‘The Running Man’ is an Uneven Ride

Glen Powell in The Running Man | Credit: Paramount Pictures

In a dystopian future, Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a man at the end of his rope, joins a game show where he is tasked with eluding hunters whose job is to kill him. If he survives 30 days, he will receive a life-changing amount of money.

This film rests almost entirely on Glen Powell’s shoulders, and he’s able to handle it well. He is charming when he needs to be, gruff and angry when the character calls for it, and filled with emotion as the gut punches just keep on coming. This man has been running for his life for days, subjected to yet another aspect of this incredibly unjust system, and you feel the exhaustion. You feel that this man has been pushed beyond his limit. 

Opposite Powell, as the faces of the network that controls everything from programming to government to corporations, are Colman Domingo as Bobby T, the flamboyant host of this TV show, and Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the executive behind it all. These two inhabit their roles perfectly. They each do what they need to do and create a beautiful contrast with Ben Richards, who is becoming a folk hero throughout the U.S.

Running Man is all about highlighting the evil that this corporation is doing and the way that it exploits the poor in order to get ratings, produce their unethical products (at the expense of the poor neighborhoods), and more. These three actors do an excellent job of embodying this class divide. The glitz and glamor of the TV studio is perfectly contrasted with the poor co-op that Ben and his family live in. The hotel room that the studio initially puts Ben in is the pinnacle of luxury, especially when compared to the other locations that he finds himself in throughout his time on the run. We feel the difference between the haves and the have-nots as Ben makes his way across town and through checkpoints, in order to audition to be on a show—any show—in order to get the money he needs for his daughter’s medication.

The film does a good job of showing us this divide and allowing us to feel the difference between these two worlds. But then it goes on to mention it again and again and again. Which leads me to my biggest problem with this film: the writing. 

Martin Herlihy, Glen Powell, and Katy O'Brian in The Running Man | Credit: Paramount Pictures

Edgar Wright has proven his ability in balancing humor and horror with films like Shaun of the Dead. We also see the balance of humor and action in Scott Pilgrim vs the World, so I was excited to see Wright take on this Stephen King story. Though I haven’t read the book (yet), I was curious to see what this talented director could do with this interesting and timely premise. 

For me, The Running Man tries to thread a needle between humor and the darkness of the story that doesn’t quite land. I either wanted this film to be more punchy and ridiculous, or I wanted it to be much darker than it ends up being. There are points where the film tries to lighten things up, but these moments felt out of place to me, like most of what Michael Cera is doing in this film. 

The subject matter in this film is incredibly dark, especially in 2025. The premise is that in a dystopian society, the poorest people allow themselves to be hunted and ultimately murdered in the hopes that they might win some money for their families. And the show is produced and distributed by an evil corporation that controls just about everything in this society. That is a really upsetting world to live in.

Add to the already disturbing premise a relatable character that you want to root for. This man has lived through various injustices and has tried to do the right thing, only to be punished for it. This man just wants to take care of his family and can find no other work—this is his only option. He’s beyond desperate. We feel that desperation throughout the film, but I wanted more of that.

There are some great moments where we’re able to see the horrors that have been wrought on other communities. It’s not just Ben who has been affected by this corporation, but everyone. But The Running Man doesn’t go far enough for me.

While I wanted a grittier or more hard-hitting film, I have to recognize that it is 2025. There is something to be said about directors trying to lighten the mood without shying away from an important message. Though The Running Man didn’t quite work for me, I appreciate Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall’s attempts at some levity.

After this year, we definitely need it. 

Josh Brolin and Glen Powell in The Running Man | Credit: Paramount Pictures

For me, The Running Man was just okay. The premise is interesting, the performances are engaging, and some of the action set pieces are really fun. I haven’t seen the original or read the novel yet, so I’m curious how my opinion may change once I have something to compare this film to. 

Still, if you’re looking for a high-action dystopian thriller, consider giving this a watch. And this is a great one to see in theaters, so you’re really able to experience the full effect of the sound design, which immerses you in this horrifying and tragic world.