Review by Jon Donnis
Edgar Wright's 2025 adaptation of The Running Man brings Stephen King's dystopian vision into a sleek, modern action thriller, but it is a strange mix of spectacle and missed opportunity. Set in a near-future United States ruled by a media network that pacifies the poor with violent game shows, the film follows Ben Richards, played with solid charm by Glen Powell, as he is coerced into the titular competition to save his sick daughter. Powell brings grit and determination to the role, making Ben both sympathetic and compelling as he navigates a deadly landscape populated by professional hunters and a bloodthirsty public. Josh Brolin is suitably menacing as Dan Killian, the charismatic producer who manipulates the game for maximum ratings, while Lee Pace's masked Hunter, Evan McCone, adds a cold, methodical threat that keeps the tension high. Supporting turns from Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, and William H. Macy provide light relief and a touch of humanity amidst the carnage.
The film is undeniably entertaining. Wright delivers some spectacular set pieces, from explosive firefights in Boston to high-speed chases through New York and tense sequences in isolated bunkers. Cinematography and visual effects are impressive, giving the world of The Running Man a polished, futuristic sheen, while the pacing rarely lets up. The narrative manages to balance personal stakes with wider social commentary, highlighting economic disparity and the dangers of media manipulation without feeling too heavy-handed. There is a satisfying arc in Ben's journey, culminating in a final confrontation that provides a clear sense of justice and catharsis.
But there are drawbacks. The film lacks memorable dialogue or quotable lines, and the villains, while competent, feel flat compared to the over-the-top antagonists of the 1987 version. Much of the humour and camp that made the original film so endearing has been removed, leaving a more serious, but also more forgettable, tone. The insertion of modern political commentary sometimes feels forced, undermining the otherwise thrilling spectacle. For fans of the original, these changes make the remake feel unnecessarily safe and polished, stripping away much of the charm that gave the 1987 Running Man its cult status.
The Running Man is a slick, fun film with solid performances and plenty of action, but it suffers from being a remake that removes the soul of its predecessor. It works as a popcorn movie and is enjoyable in its own right, yet it begs the question of why a modern update was necessary when a wholly original dystopian action story could have delivered the same excitement. Despite its flaws, it is still an entertaining watch, earning a fair 7 out of 10.
Out Now on Digital
