by Rosa Parra
The Running Man is co-written and directed by Edgar Wright. It stars Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Katy O’Brian, with Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin.
In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated television show. In this deadly competition, contestants known as “Runners” must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Every move is broadcast to a bloodthirsty public, and each day brings a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. However, Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not only the Hunters but also a nation addicted to watching his fall.
The trailer and sneak peek preview at CinemaCon earlier this year sparked my interest. Edgar Wright has become one of my favorite directors, so when it was announced that he was directing this film, I was naturally excited. Not having any experience with previous adaptations or having read the original book, Wright’s film serves as my introduction to this world—a world I don’t intend to revisit, but one that entertained me for much of its runtime.
Let’s begin with what works. Glen Powell is our modern-day action star. He exudes charisma and charm, showcasing strong acting abilities that allow him to portray a range of emotions. He excels as Ben Richards, a father willing to do anything for his daughter’s treatment and medicine, which feels relatable and believable. His anger and frustration towards a rigged system are palpable. Moreover, his vulnerability towards other contestants and those who assist him comes off as genuine rather than forced, making him a compelling underdog. However, while Powell delivers a charismatic performance, it is Colman Domingo who leaves a lasting impression. Although Domingo appears in the film for a limited time, his on-screen presence is magnetic, and I found it hard to look away. The camera loves Domingo, and he reciprocates that love, captivating the audience throughout. Josh Brolin also delivers a strong performance as the main antagonist, and Michael Cera, who has worked with Wright in the past, stands out as well.
The narrative risks being perceived as overly obvious in its social and political commentary. This world is distinctly divided between the rich and the poor, further exacerbated by media that dictates to audiences what to think, how to behave, and ultimately how to earn money by hunting contestants or revealing their whereabouts. This dynamic serves as a reminder of how we’ve been manipulated by those in power. Seeing everyday workers pitted against each other for entertainment is a troubling reflection of reality. While we might dismiss such scenarios as mere sci-fi, we are closer to that reality than we care to admit. Our government manipulates the media to fuel divisions among us, and the nitpicking and distortion of information regarding contestants is infuriating to witness.
The action sequences are reminiscent of thrillers from the 1980s and 1990s. They were well-executed and kept me engaged throughout. However, I struggled most with the film’s inability to establish a clear tone, or at least to stick to one consistently. Edgar Wright is known for blending genres seamlessly, but here it seems he was restricted from incorporating his traditional stylistic tropes effectively, which was disappointing. The film also falters in delivering a satisfying ending. While the buildup is strong, the climax feels anticlimactic and falls flat.
Overall, The Running Man falls short of delivering a truly exciting action thriller. Instead, it presents a straightforward underdog story with action sequences sprinkled with random, ineffective jokes. Though it has its missteps, it manages to be an entertaining enough action flick that crosses the finish line.
Rating: 6/10