The Running Man (2025) – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Running Man (2025) – Family and Blood: It is all a Game Show

Rehash and repeat, it is the norm in the world of film.  No matter the story or genre, that idea of a new coat of paint can feel like a refreshing perspective, but that originality will be lost to the wind.  For all that can be, there is hope of some kind of enjoyment.  In this review, I look at an adaption of an old 80’s action film.  From a unique director comes a journey of hardy themes and action.  For all that seems typical, The Running Man (2025) is a journey of one man, one game and the ultimate prize. 

Against all odds, one man will join a game show where he puts his life on the line … in hopes for a better life for his family.  Adaptations are a juggling act of themes, characters and original thought.  For all that is built (from source material), it is a cautionary tale of bringing new flavors to the obviousness.  With this film, Edgar Wright (Writer/Director) dances to a twofold approach: a creative eye with this latest iteration while keeping the heart of the original Stephen King Novel.  In the beginning, we have a general introduction to Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a man who has been blacklisted and is trying to find a way to support his wife and sick child.  After a series of conversational moments, Richards decides the only path for financial security is to become a contestant for the world’s popular game shows.  After an action montage, Richards has been selected for the deadliest of game shows: The Running Man.  After a slew of character introductions (you can view the list of actors/actresses on the film’s IMdb page – link), we are thrust in a survivalist journey built upon a hero’s quest foundation.  As Richards uses all the tools at his disposal to survive, each moment becomes an alluring mixture of characterization, world-building and dystopian like themes.  Through our main character, we get a gritty look at the personal and fragile aspects of this world.  There are thrills and bombastic action sequences, but each piece provides hints at something looming on the horizon.  Within this open-ended feeling comes a sense of possibilities, but that sense starts to unravel under the weight of its potential.

As Richards continues to survive each encounter, the closer he gets to the 30-day mark alludes to a sinister element at play.  As new things are interjected into the journey, it becomes a web of forced plot fodder.  For all the good that was introduced, the story starts to unravel under too many ideas.  As we  reach that pivotal crossroads, we head into a third act of high-octane action, and a climax that is typical of this type of film.  The Running Man (2025) is adaptation that never takes risk to be its own thing.  If you are a fan of Stephen King or action films, there might be some fun here for you.  This can be a good time at the theaters, for the right price.

Full Score – 3 out of 5 (Theater Discount)