In 1987, Director Paul Glaser gave the world one of the first sub-genre of contest horror films. Based off the novel by Stephen King, The Running Man became an instant classic and a box office hit. Since then, novels and films such as, The Hunger Games and Battle Royale, have smashed records along with gaining a legion of fans. This summer, independent film giants Mahal Empire take on the popular plot of contest horror with their latest production, Arena Wars! Mahal staple Brandon Slagle helms the film with a loaded cast that includes Michael Madsen (Species,) Eric Roberts (Best of the Best,) Robert LaSardo (Death Race,) Robert Donavan (The Black Room,) and John Wells (Wolf Hound.) Can this talented ensemble make Arena Wars the next iconic contest horror film?
Life term inmates get a chance for freedom by battling crazed killers on the popular television show, Arena Wars. A futuristic desensitized audience begins to get bored with the current format. With slipping ratings and sponsors, the owner of the once popular contest, Belladona (Kevin Hager,) searches for a new angle. The answer to their problems rest on the shoulders of Luke Bender (John Wells.) Bender is serving a life sentence as an innocent man, with the hope of being reunited with his love being the only thing keeping him going. Bender, along with a misfit team of hardened criminals, battle in and out of the arena for a chance at freedom, while also unraveling the dark history behind the games.
Arena Wars is a rip-roaring non-stop action-packed thrill ride. From the opening scene until the final battle, the script from Slagle and the Mahal brothers keeps the audience glued to the screen by blending terrific action sequences with witty dialogue. Slagle uses great shot selection throughout the film which gives the viewer a real game show style. All the performances are terrific from this talented group of character actors. Madsen and Donavan are hilarious as over the top show host, while Johhny Huang brings more laughs as a criminal with a tongue sharper than his blade. Wells drives the narrative as the lead with a performance that is both physically and technically spotless. Slagle does not hold back on the kills, with some great death sequences that are splattered throughout the hour and a half-run time. Arena Wars is the perfect film to sit back, scream, laugh, and holler while you cheer for your favorite contestant…or killer!
Scream Score: 8.7/10