Saad Khan (16 May 2012)

gruesome lovers may actually quite enjoy it.

Arena – TRASH IT (C) Arena is a perfect example of how bad movies canbe made in Hollywood. Casting Samuel L Jackson and Kellan Lutz seemedlike a good cast for an action flick but when the production is C gradethe movie will turn out to be an outer trash too. Arena's story is justlike Hostel and The Tournament, where the kidnapped victims aretortured on the name of pleasure for public viewing. Samuel L Jacksonis doing many trashy movies lately. Kellan Lutz is all about physique,he still needs to improve a lot but defiantly he is good in kickingsome A**. Nina Dobrev was wasted in very small part. Kate Winter isexotic and kind of the only actor in the movie who acted good. Overall,Arena is time passer trash, though gruesome lovers may actually quiteenjoy it.

Jan Strydom (16 May 2012)

Good cinematography and good performances but lousy fight scenes.

At first glance at the DVD cover and at the plot summary ARENA soundslike it could have all the makings of a good action movie butunfortunately that wasn't the case when I finished watching it.The good things about it is the cinematography and the acting, the badthing about it is the action sequences which are fight scenes with poorchoreography and camera effects involving a lot of flashes, quick cutsand slow motion for when our would be fighters strike a nice pose.As other reviewers have pointed out the plot isn't very original orvery good but oddly enough the cast pull off good performances, SamuelL. Jackson obviously must have done this just for fun because he lookedlike he had a field day with his role and yet he gives a goodperformance like always so he definitely didn't slack despite thematerial he was given and Kellan Luts despite being a bit stiff, isokay as the lead.Overall, in terms of a good action movie this film doesn't deliver whatyou would hope for when you read the plot summary, therefore actionfans are likely to be disappointed.

phd_travel (12 May 2012)

Way too violent - what are the stars doing in this?

Watched this DVD because it has a good cast: Samuel L Jackson, KellanLutz and I am a fan of Nina Dobrev. Nina hardly acts a few minutes.Samuel - did you read the script? Kellan this is not the way to build acareer.People are captured and forced to fight to the death for onlineentertainment. This is a terrible movie. The violence is just sosickening. It's an example of how wrong action movies can get. Thestory is weak and you don't care for any of the characters. Therepeated violence is disgusting. I don't see how anyone could beentertained by it. Please don't watch this sickening movie. It shouldnever have been made.

medlocka (12 May 2012)

Arena directors stuff up

The movie was great but the ending completely killed what could havebeen a really great movie. NO sequel will fix the first movie or makeit any better. The producers really stuffed up on the ending. All itneeded was a another 10 minutes to bring it to the best possibleending. The movie leads to a climax which is NOT suited to a sequel andwhich will DESTROY the original movie. I give 9 out of 10 but know thatthe end if done properly would have rated 10. Why cant they get itright. It would seem that at the end , the directors where moreinterested in a sequel then in providing viewers with a really goodmovie. The performance by all actors and actresses is really good but,limited by the directors and their reproduction of the original story.I think producers rely too much on sequels today to make a movie rate10 out of 10. this came very close in my books but was destroyed in theend. We do not all want to watch sequels and this should be drummedinto producers and directors. Why kill a VERY good movie just for a fewextra dollars. A lot more could have been added but, the end version iswhat the public see, this is what counts.

Stanislav Ivanov (06 May 2012)

Total disaster

Kind of "Saw" series movies, but much more easier to predict the nextstep. I'm astonished that Sam L.J. has decided to be a part of thismovie and I'm really curious if this has payed him off at all :) Asmentioned in the plot line itself.. it is brutal movie, but I still cansee much more blood and pain into "Spartacus, God of Arena" than inthis movie. If you want to loose 87mins when waiting for train orsomething like that, then this could be a good choice. I never havegiven so far a review of a film in any forum, but people, please, don'tloose your time into watching this unless you're really bored.Basically I would say that the only kind of theatrical performance hereis to Nina Dobrev, but rest is just much below of average of what thosekind of actors are capable of

uunio (06 May 2012)

Surprisingly Great

Kellan Lutz was amazing in this and of course Mr. Jackson is alwaysflawless. I really hope they can do a part 2 or somehow franchise onthe film and keep the original characters and keep the story flowing.I'm typically not into fighting films, or anything of this nature butI'm a big fan of the Twilight cast so I've been watching their otherfilms in between releases of Breaking Dawn and I stumbled across thisone. It really surprised me! Not recommended for children of course.There is a ton of violence, I'd compare the gore to say, 300. Theaction is great and their is a surprising twist in the end. It reallydid take me by surprise. I hope you all get as good of a thrill fromthis as I did!

mattga1 (04 May 2012)

a decent film

when i started to watch this movie, i figured it had some potential andit would build up to be a good movie. but after the second half of thisfilm it starts to get boring. although the acting is decent, thefighting is actually pretty good and the blood effects were well done.but when this film reaches the second half, it starts to become lessentertaining and looks quiet fake and just plain stupid. honestly, thefinal fight with the executioner on some sand? that was just plainidiotic, especially the part where you find out when David lord (KellanLutz) is actually a special agent. this movie had some good potentialand some exciting scenes but towards the end, it just seems to go down.6/10i would have probably given it a five, if it didn't have Johnny Messnerand Samuel Jackson, those two are good actors.

Matt Kracht (03 May 2012)

Stylistic, gratuitous exploitation

While I agree with the highly negative reviews already posted, I didn'tfind it *quite* as offensively bad as they did. Sure, the fightchoreography was poor, at times, but it wasn't nearly as bad asAmsterdam Heavy. The acting wasn't much better, but it was still aboutpar for the genre. I guess this is place where I'm supposed to expressincredulity over Sam Jackson appearing in this movie, but, really,everyone who watches lots of low budget, direct-to-video movies knowsthat he'll appear in anything. He's done some really mediocre (and evenbad) movies, in the past.Anyways, the main plot consists of a James Bond villain (Sam Jackson)kidnapping people and forcing them into fighting to the death. That'sit. Nothing else. No pretenses to art here. Now, if the fightchoreography and stunts were good, I might able to suggest this to fansof direct-to-video B movies inspired by Enter the Dragon andBloodsport. Unfortunately, they're really not very well done, with someof them looking downright crappy and unimpressive. Some others,however, end up looking pretty decent, though nowhere near Enter TheDragon or Bloodsport. The direction focuses on stylized, bloodyviolence, with fast cuts, slow motion, and lots of posing. If MichaelBay drives you nuts, I doubt you'll like this much, either.There's a rather surprising amount of gratuitous exploitation in thismovie. If you're prudish at all, I'd warn you to avoid it. There'sconstant, gory violence and occasional full frontal nudity (femaleonly), making this one of the most overt, unapologetic, and cynicalattempts at making a mainstream action movie that I've seen recently. Iguess they're saying that if the nudity doesn't get you off, theviolence will, like we're all a bunch over-stimulated sociopaths.There's a satirical element to all this gratuitous exploitation, but Ithink it was inserted merely to deflect criticism.If you're looking for exploitation, there's plenty of that. Otherwise,I'd say you're best off skipping it. The action scenes aren't goodenough. Some people have criticized this as being pornographic, and Ihave to agree; the violence seems to be almost fetishized. However,amoral as I am, I find the lack of plot and poor fight choreography tobe the true problems with this movie.

xmanuchox (01 May 2012)

Blah blah blah

After reading all the reviews, I felt that most people watched themovie as if they were voting for an Academy Award... this is NOT aboutthat.This is about fights, about blood, is like a classic 80's or mid 90'saction/martial arts movie. With a pretty much obvious script (altoughin the final 20 minutes there's a twist I didn't expect), and thefighters being "ordinary people" I think is a pretty good movie towatch and have fun. The way they dealt with the fact that was a lowbudget movie, using the green screen as part of the history was prettysmart.Anyways, If you are looking for something to lay on the coach and justhave fun, and you like Bloodsport type of movies, watch it. If you arelooking for Casablanca, keep walking....

reefer420 (01 May 2012)

An entertaining low-budget action movie

I think it's safe to say the director of Arena is a fan of the Starzshow "Spartacus". This film follows a very similar formula to thosestories: Take it to the Extreme. Extreme blood. Extreme nudity. Extremesituations. Most American men will be pleased.The film opens with a hokey-looking gladiator fight being viewed byvarious people around the world. We learn that "Death Games" is anillegal online program that features real fights to the death. It's ahit with college kids and Japanese office workers around the globe. TheFBI, Interpol, and everyone else are unable to locate them and shut itdown.Our hero, David Lord (Kellen Lutz), is in a car crash with his pregnantwife, who dies. David finds himself seduced by a hot British lady,played by Katia Winter, who will no doubt find herself on the "watchlist" of many young men, as she is gorgeous,a good actress,andapparently very willing to do full-frontal nudity. If nothing else, Ithink she gives the perfect audition for the actual "Spartacus" show.Samuel L. Jackson plays the "ringleader" of the online fightingbusiness. He is delightfully over-the-top, although it is difficult toget the question of "why is he in this movie?" out of your head.Clearly he owed the director a favor or something.Amazingly, he probably gives the WORST performance of the film. Themain character, the chick, and the assorted bad guys are all prettydecent, but Sam feels a bit wooden, even when he's shouting and dancingaround. I agree with another reviewer who theorized that perhaps thedirector was a bit intimidated when directing the great Samuel L.Jackson. Still, I will give him tremendous props for agreeing to dothis movie. Nothing wrong with helping people out, and he is actuallyIN the movie, unlike many "celebrity cameo" parts in modern films wherethe big name only appears in one or two scenes.The fight scenes are a mixed bag. They are pretty bloody, but the greatfight choreography of "Spartacus" is missing. They also have anannoying "Vignette" effect on all the fights that darkens the cornersof the frame...I found it distracting. There are things that work,though. The first fight looks a little odd, but then you realize thateven "in the movie" they are meant to look a little odd, since they arefilmed in a green screen room and then given fake backgrounds. This ispart of the plot, as the fight locations change each time. One fightmight be in a "gladiator" style with swords and armor, another in a"world war I" style with trenches and bayonets. That was very cleverand well done.One thing the film does well is a bit of "fourth wall" humor.References to other movies and TV shows, including a direct referenceto "Spartacus", as well as a hilarious "Office Space" moment with atwist, really help remind the viewer that this movie is ultimatelymeant to be fun.The main character, Kellen Lutz, was a surprise. I'd never heard of theguy, but he was pretty good. You don't hate him for being a "prettyboy" since he gets himself pretty bloodied and messed up. He definitelyseems to be channeling the late, great Andy Whitfield from "Spartacus"with his cold stares and angry, slow-motion screaming; he even kind oflooks like Andy.As I mentioned earlier, Katia Winter stole the show with her FemmeFatale character. Despite the fact that after her third nude scene evenI was questioning exactly WHY she needed to be in the buff so much, Ienjoyed the hell out of her performance, even when clothed! She has theperfect "evil Bond girl that turns good" attitude, and I predict we'llbe seeing a lot more of her in the future.The director, Jonah Loop, is a veteran special effects producer on manybig movies. Despite the low-budget, it's evident there is talent behindthe camera. The movie is very well shot and edited, to the point whereyou actually forget the "low-budge" origins at times. It's really onlythe fight scenes that look a little hokey. I'd say the guy did a greatjob with what he had, and I certainly will check out his futureefforts.If you are a fan of shows like "Spartacus" or movies like "Gamer", thisis one you should check out. If nothing else, I guarantee you will notbe bored.

Simon Bubach (29 April 2012)

Not as bad as it seems.

Well, you've seen it all before, it's not a new concept but it's stillpretty interesting. I sat through the whole movie without any problemsat all. Sure, some things were pretty stupid like that an infamous massmurderer wouldn't have more security or that you cannot possiblysurvive the amount beating the main character receives.I liked the movie but unfortunately it was too average. The acting isnothing to complain about but the characters are pretty boring. SamuelL. Jackson gives us a typical villain and Kellan Lutz gives us theusual hero, nothing special on that front.I liked Daniel Dae Kim's character but he had a too small a role. Ithad every better if they had developed his character more then I wouldcare a lot more about the people who died. There are lots of people whodie but I did not think I really cared it was unfortunate and somethingthat they could have worked more with.This is by no means comparable to Hunger Games/BR, but give it a shotif you just want some pretty OK entertainment.

FlashCallahan (28 April 2012)

James Remar isn't my dad?

Basically a hybrid of The Running Man, Death Race, Gamer, and bloodsport, all hosted by the friendly, maniacal Jackson on autopilot.The story isn't very good, but it involves someone who was in Twilight,his wife gets killed (who is pregnant), and he kills them all.Take your eyes away from the screen for an instant, and he's soon inthis sort of gladiatorial game where people watching on the web, decideif the assailants get killed or survive.If this guy can survive ten bouts, he's a free man.It's a highly un-original movie, with not many saving graces.The action looks like it's taken from the worst parts of '300', and theacting isn't up to much.The saving grace is Jackson, who despite being on autopilot, is alwayswatchable.Thismovie is pointless, and suffers from the crime of being downrightboring.

jackarute (24 April 2012)

Solid Action Flic

There is little original in the story line. Picture Death Race or Gamerwith the protagonist fighting to the death every week instead of racinga car or in a fps mock up with real people. Furthermore, if any of thesocial commentary on where our society is headed based on the viewer'sever growing appetite for realism and violence is meant to be novel, itbarely registers with this viewer. However, adding Samuel Jackson asthe puppet master for these spectacles certainly makes even a retreadseem re-energized.   Kellan Lutz gives a solid enough performance asthe sympathetic protagonist finding himself in the do or die scenarioand Johnny Messner is a more than adequate secondary villain. Mixedwith some eye candy and an arc (with a nice twist) that createssufficient  anticipation as to how it's all going to end results in anabove average viewing experience. 

richardsandson (23 April 2012)

Utter trash

I am a fan of the 80's martial art movie, anything with a conspiracyand a bit of violence is usually right up my street. Now you know a bitabout where im coming from you'll appreciate me telling you that,.."This film was the cheesiest load of boolacks i've ever had themisfortune to watch. It was right up there with the very worst ofthem." As for samuel, how did he keep a straight face making this? Macewindu one minute, cheesy mMcCheeserson the next. This guy has made somemonstrous movies in the past, to be honest some of the best. When i sawhis name on a poster i wanted to see the movie because he was thatgood.To sumerise, don't bother

snivellinggit (23 April 2012)

Retardedly awful

The movie was merely okay for the first 20 minutes or so. Totallypredictable and cliché, but watchable. At the point the the maincharacter, who's only claim to fame is being a marine widower kills thekendo master in a katana duel, the movie just got moronic. From theevil villainess's change of heart that would rival the idiocy of theBaroness falling for Duke, to the terrible montage glossing over themore interesting looking fight scenes, the movie robs the viewer of anyentertainment, despite the pornographic violence and the T&A.Sam Jackson knocks it out the park with his contemptuous performance.It's clearly a mailed in effort, which is all this movie deserves.

David Nusair (22 April 2012)

An absolutely, astonishingly incompetent piece of work...

toudi (21 April 2012)

Grade B movie with Samuel L. Jackson!

It is so sad when a great actor ends up in grade B movie. But even ifit happened to Cuba Gooding Jr. I have never imagined that Samuel L.Jackson could fall so low. Although he never seemed very picky if youremember "Deep Blue Sea" or "Home of the Brave" but he was alwayssuccessful in choosing movies of at least moderate quality. And to behonest his flicks always get better ratings than they should which isnot surprising, he is one of the most likable and charismatic actors inHollywood. I always wonder can the actors predict how awful a movie isgoing to be before signing up for it. The answer more and more oftenseems to be they can't. The first question an actor should ask theproducer is how high is the budget then they should really carefullyread the script. The choice between acting in one good movie every twoyears or in three mediocre ones a year should be obvious. But it's not!Arena's budget surprisingly isn't that bad what it lacks most of allwas a good screenplay! And it's the combination of first time directorand inexperienced first time writers that made it a grade B movie.

miketaylor2007 (21 April 2012)

Great fun if you want to see a movie with lots of fighting and blood

This was a damn entertaining movie for the guy who loves fightingfilms. I thought Arena was great and I have nothing but good things tosay about it. Samuel knew this was really good too or he would havenever done it in the first place. I know when I turn on a fightingmovie I don't want to experience deep emotions and have myself a goodcry. I want to see a man beat another man's face in. I want brutality,I want violence, and this delivered. Seeing Samuel L Jackson play thevillain is nice for a change and he does a fantastic job. Arena is kindsimilar to The Condemned. I don't want to give away any spoilers, butgive this one a chance if you love fighting and gore. Sleepless inSeattle is for crying yourself to sleep at night, Arena is for anaction packed gorefest of fights to the death. 10/10 because it was myfavourite fight movie of 2011.

cukofest (19 April 2012)

Modern gladiators...

I do like the concept of this film, the idea isn't exactly fresh butputs gladiator fights in new modern environment.The film starts out quite promising however the potential fadessomewhat with the second fight and really drops during the middle part(fights from 3 to 7). During those scenes I felt like their onlypurpose was to add minutes to the film. I think 10 fights is way toomuch. 5 full fights each with good choreography and a few slow motionhits would do the trick I think. David's many wounds heal unrealistically quick. I also find the suddenchange in David's personality really odd/unnatural, I guess some of itcan be explained by the whole undercover operation. Still I get thefeeling that he mixed a few of his priorities and that he even likedall the killing and sex (ok, I know, what's not to like about thesecond). I think he didn't express enough of the burden of taking(innocent) lives. I was surprised somewhat by the twist at the end, butI still cant figure out how did Samuel L. Jackson manage to escape fromthe building surrounded by police.Overall I think this movie is an average and nothing special really. Istill had some fun watching it and Marcelle Baer really gave some spiceto it. To unlock it's potential greatness however I'm afraid it wouldneed a little more than just a few finishing touches.

Elijah Houchins (18 April 2012)

I over rated to compensate for the hate.

This film was pure art that most failed to recognize. If you haven'tseen the film yet, I encourage you to watch it before seeing the restmy review because realization will further enrich the film for yourather than me telling you this.The film showed sequences of people watching and making rude commentsat the gory fights which I took as a beautiful mirror that was supposedto show that you were doing the same thing. You may have related to thedisgusted girl or maybe you were more like the casually watchingbusinessman. Or maybe you didn't relate to anyone and the symbol fellon deaf ears. Irregardless, the stage design was great and the effectscomplimented it in how the bad guys used a green screen to generatetheir backdrops. The acting was great and there were few lines. I saythis as a positive since the lines used were poetic and thoughtprovoking(except the college students, although I liked how accurate itwas to reality). The use of silence was supposed to make you feeldisconnected, trapped.I have so much more good to say, but I don't want it to be toodisproportionate to the negative. The story was highly predictablesince I knew how it would end from the very beginning. The characterswere mostly flat, even the main one I would have trouble consideringround.Overall, a good film. I would consider it a guy movie, but that's mygender stereotyping kicking in. If you hate it, so be it. Don't call ita bad movie though, I've seen some pretty bad movies and this onedoesn't even come close to their level. Just don't go into it thinkingyou're about to see the best movie ever, because it has it's faults.Enjoy.