The Running Man is a remake of the 1987 film of the same name and the novel by Stephen King. It is set in a dystopian future of the United States that is basically run by a mega corporation that controls the police and all media. For the non elite, life is incredibly hard, and the basics of life, especially medicine are incredibly expensive and out of reach. The idea of reality television has now gone peak exploitation and is full of real violence but large prizes entice vulnerable people to risk their lives for the chance of a huge windfall and an escape from their awful lives.
One of those people is Ben Richards (Glen Powell), an out of work father who lives in a slum with his wife Sheila (Jayme Lawson) and ailing daughter. In order to find the money to take his daughter to a real doctor, Richards signs up as a contestant on the brutally murderous game show The Running Man. If he survives 30 days without being killed he will win $1 billion dollars. No one has ever managed to survive, and the corporation rigs the rules to aid its band of hunters to kill the participants.
This film is one hell of a slick ride. The action sequences and fight scenes are brilliantly filmed and well choreographed and the performances by the cast are top notch.
Powell is the quintessential leading man. Ruggedly handsome and masculine, but capable of showing tenderness and emotion. He is at the top of his game right now and definitely the star of this show. Lee Pace and Josh Brolin give very credible and chilling performances as the principle baddies. Colman Domingo at Bobby T, the host of this sinister game show, delivers a clever depiction of a remarkably charming yet ruthless TV personality.
There are nods to popular culture going berserk including an over the top reality show that looks remarkably similar to a real life celebrity family. The film also makes its political leanings very clear – this is definite dig at the use of deep fakes, the take over of media by oligarchs, and how lying has taken over politics.
Whatever your political bent however, this is a well acted and fantastically filmed move and one hell of a good watch.
THE RUNNING MAN
Starring: Glen Powell, Wiliam H Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Josh Brolin, Jayme Lawson
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Duration: 133 minutes
In New Zealand cinemas 13 November 2025
