In 2017, the global economy has crashed. Everything, including food and resources like oil, is in limited supply. Both the police and the military hold power and control, enforcing the rules. This government also owns and operates television programs, including a disturbing game show called The Running Man, which is currently the highest-rated program on air. The Running Man is a live broadcast where selected individuals must try to survive while being hunted by ruthless killers. Any form of resistance against the state remains hidden from the public.
After refusing orders to kill unarmed women and children, a law enforcement officer named Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is suspended and framed for a crime he didn’t commit. After serving eighteen months in prison, he escapes with a few of his newly made friends. However, Ben’s freedom is short-lived. The Running Man is struggling to maintain its ratings, and Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), the ruthless host and producer of the show, is forced to find new ways to keep it successful. When he sees Ben’s escape on live television, he demands that Ben be captured and forced to become the newest contestant.
Now, Ben is thrown into a sadistic game filled with deadly stalkers, each a killer thirsty for blood. While survival and freedom are the ultimate goals, Killian has no intention of letting Ben escape alive. Can Ben outwit and defeat each deadly opponent, and more importantly, can he reclaim his freedom once and for all?
Combining multiple genres such as action, thriller, sci-fi, and comedy, particularly from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s many cheesy one-liners, The Running Man is an entertaining blast from start to finish. The first act moves at an incredible pace, and it doesn’t take long before our leading hero is forced into a deadly game. The film’s sci-fi concepts and visuals are a significant strength, showcasing a gritty vision of the year 2017, as envisioned in the future. Its world is dark and atmospheric, with highly futuristic touches, including the unique clothing worn by many of the characters. The Running Man game itself is straightforward yet inventive. While modern audiences have seen similar concepts countless times, this was bold, exciting, and fresh back in 1987.
Starting with the simple premise of our hero being wrongly accused immediately earns Ben the audience’s support. Ben is a likable protagonist, though it’s hard to ignore that many of his corny, cheesy one-liners will either make viewers laugh or cringe. Personally, I found the one-liners funny, with Arnold Schwarzenegger bringing a playful edge to the film’s otherwise serious tone, violence, and gore. While some lines are undeniably poorly delivered, I can’t help but enjoy them, especially when the film seems to be taking itself seriously. This contrast is particularly noticeable during Ben’s introduction, which sets the tone for his character perfectly.
While Arnold Schwarzenegger brings a likable and charismatic presence, the film’s biggest disappointment is its villain, who comes across as silly and weak rather than menacing or significant. The final confrontation is also underwhelming, wrapping up far too quickly instead of delivering the intense showdown audiences might expect. Many scenes featuring the villain’s interactions with audience members, as well as the musical numbers and dance sequences on The Running Man show, feel dull and even painful to sit through. While the soundtrack complements the on-screen action, it occasionally feels repetitive, contributing to the uneven pacing.
Overall, The Running Man is packed with sci-fi flair and bloody action, delivering pure, brainless entertainment. Naturally, the highlight of the film is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s endless supply of cheesy one-liners. He remains likable throughout, while the movie delivers plenty of fun action, futuristic concepts, and unapologetic violence. The film also boasts some creative touches that make its vision of the future stand out.. On the downside, the villain is easily the weakest element, given far more screen time than necessary and lacking the menace to make him truly memorable. Still, if you’re looking for a brainless ride loaded with quotable one-liners, a corny yet fitting soundtrack, and plenty of gore, this is one worth viewing!
7.1/10
23rd November 2022
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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Our opinion on this feature has also been submitted to Rotton Tomatoes (Audiences Score*).
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