The Running Man is finally here, and boy, have we been thirsting for a kick-ass action flick since Tom Cruise gave us Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. Not only that, but with Cruise getting up there in age, a new hotshot will soon be taking on the reins of being our go-to action hero. The perfect candidate rose to the occasion in the form of Glen Powell in the new adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Running Man. Edgar Wright’s 2025 take is here after being highly anticipated since it was teased at this year’s CinemaCon. He is a perfect fit as director since he is known for his unique editing style and pop-culture savvy visuals that all culminate as a wild spectacle. With a catalogue that includes Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver, and Scott Pilgrim (love that Michael Cera is in this), Wright was the right (haha) man for the job.
At the center of the movie is Powell as Ben Richards, a man full of anger and grief who becomes the face of a brutal live-televised manhunt. His performance stands out, and she shows audiences and critics that he has what it takes to be a leading man. He can sell both breathless chase sequences and the quiet desperation of a father pushed to his limits. Love that there are subtle odes to the original that was released in 1987, which featured Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role.
His inclusion of the film carries it heavily, along with Wright’s whip cuts and punkish production design, mixed with a pop-heavy soundtrack that keeps the speed going when it’s at its peak. While there are some comedic moments and light-hearted pieces, the film doesn’t stray too far from the dark content that the source material possesses. It’s ironic to have a film depict a concept that is so outrageous, but yet, with the way society is today, it’s not far off from being possible (to a certain extent). Sure, we may not have killings on a game show, but the twisting of the messages that are spread through the media is definitely on point. The film pokes fun at our obsession with social media and entertainment so well that we can’t help but laugh and roll with it.
Colman Domingo’s showman-host adds a vivid and fun tone to the film, while Josh Brolin as Dan Killian adds a ruthless edge. I do wish we could have gotten a bit more from Brolin, as his dynamic with Powell was intense, and a fight would have been the cherry on top. The third act is where things slow down, and it drags quite a bit, almost as though the audience all squirmed in their seat at the same time since the rush had come to a halt. The fast pace the movie had begun with was ultimately lost towards the end. It’s so emotionally charged by Richard’s motive that you find yourself cheering for him to yourself because we’d most likely find ourselves making the same sacrifices for the ones we love.
Wright’s craftsmanship is admirable, and the mesh of satire and dystopia is fairly entertaining. The Running Man is enjoyable, wildly thrilling, and occasionally frustrating when you see the many times Richards for sure would have gotten shot in real life. The adrenaline rush is non-stop, and this is easily one of the most fun times you’ll have at a theater all year. Whether you’re a fan of the novel, Wright, or action flicks in general, you are definitely in for a treat with this one. It’s a propulsive ride that’s best experienced in a theater while you can.
Who would have thought the kid with the small role in Spy Kids would turn into our next Tom Cruise?
The Running Man hits theaters on November 14th
RT: 4/5
