Edgar Wright’s 2025 take on The Running Man brings Stephen King’s dystopian world into a sleek, modern action thriller, though it is a curious mix of spectacle and missed opportunity. Set in a near-future United States dominated by a media network that distracts the poor with violent game shows, the story follows Ben Richards, played with steady charm by Glen Powell, who is forced into the deadly competition to save his sick daughter. Powell gives the character grit and heart, making him both relatable and compelling as he navigates a landscape filled with professional hunters and a bloodthirsty audience. Josh Brolin delivers menace as Dan Killian, the charismatic producer who manipulates the show for ratings, while Lee Pace’s masked Hunter, Evan McCone, offers a cold, calculated threat that keeps the tension sharp. Supporting roles from Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, and William H. Macy inject humour and humanity amid the chaos.
The film is undeniably entertaining. Wright delivers striking set pieces, from explosive firefights in Boston to high-speed chases through New York and tense sequences in isolated bunkers. Cinematography and visual effects give the world of The Running Man a polished, futuristic edge, and the pacing rarely relents. The narrative balances personal stakes with social commentary, touching on economic disparity and media manipulation without feeling overly heavy-handed. Ben’s journey builds to a satisfying climax, with a confrontation that offers both justice and catharsis.
However, the remake has its flaws. Dialogue rarely lingers in the memory, and the villains, though competent, lack the flamboyance of the 1987 version’s antagonists. Much of the humour and camp that made the original so memorable has been stripped away, leaving a more serious but less distinctive tone. Occasional modern political commentary feels forced, undercutting the otherwise thrilling spectacle. For fans of the original, the remake feels safe and overly polished, removing much of the charm that earned the first film its cult following.
The Running Man is slick, packed with action and anchored by strong performances, but it suffers from losing the soul of its predecessor. It works as a popcorn thriller and is enjoyable in its own right, yet it raises the question of why a remake was needed when an original dystopian action story could have delivered the same excitement. Still, it remains an entertaining watch, deserving a solid 7 out of 10.
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