Max Fist (Joe Manganiello) used to be a superpowered god in the metropolis of Chromium. Max was a guy who could punch a hole through space and time if need be. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what happened when he squared off with his diabolical archnemesis Cleo, who he claims was a major threat to the city that he called home. While Max was successful in destroying her planet-obliterating weapon, the two were plunged into a vortex which spit him out on Earth. At least, that is the story that the grizzled, drunken homeless man at the end of the bar is willing to recite to anyone who purchases him a drink. Apparently, this plane of existence does not allow for his super powers to function as usual, and he has no way of returning to the place he once called home. This core mystery of whether or not this is indeed true is playfully explored throughout this third feature from Adam Egypt Mortimer (Some Kind of Hate, Doniel Isn’t Real). There has been a dearth of superhero films in the last year, but this one offers an inventive, pulpy take on the genre that is quite enjoyable despite not living up to the promise of its premise.
While many have written off Max as a delusional crackpot, there are those who are willing to take the time to consider his story a little more seriously. Young aspiring photojournalist Hamster (Skylan Brooks) finds Max a fascinating individual, and not just because he is hoping that documenting his story will bring eyeballs to his work. The relationship between Max and Hamster is one of the high points of the movie, as Max finally has someone that is not completely dismissive of him. Manganiello is truly quite incredible in this gruff role that is as much of a physical performance as it is a tragicomic feat. Max is first seen by Hamster drunkenly punching a wall trying to open up another vortex, and the “feats of strength” only get more involved from there. If Max is a hero from another dimension, his fall from grace and inability to return home is a heartbreaking one. If he is delusional, Max is really going for it in his attempts to reclaim his past excellence, especially during a violent confrontation with a sports car in an abandoned mall parking lot.
Hamster’s decision to follow Max seems like a safer endeavor after initially attempting to document the gritty street life filled with drugs and intimidating characters, including his own sister Indigo (Zolee Griggs). Indigo is not a careless criminal out to inflict harm like many of her colleagues, but she knows how to hustle and make a living in the world that will hopefully lead to a college education for her brother. Indigo is attempting to take on more responsibility with her employer, a kingpin called the Manager (an almost unrecognizable Glenn Howerton). In a movie that is as wide-open as this one, Howerton surprisingly keeps his performance more reeled in than something like his sociopathic It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia character. Manager tasks Indigo with retrieving some money from a local lunatic dealer which goes wildly off-the-rails incredibly quick. This lunatic is played by the hilarious Paul Scheer, who is delivering a performance so insane that you wish the rest of the movie could keep up. When Indigo and Hamster find themselves on the wrong side of Manager and a mysterious figure played by Amy Seimetz (Pet Sematary), they reluctantly have to accept the help of Max as an attempt to regain his heroism.
Archenemy is an extremely impressive movie on a technical level. From the mesmerizing opening prologue, the film employs animated sequences courtesy of Sunando, Kevin Finnegan and Danny Perez that both add to the heightened visual aesthetic of the story as well as deepen the core mystery of what is true. By not showing a live-action Joe Manganiello in Chromium, the audience is left to question everything that is said. Whether or not Max is who he claims to be, he does engage in some brutal combat in an effort to save his new friends. It is in this period before the final third of the movie where the movie is pulsing with energy and Manganiello gets to show off how beastly he can be. Unfortunately, the final stretch of the film cannot quite live up to the promise of the story. On the action front, the material feels like it reached its apex long before the actual finale, and the mysterious plot elements do not feel that much more satisfying. Everyone seems game for whatever comes their way, but the script lets them down by not providing something more substantial. The film leaves the door open for additional adventures, but it would take a lot of convincing to make this path seem like a good idea. Archenemy is quite a bit of fun, but there are flaws that keep it being from being a future cult classic.
Video Quality
Archenemy comes to Blu-Ray with a gorgeous AVC encoded 1080p transfer that showcases the look of the film really well. Where the transfer really shines is the impressive level of detail both in the animated world of Chromium and in the real-life Earth. Everything from the smallest facial details to the texture of the animation is quite impressive. The cinematography features some nice pops of color with everything appearing very natural, especially in the moments when Max is remembering the outfits he used to wear in his old life. These colors bring a vibrancy to the story that is appreciated in the way it keeps with the comic book aesthetic. The picture is mostly clear with only brief instances of murkiness during a few darker scenes. Black levels are admirable but could stand to be a bit deeper. Skin tones are natural throughout with some impeccable details present in certain shots. Overall, this is quite a powerful transfer that should please fans.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is quite powerful and well balanced. Environmental effects play a substantial role in the film, and this track brings these elements to life quite capably. The use of the rear channels to create a fully enveloping world works quite well. The directionality is quite precise so sounds always present as natural when coming from their respective points. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overwhelmed by any of the other sounds. Activity in the low end delivers quite a jolt during much of the presentation, especially in the animated sequences and beatdown showcases. RLJE Films has delivered a fierce track for a film that really packs a punch.
Special Features
- The Making of Archenemy: A seven-minute featurette in which the cast and crew discuss the themes of the story and explain a bit about their characters. Manganiello reveals some of the ways in which he prepared for his role as a drugged-up homeless guy. This has some fun moments that are worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Archenemy is a really fun movie that does not quite reach greatness thanks to a lack of cohesion and excitement in the final stretch of the narrative. As usual, Joe Manganiello is worth the price of admission and the way in which this story mixes animation with live-action works quite well. RLJE Films has released a Blu-Ray with a solid A/V presentation and a lone supplemental feature thrown in for good measure. This tale might not hit it out of the park completely, but there is more than enough here to appreciate for those who miss having heroic figures on their screens. Recommended
Archenemy will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD on February 16, 2021.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: RLJE Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
