Like most superhero movies the filmmakers start out by introducing the main crusader before jumping into the storyline. In Archenemy Max Fist (Joe Manganiello), from the planet Chromium, has found himself on Earth, but is confused as to why. Deep down in he knows there is a purpose for it, but he goes about each day trying to live in Earthly ways. Not having any money he finds his way into the homeless area and only leaves when he needs the food he scavenges from one trash bin to the next.
In the meantime we get introduced to two other main characters, Hamster (Skylan Brooks), a teen who is trying to make his way in life living in a lower income area with his sister Indigo (Zolee Griggs). While Hamster has aspirations of being a famous writer on the local magazine “Trendable”, Indigo has chosen to work for a local drug dealer as a collector.
The three lives come together when an incident involving Indigo sets off a chain reaction that later involves Max and Hamster. From here on out the film turns into an action thriller that deals with drug debt, mob money and Max’s reason for being on Earth. Director and Writer Adam Egypt Mortimer puts his actors through their paces with a lot of interaction with the mob. He does an excellent job with the fighting choreography and stunts to make most everything look real. So much so, it has some of the qualities of the Avenger movies.
The acting by, Skylan Brooks, and Zolee Griggs is above par showing potential for future gigs and already they have a list of respectable film and TV acting. Skylan has appeared in 10 episodes of TV’s Empire and several episodes of TV’s Castle Rock and total nearly 30 credits so far. Zolee has completed 13 credits that include 10 episodes of TV’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” and 2019’s horror movie Bit.
Joe Manganiello has 63 credits as an actor and will be seen as Deathstroke in Zack Snyder’s Justice League slated for this year. Here he shows muscle and agility in the action sequences that look very real. Manganiello’s Max Fist reminded me of Punisher with his strength and power.
Archemeny has not been rated, but contains extreme violence, gore, drug use, a scene of suicide and language. It is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. Rating is 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
