The Running Man

Set in a decaying near-future, The Running Man centers on the worlds most popular and lethal reality show. With a simple premise, survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins and a bloodthirsty public for a massive cash prize. Following Ben Richards, played by Glen Powell, a man pushed to the edge by a failing system. Driven by the desperate need to fund medical care for his dying daughter, Richards accepts an offer from the show’s ruthless producer to become a "Runner."

The reimagining of this film successfully pivoted away from the neon-soaked camp of the 1987 Schwarzenegger classic, opting instead for a thriller that honored Stephen King’s original novel. There were great themes around consumerism, media consumption and how it can be used to manipulate a population, all which felt quite relevant in today’s day and age. I thought it was ironic that Stephen King set his 1982 novel for the year 2025. The film exceled at world-building, and I definitely picked up on the heavy Hunger Games vibes which wasn’t surprising given that King’s source material helped birth the "deadly game" genre.

If there were any doubts about Glen Powell’s status as a powerhouse lead, this film put them to rest. Powell brought a grounded, blue-collar intensity to Ben Richards that made him instantly easy to root for. He balanced the physical demands of the role with a weary, emotional core that kept the stakes feeling personal rather than just spectacle-driven.

The film had a refreshingly diverse cast. However, while the representation was appreciated, the script left something to be desired in terms of depth for its supporting characters of color, who often felt more like plot catalysts than fully realized people.

At times, the dialogue leaned into corny territory but thankfully, the plot was so lean and easy to follow that these moments of cheese didn’t derail the momentum. I also thought that the twist toward the end was clever and helped to elevate the story beyond a simple "cat and mouse" chase.

In the end, The Running Man is a rare remake that justifies its existence by returning to its roots that Stephen King fans have long asked for. It’s a solid, high-octane thriller that proves the 1982 novel still has plenty of teeth in the 21st century. While it isn’t without its stumbles, it’s a fun ride that felt relevant in our modern media landscape.