Review: 'The Running Man' is a neon-drenched, '80s throwback that knows exactly what it is, but it's been reimagined with a modern twist.
As a kid, I was a huge fan of '80s action movies, especially those starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I'd watch his movies over and over, from 'Predator' to 'The Terminator'. But my favorite was 'The Running Man', a film that felt like a universal classic to me until I discovered it was a box office flop. Fast forward to now, and a new version of 'The Running Man' is out, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. It's a remake, but not in the traditional sense. It all started as a novella by Stephen King, then became the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, and now it's back with a sleek, stylized action thriller.
The new 'The Running Man' sticks closer to King's original story, with Glen Powell playing Ben Richards, a man forced to compete in a brutal televised death game. The movie is dystopian and ridiculous, but this time, we understand why Richards is running. His motives are emotional, human, and painfully relevant. Powell's portrayal captures the vulnerability and desperation that were missing in the original. For the first time, I actually cared about why the Running Man was running.
Edgar Wright's signature style is all over the new movie. He brings energy, rhythm, and a visual wit that makes his films instantly recognizable. While 'The Running Man' is a different genre for Wright, with less comedy and more action thriller, his DNA is all over it. There's humor, oddball characters, quick-fire dialogue, and a killer soundtrack. Music drives the movie, creating a pulse-pounding sense of rhythm that turns the action into art.
Glen Powell is pretty likable, continuing his streak of being one of Hollywood's most charismatic actors. His Ben Richards is a mix of cocky charm and surprising emotional depth. He's not a muscle-bound superhero, but he's incredibly smart, scrappy, and relatable. It's a great modernization of the archetype that Arnold made famous.
The new take on 'The Running Man' feels like an '80s movie without trying to be one. Wright clearly loves the original film, and his homage is respectful without being derivative. The movie is gritty, colorful, and full of 'future tech' that looks like it was ripped straight out of a 1986 Radio Shack catalog. There's a tactile charm to it; real sets, tangible props, glowing buttons, analog monitors. The action feels grounded even in a high-tech world.
The action delivers from the first chase scene, with relentless pacing and a variety of environments and opponents. Wright's direction keeps things kinetic but coherent, and the constant danger, betrayal, and uncertainty about who can be trusted adds a layer of tension that keeps you invested.
However, the movie is a bit long and silly at times. Some of the slower character moments work, but others feel indulgent. And yes, it's hokey in places, with a few eye-rolling moments and lines that seem pulled straight from a comic book. But that's kind of the point. 'The Running Man' doesn't pretend to be a masterpiece; it knows exactly what it is: loud, colorful, and unapologetically ridiculous.
'The Running Man' is not for everyone. It's over-the-top, occasionally nonsensical, and proudly weird. But for fans of '80s-style action movies, that's exactly the appeal. If you grew up loving 'Total Recall,' 'RoboCop,' or 'Escape from New York,' this is a love letter to that era.
Parents should know that 'The Running Man' is rated R and doesn't shy away from it. The movie is gritty and dark, with a lot of violence, blood, and killing. The depravity of humanity and the fact that they love watching people run for their lives on television, only to be hunted down and murdered, also earn the rating.
In conclusion, 'The Running Man' is a pulse-pounding, neon-soaked action flick with just enough heart to keep you hooked and just enough absurdity to make you grin. It's Edgar Wright doing something different but still distinctly him, and Glen Powell proving he can carry a full-blown blockbuster. It's a welcome reminder that not every action movie needs to be self-serious to be great.
'The Running Man' is rated R for violence, language, and thematic content.
