Watch Arena
- PG-13
- 1988
- 1 hr 37 min
-
5.3 (3,130)
In the year 4038, mankind has launched itself into the galaxy, and all planets in the galaxy are now interconnected, including the dark planet of Tangon. In the heart of Tangon lies the Arena, a place where the most skilled fighters from all over the galaxy compete for fame and fortune. Arena, a 1989 action sci-fi film, is a heady mix of gladiatorial combat, futuristic technology, and bizarre and dangerous creatures. The movie begins with Steve Armstrong (Paul Satterfield), a human fighter from Earth, arriving on Tangon, seeking to compete in the Arena. He soon discovers that the competition is nothing like anything he has ever seen before, as the opponents he faces are not just other fighters, but genetically engineered beasts and mutants.
As Steve begins to make his way through the ranks, he also encounters a number of characters that reveal more about the political and social structure of the planet. The movie is full of stunning action sequences, as the fights are incredibly intense and bloody, but also very entertaining to watch.
One of the standout elements of Arena is its use of practical special effects, which are incredibly well done and have held up remarkably well over the years. This is especially impressive given the fact that the movie was made over 30 years ago.
The world of Arena is also very impressive, as the filmmakers created a fully-realized world with its own internal logic and character. The use of practical sets and props adds to the overall feel of the movie and helps to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
The cast of Arena is also strong, with Paul Satterfield delivering a solid performance as the heroic fighter Steve Armstrong. Claudia Christian is also great as Quinn, Armstrong's love interest and fellow fighter, bringing a toughness and intelligence to the role that is refreshing to see in a female character in an action movie.
Hamilton Camp delivers a standout performance as Shorty, a jester-like character who initially seems like a distraction, but ultimately ends up playing a pivotal role in the story. The relationship between Shorty and Armstrong is one of the more interesting elements of the movie, as the two initially clash but eventually form a bond that helps them both survive the dangers of the Arena.
Overall, Arena is a great example of a sci-fi action movie done right. It has a well-realized world, exciting action sequences, interesting characters, and a solid story. It is a movie that is sure to entertain and thrill viewers, and is definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre.
Arena is a 1988 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.