dystopian America, where catharsis that is hand fed to people keeps them docile while a busted system thrives.

Which makes for a fascinating and thoughtful feature, one that truly understands the potential of this type of film and unleashes it in an epic manner. So that we are treated to a film where the violence and gore present, and there are buckets of guts for certain… isn’t gratuitous and designed for shock value, but instead serves a powerful storytelling purpose, and yet, it still has more to offer us. For it is also a fast paced, engaging film that truly entertains and it does have a genuine fun factor present, which means… there is something for everyone in this movie. If you want nostalgia, you’ve got it. If you want action and gore, there’s plenty to be found here and if you want something to ponder upon… you’ll find that here too. Courtesy of this fantastic film, one that finally fulfills the promise of this unique type of story.

Watch ‘Arena Wars’

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