The Running Man Spoiler-free Review

by Cineman and Deano

Cineman was joined by Deano to see a pre-release screening of The Running Man, the latest film by Edgar Wright.

CINEMAN

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man (2025) brings Stephen King’s dystopian vision back to the screen, this time with more fidelity to the original 1982 novel written under King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman. The story was first adapted into the cult 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, a gloriously over-the-top action spectacle that turned its social commentary into camp excess. Wright’s version takes a sharper turn toward the source material, grounding the narrative in the chaos of media exploitation and social collapse, though not without its own contradictions.

The film moves at a slick, propulsive pace, with Wright’s trademark energy giving the action real bite. Each set piece feels like its own level in a video game, thrilling at first, but increasingly disjointed as the story jumps from one spectacle to the next. Glenn Powell leads as the titular “runner,” and while the decision to cast an everyman rather than a cop fits today’s sensibilities, Powell’s chiselled presence works against the supposed authenticity of his character. He’s charismatic but never fully believable as an ordinary man trapped in extraordinary circumstances.

Tonally, the film wavers. It’s funny, with well-timed jabs at late-stage capitalism and the absurdity of media manipulation, but it can’t quite decide whether it’s parody or polemic. Where the ’87 film leaned into its corniness, Wright’s version flirts with sincerity — and the tension between satire and spectacle often muddies the message. Product placement runs rampant, almost too on-the-nose for a film critiquing consumerism.

Still, strong performances from Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, and Lee Pace elevate the supporting cast, and Wright’s direction ensures the film rarely drags. The Running Man is an entertaining, high-octane experience that keeps you engaged throughout; but it’s ultimately more popcorn entertainment than pointed social commentary. It runs fast, hits hard, but stops just short of saying something truly vital.

Cineman’s Rating: 7/10

Deano

Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man – based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel (written as Richard Bachman) and revisiting the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger classic – is a film I’ve looked forward to for a long time, especially after rewatching the original earlier this year. Wright brings his signature mix of kinetic action and well-timed humour, crafting set pieces that are tense, inventive and often very funny. While the film veers into cheesiness at times, the world-building is far richer than in the 1987 version, giving the dystopian setting a more grounded and lived-in feel.

The performances are a clear highlight. Colman Domingo is magnetic as game show host Bobby T, effortlessly commanding every scene. Josh Brolin is equally compelling as Dan Killian, the ruthless showrunner manipulating both Ben Richards (Glen Powell) and the in-universe audience to keep ratings soaring.

Glen Powell, however, didn’t fully work for me. Some line deliveries felt off, and visually he reads more like a polished movie star with a gym membership than a man scraping by in poverty – though Stephen King himself has said Powell looks like “a regular guy who’s just better looking than most of us,” so perhaps I’m being harsh.

Overall, it’s an entertaining, slickly directed action film with heart, humour and style.

Deano’s Rating: A Solid 6.5/10

Overall Team Rating: 7/10 (Rounded Up)

The Running Man releases in theatres on Friday 14 November 2025.

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