Archenemy

For all those who like to read comic books, play video games featuring these superheroes whether DC Comics, Marvel Comics or Image comics and especially see Hollywood movies adapting for our greatest pleasure these colorful characters from Marvel Studios or DC Entertainment, It must be recognized that the current model continuously aims to outbid and can either offer us a perfect succession of adaptations such as the numerous films from Marvel Studios or landmark films such as the excellent Wonder Woman and Aquaman but unfortunately disappointing as Justice League.

Beside the colossal confrontation between Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment worthy of King Kong against Godzilla, other studios not having the same resources are nevertheless able to offer us equally successful adaptations but with less financial means and we keep in mind the very successful Kick Ass. Archenemy, written and directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer, not only offers an original treatment of the modern superheroes' theme but above all proves to be just as original in the way he combines numerous excerpts in animation and his will to get off the predefined paths of the invincible superheroes on the big screen.

Max Fist (Joe Manganiello), a homeless man claims to be a superhero from another dimension who has fallen through time and space on earth. On our planet all his powers have disappeared. Living on the streets and permanently drunk, he seems to have lost all hope of returning to his dimension and regaining his faculties to fly again and be indestructible. No one believes his stories, except for a teenager named Hamster who wants to work as a journalist. This teenager's older sister, after the death of their parents, tries hard to get by and is forced to work for a mobster called The Manager.

Archenemy's scenario turns out to be rather clever and pays homage by its approach to both the character of Superman who also fell on our earth but while our planet has granted him super powers, Max Fist has lost them and the latter seems to be constantly out of step with today's society and yet seeks to regain his powers and especially his responsibilities to be able to watch over people in danger. When Hamster and his sister are threatened by The Manager, Max Fist decides to intervene and armed as The Punisher decides that violence is the only solution not to be pursued permanently. Although he hadn't killed anyone until his arrival on earth, his last fight will allow him to show his courage. The real question that arises throughout this film is whether Max Fist is really sane or whether he is inventing a superhero universe to find a reason to exist. The skillfully directed script will answer this question and shows that the world of superheroes can give life to films that may not have the same means as the current Hollywood studios, but which are filled with a true love for the genre so much appreciated by the public today.

Archenemy had caught our attention with its very promising trailer and we must admit that this film does not disappoint at any time especially thanks to its screenplay but also by the inspired direction of Adam Egypt Mortimer. The film also benefits from the presence of an actor who has totally invested himself in his role as the anti superhero of modern times, Joe Manganiello proves to be one of the indisputable assets of this film and his presence gives the film all its strength and fragility.

Archenemy
Written and Directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer
Produced by Daniel Noah, Elijah Wood, Kim Sherman, Lisa Whalen, Joe Manganiello, Nick Manganiello
Story by Adam Egypt Mortimer, Lucas Passmore
Starring Joe Manganiello, Skylan Brooks, Zolee Griggs, Paul Scheer, Amy Seimetz, Glenn Howerton
Music by Matt Hill
Cinematography: Halyna Hutchins
Edited by Chris Patterson
Production companies: SpectreVision, Voltage Pictures, Legion M, Head Gear Films, 3:59, Metrol Technology, Almost Never Films
Distributed by RLJE Films
Release date: October 7, 2020 (Beyond Fest), December 11, 2020 (United States)
Running time: 90 minutes

Viewed on December 11, 2020

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