December 5, 2025 – The movies are now largely populated by sequels, remakes, reboots, clones and other rehashes of familiar genre themes. “The Running Man,” originally released in 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a mediocre action film. This remake is better than that.

Some reasons the remake is better are a better lead actor, a better director (Edgar Wright of “Last Night in Soho” (2021) better visual effects, and a story about a dystopian future that seems much closer to becoming real than it did back in 1987.

In addition to directing this film, Wright is also listed as a writer, along with Stephen King (based on his novel) and Michael Bacall (“21 Jump Street”) Wright and Bacall add a number of dark comedy elements to this story that make it more enjoyable.

Glen Powell (“Twisters”) stars as Ben Richards, the running man. He signs up for a reality TV show, even though no contestant has ever survived the Running Man show. The first part of the movie shows why Richards is desperate enough to agree to this near-certain death deal, and it has to do with money and the high cost of health care for his daughter Cathy (played by Alyssa and Sienna Benn) who is ill. Richards agrees to play the game to provide a better life for Cathy and his wife, Sheila (Jayme Lawson of “Sinners”).

Richards is betrayed at the start of the game by network executive Dan Killian (Josh Brolin of the Avengers movies) and by the host of the game show, Bobby T (Coleman Domingo of “Sing Sing”) who fabricate stories and videos to make him seem like a villain. During the time Richards is on the run, the show makes up more fake stories and fake videos to make him seem even more villanous.

Making Richards look like a villain is part of the strategy used to keep him, and the other contestants from winning the $1 billion prize, because members of the public can win prizes for killing the Running Man. In addition, there is a kill squad from the Running Man production that is also hunting him.

Even with all that against him, Richards is resilient and smart, so he eludes his many pursuers for a time. He also gets some help from some people who want to see him win. Two anti-establishment rebels help him, Bradley Throckmorton (Daniel Ezra of “National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night”) and Elton Parrakis (played by Michael Cera of “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”). Parrakis takes so much pleasure in watching Richards pursuers fall into his elaborate “Home Alone” style traps, he almost neglects to get Richards to safety.

Richards also gets some help from old friend Molie (William H. Macy of “The Lincoln Lawyer”) who runs an underground illegal business. Richards also kidnaps a woman, Amelia Williams (Emilia Jones of “CODA”) who learns the truth of the Running Man game while on the run with Richards. Some of those who help Richards pay the ultimate price for doing so.

Richards gradually is inspired by the dedication and bravery of the rebels against the network. He eventually becomes the titular head of the rebellion. His anger against the Network is his super power. Richards angry character reminded me of the crazy agent Lucas Reyes, played by Josh Hartnett in “Fight or Flight” (2024). His anger against the network and his love for his wife and child motivate him to be a powerful survivor.

This is an above-average action movie that is aided by solid performances and a clever script, as well as by state of the art special effects. A bit of humor injected into the story also helps make it more palatable. This is an action movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's a good thing. It rates a C+.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff (no extra charges apply). I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2025 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at