Archenemy (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Archenemy is a 2020 action adventure film directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer, starring Joe Manganiello as Max Fist, Paul Scheer and Amy Seimetz. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $147,757 worldwide. Critics gave it 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.0/10. Stream it on Hoopla and Plex, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Adam Egypt Mortimer
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- RLJE Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Archenemy About?
The premise of Archenemy without spoilers.
Joe Manganiello stars as Max Fist, a mysterious figure claiming to be a superhero from another planet whose powers have diminished after traveling through a wormhole. He captivates a young man with extraordinary stories of his past, but their lives are unexpectedly threatened by a dangerous drug cartel. Driven by a desire for redemption and recognition, Max uses his remaining abilities to confront the cartel and deliver a harsh brand of justice, while also searching for answers about his past and lost abilities.
Archenemy Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- hero
- one word title
- open ended
- animated sequence
- no opening credits
- written by director
- electronic music score
- superhero
- non comic book superhero
- urban fantasy
- psychotronic film
- surrealism
+38 more Show fewer
- blue blood
- flashback
- montage
- darkness
- neo noir
- urban setting
- ghetto
- african american
- dreadlocks
- reference to william shakespeare
- villainess
- revelation
- murder
- death
- violence
- kidnapping
- hostage
- held at gunpoint
- rescue
- escape
- deception
- double cross
- blood
- blood splatter
- ambush
- slow motion scene
- city
- action hero
- anti hero
- one man army
- tough guy
- warrior
- homeless man
- homeless person
- homelessness
- beer
- alcoholic
- drunkenness
Where to Watch Archenemy
Stream it on Hoopla and Plex, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Archenemy Cast & Characters
Joe Manganiello leads the cast as Max Fist, with Paul Scheer as Krieg and Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik. Directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer; 12 actors are credited in all.
- Director Adam Egypt Mortimer
-
Joe Manganiello as Max Fist -
Paul Scheer as Krieg -
Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik -
Glenn Howerton as The Manager
Also Starring in Archenemy
· 8 more- Mac Brandt Decker
- Joseph D. Reitman Finn
- Zolee Griggs Indigo
- Skylan Brooks Hamster
- Christopher Guyton Bartender
- Kieran Gallagher Gregor Longman
- Luis Kelly-Duarte Comic Store Owner
- Amje Elharden Mask Man
Archenemy Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Archenemy 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).
Archenemy Echo Score Breakdown
Archenemy delivers an inventive take on superhero tropes with notable visual flair but struggles to maintain consistent narrative engagement. Critics highlighted its bold production design and energetic direction, while many viewers found the story underdeveloped and predictable. Performances by the leads receive praise for bringing integrity and grit to underwritten characters. The film’s sensory elements stand out, though uneven pacing and limited emotional growth undermine broader appeal. Net impression: a stylish yet uneven genre effort that engages in moments but falls short of lasting impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, Archenemy demonstrates a vivid visual identity through its production design and direction. The film’s blending of comic-book animation and gritty action sequences creates a distinctive aesthetic. Editing choices underscore frenetic moments, even if transitions occasionally feel abrupt. Overall, the movie achieves a memorable stylistic presence that largely compensates for occasional lapses in visual cohesion.
- Character & Emotion 65
When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from committed performances that inject authenticity into the lead roles. Actors navigate the material with conviction, lending moments of emotional resonance despite limited character development. Chemistry between protagonists adds a grounded counterpoint to the heightened premise. While depth is uneven, the ensemble’s integrity and flair make the characters engaging in key scenes.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of story and flow, Archenemy offers an original premise that initially intrigues but loses momentum as it progresses. Pacing oscillates between dynamic set pieces and slower narrative stretches, resulting in an uneven rhythm. Plot coherence is challenged by underexplored concepts, and the resolution feels predictable rather than surprising. Ultimately, the film’s narrative ambition is appreciable but falls short of full engagement.
- Sensory Experience 80
Regarding sensory experience, the film excels with a standout soundtrack and bold sound design that amplify its comic-book atmosphere. Musical choices punctuate action sequences, while visual styling employs a vibrant color palette and varied textures. The integration of trap beats and retro sci-fi motifs creates an immersive soundscape. These elements combine to deliver a cohesive audiovisual identity that remains a highlight of the viewing experience.
- Rewatch Factor 40
In terms of rewatch factor, Archenemy offers limited appeal for repeat viewings due to its narrative shortcomings. While initial engagement arises from the intriguing concept and stylistic energy, the underdeveloped storyline and predictable outcome diminish lasting interest. Character arcs provide sporadic returns, but emotional resonance is insufficient to sustain multiple passes. Overall, the film’s uneven depth curtails replay value.
-
IMDb 5.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 76% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 47%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 57 Metascore
User score 6.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 52% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.6 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Archenemy Box Office
Archenemy grossed $147,757 worldwide. $121,642 came from the US and Canada and $26,115 (18%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$147.8K
- US & Canada
- $121.6K
- International
- $26.1K
Archenemy Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Archenemy.
Cars in Archenemy
20 cars on screen, including the 2017 Aston Martin DB11 and the 1976 Chevrolet El Camino.
-
2017 Aston Martin DB11 Important role -
1976 Chevrolet El Camino Important role -
1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Important role -
2005 Ford Mustang Minor role
Archenemy Also Known As
12 alternative titles, including “아치에너미” and “要敌”.
- Also known as
-
- 아치에너미
- 要敌
- Макс Фіст
- Макс Фист
- 맥스 피스트
- Супергерой от друго измерение
- האויב המושבע
- Arcywróg
- ミュータント:マックス
- Úhlavní nepřítel
- Úhlavný nepriateľ
- Smrtni sovražnik
Seen Archenemy?
Movies Like Archenemy
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Avenging Fist, Xtreme and Avenging Force.
Archenemy FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Archenemy, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Archenemy?
Archenemy runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was Archenemy released?
Archenemy was released on December 11, 2020.
Who directed Archenemy?
Archenemy was directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer.
More films by Adam Egypt Mortimer Who is in the cast of Archenemy?
Archenemy stars Joe Manganiello as Max Fist, Paul Scheer as Krieg and Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik, among 12 credited actors.
Where can I watch Archenemy?
In the US, Archenemy is streaming on Hoopla, Plex and The Roku Channel and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Archenemy make at the box office?
Archenemy grossed $147,757 worldwide ($121,642 domestic, $26,115 international).
How is Archenemy rated?
Archenemy has 5.0/10 on IMDb, 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57 on Metacritic and 52% on TMDB.
Does Archenemy have a post-credit scene?
No. Archenemy has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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