Review -- The Running Man (2025)

                                    

A remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger action vehicle, this Edgar Wright movie is an excellent version of Stephen King's original story. It is also much more faithful to the source material, serving up timely satire with unrelenting, kinetic action.

In a futuristic United States - is it really that far in the future, I ask you - Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is a desperate man. Needing money for medication for his sick baby daughter, Richards decides to audition for a variety of reality shows that test limits of humanity and morality. In the process, he catches the attention of sleazy executive producer Ben Killian (Josh Brolin), who convinces him to compete on The Running Man, the show that sees 'runners' being hunted by the entire country and the television network's elite team of hunters. After Richards reluctantly joins the show, he soon becomes a fan favorite and a danger to the system...     

The movie does a fantastic job with its reality show satire - Americanos, anyone? - and incorporating modern technology such as drones into the story. Updating a world that King foresaw back in 1982, Wright nestles it in our own reality show culture, otherwise known as King's novel on steroids. People are ready to debase themselves and put themselves in danger for money, simply because the corrupt system does not allow them to succeed. Sound familiar? The story's sharp analysis of torture masquerading as entertainment in a world of dystopian machinations is timely as ever.  

As far as the narrative goes, the part with the hostage could have been more fleshed out and a little shorter since it occasionally feels a bit tacked on, but the message is clear - if one is not part of the uprising, they are part of the problem. I also need to mention the innovative action scenes, such as the grenade sequence and the plane sequence. They are insane, to put it mildly - well choreographed, dynamic and endlessly engaging.

The cast is well chosen. Powell has an easygoing charisma that serves him well in the role, showing his star power as the determined, rebellious and sarcastic Richards, and also showing his action chops. He is one of the most versatile actors working today. Brolin is terrific as the cruel and smarmy Killian, and his scenes with Powell abound with chemistry; I do wish that the two actors would re-team in the future. Along with Powell, Colman Domingo is the standout as The Running Man host Bobby Thompson, a loud and flashy personality who is well aware of what the network is selling to the masses and of his role in the chaos. On that note, I am glad to see the original character of Killian split into two equally intriguing ones, in large part due to Brolin and Domingo's talents. 

As far as the rest of the supporting cast goes, Michael Cera is quirky and effective as underestimated activist Elton Parrakis who helps Ben out along the way, while Emilia Jones is appropriately in fish-out-of-water mode as a bystander who unwillingly becomes part of the "game". Lee Pace is menacing as the mysterious hunter team leader and Katy O'Brian reunites with her Twisters co-star Powell as a fellow and rather hedonistic contestant on the show.

In this era of political division, endless corruption and reality shows that threaten to overtake television and that often slide away from any moral compass, The Running Man was ripe for a remake. This version is stunning, entertaining and meaningful, showcasing spectacular action and thought-provoking satire with every dialogue. If you want a pleasant surprise and one of the best remakes of the last decade, this is it.

8/10