I absolutely loved director Edgar Wright‘s new take on “The Running Man,” which is easily one of the most entertaining Stephen King adaptations I’ve seen in years. Everything about this movie worked for me, from the casting (Glen Powell absolutely owns the lead role), the visual style, the exciting action scenes, and the updated touches to the story. This one has the feel of a big summer blockbuster that’s stuck in theaters during the holiday season.
The plot is simple. Ben has a history of insubordination and angry outbursts, and he’s finding it harder and harder to keep a job. With a sick baby and a wife (Jayme Lawson) working double shifts at the club, he takes matters into his own hands and joins a sadistic game show where contestants get a massive payday if they can successfully evade the hunters hired to kill them. Ben has just 30 days to survive, and he definitely makes plenty of mistakes along the way. It’s a story that blends elements of “The Hunger Games,” “The Long Walk,” and “Battle Royale,” and it’s a plot that feels relevant in just about any time period throughout history (and the future).
That’s what really makes this version stand out. It takes the original’s dystopian themes and makes them feel not only timely but eerily prescient. The movie dives deep into topics like corporate control, economic inequality, and the manipulation of the masses through the media, but it never feels heavy-handed or overly preachy. Instead, the world it builds is loud, chaotic, and uncomfortably close to our own reality. From the skyrocketing costs of healthcare and housing to the constant bombardment of violent entertainment that numbs society’s moral compass, it’s clear that the social commentary is hitting hard (and hitting home). The film leans into the unsettling idea that this dystopian world isn’t as far away as we might think, and it does so in a way that feels both fresh and deeply critical of the current state of affairs.
The casting is near perfect, too. Every single role feels meticulously chosen, from Josh Brolin’s portrayal of the slick, ruthless game show producer who’s as calculating as he is dangerous, to the lineup of “Hunters” who are just the right amount of terrifying and over-the-top. Colman Domingo is spot-on as a larger-than-life entertainment personality and game show host Bobby T, and strong supporting turns from Emilia Jones, William H. Macy, and a scene-stealing Michael Cera are absolutely memorable in all the right ways. Carrying most of the film on his shoulders, Powell strikes the perfect balance of charm, grit, and sheer desperation. From the very first scene, you’re rooting for his character. The film clearly takes joy in turning the brutality of the game into a spectacle, and the casting perfectly reflects that.
On top of the sharp social critique, the action in this movie is harsh but stylish. The global manhunt aspect gives the story an almost epic scale, with high-stakes chase sequences that feel intense. The violence is also graphic and unrelenting, and Wright takes every advantage of the film’s R rating. The bloody brutality ties back to the film’s larger commentary on how society is desensitized to suffering, and how the masses are constantly seeking the next shocking spectacle. The flashy and gaudy game show format (complete with a manufactured media spin) creates a warped version of reality that gives a clever critique of how entertainment can be manipulated to exploit human suffering for profit.
But what’s truly impressive is how the film stays rooted in character despite the massive spectacle. Ben isn’t just running for his life, but he’s running for his family, his dignity, and for the chance to fight back against a system that has written him off as expendable. His evolution from a desperate underdog to an unexpected fan favorite makes his journey not just thrilling, but deeply satisfying. Watching Ben navigate the psychological and physical toll of the game adds layers to the film that elevate it beyond just another action-packed spectacle.
Violent and intense, “The Running Man” is a fantastic update of a classic King story. It’s entertaining, thought-provoking, and a real knockout that I can’t wait to watch again.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 