Log in / Sign up
 
    Share this page

    The Running Man

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

    Is “The Running Man” a film that’s so bad it’s good, or a self-aware spoof of 80’s action movies? It’s hard to tell, but I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt and say that it is intentionally funny, but also flawed.

    After the 2017 worldwide economic collapse (we’re only in February; there's still time), America has been a totalitarian police state. All forms of media and entertainment are censored and the most popular show on television is “The Running Man”, in which convicted criminals must fight for their lives against “stalkers”, larger-than-life gladiator-like personalities. Host Damon Killian (Richard Dawson, perfect in the role) selects wrongfully imprisoned Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) for the show, prompting the resistance to recruiting Richards in order to take down the barbaric program once and for all.

    You can’t talk about this film without discussing the two main characters: Richard Dawson as the cruel, disdainful, manipulative Killian, and one-liner spewing beefcake Richards. This picture is rough around the edges, with some questionable developments, goofy-looking costumes, a number of bad performances and a dated story, but I can’t imagine a remake being successful without Richard Dawson. Even if you’ve never seen “Family Feud”, there’s something about the actor that you’re drawn to. He knows exactly how to handle this demented role. More often than not, he steals the show. Good thing, as this time around, Schwarzenegger is particularly wooden. I estimate at least 40% of the former bodybuilder’s dialogue is composed of tone-deaf one-liners. Some are genuinely funny, most are so bad you feel like you’re watching “Batman and Robin” again.

    “The Running Man” is in the same vein as trashy entertainment like “Death Race 2000”. It relies heavily on making you laugh at the sickness on-screen, throws in plenty of action to distract you and explores a plot so lurid no self-respecting Hollywood director would dare touch it and no audience would dare turn away. It’s not a great movie in terms of production, writing, and certainly not performances. Even María Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez, an innocent bystander turned ally of the resistance, is only ok in the role.

    You’ll be laughing at and laughing with “The Running Man” and even die-hard fans will admit that there are some aspects of it that could be improved. I'm still going to call it a good movie. When it's funny, it's hilarious and the action entertains. It’s goofy fun and on the right day, that’s exactly what the doctor ordered. (Theatrical version on the big screen, February 6, 2017)

    7
    HelpfulNot helpful  Reply
    adamwatchesmovies@  20.2.2017 age: 26-35 2,867 reviews

    Show all reviews for this movie
    Note: The movie review posted on this page reflects a personal opinion of one user. We are not responsible for its content.

    Did you see ''The Running Man''?

    There is a problem with your e-mail address and we are unable to communicate with you. Please go to My Account to update your email.

    How do you rate this movie?

    Select stars from 1 to 10.
    10 - A masterpiece, go, see it now
    9 - Excellent movie, a must see
    8 - Great movie, don't miss it
    7 - Good movie, worth seeing
    6 - Not bad, could be much better
    5 - So so, okay if you don't pay
    4 - Not good, even if you don't pay
    3 - Poor movie, not recommended
    2 - Very bad, forget about it
    1 - Worst ever, avoid at all costs

    Please explain. Write your comment here:

    Please choose a username to sign your comments. Only letters, digits, dash - or period. Minimum 4 characters.

    Your age and sex:

    We publish all comments, except abusive, at our discretion.