The Running Man, a dystopian action thriller based on Stephen King's cult novel, has been streaming on Paramount Plus since its release. Directed by Edgar Wright, known for Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, the film stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a role previously played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 version. Fans have hailed it as a masterpiece and the best action movie of the year, with some calling it the best adaptation of King's work yet.
What Is The Running Man About?
The film follows a man who joins a deadly game show where contestants must survive for 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public. The cash reward increases each day. The IMDb synopsis reads: 'A man joins a game show in which contestants, allowed to flee anywhere in the world, are pursued by hunters hired to kill them.'
The cast includes Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, and Martin Herlihy. The film holds a 61% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.4 rating on IMDb, but fan reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
Fan Reactions: 'Best Action Movie of the Year'
One fan gave the film a 10/10 on IMDb, saying: 'I saw it at a matinee this afternoon and now I'm going back with my husband. I'm not a Glen Powell fan but I do love Edgar Wright movies and this one delivers. Don't go see it if you want to relax! I read the Stephen King novel years ago and saw the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie years ago as well, so I can't tell you how it compares, but this one stands on its own as the best action movie of the year... and maybe the decade... so far.'
Another viewer called it a 'masterpiece of literary adaptation,' adding: 'Hands down the best adaptation of King's work. You can literally watch the movie and turn pages. Powell's Richards jumps out of the book. The ending got the Hollywood treatment, but still accomplished the same goal. I waited 34 years for a faithful version of this, and now we have it. The casting feels like they all read the novel.'
Comparisons to Classic Action Franchises
One reviewer said: 'One of the best movies of the year. After seeing trailer after trailer at the cinema for what seems the whole year, I was fearing this would be a total flop. I need not have worried because this is an action packed, well scripted remake of the original. Everyone is cast perfectly and all performances are great. It keeps you guessing throughout the movie and the twists and turns keep it going. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well worth a visit.'
Another added: 'It was perfect. Edgar Wright nailed it on this expensive movie. The action, everything. A lot better than the 1987. It follows the book. Glen Powell did a great job on playing the character Ben Richards. This film feels like a big mix of Fast and Furious and Mission: Impossible. I love the chase scenes.'
On Rotten Tomatoes, one person gushed: 'Excellent film! Glen Powell did great with his character, Ben Richards.' Another said: 'Fresh! Intensely gripping all the way through. Great acting on all parts.' A third noted: 'Loved this. I'm 100% certain that Stephen King will be so happy with this version of his brilliant book. Great all round really enjoyable watch.'
Mixed Reviews: Not Everyone Is Convinced
However, not all feedback has been glowing. One viewer wrote: 'A real disappointment, falling flat both as social commentary and as an action movie.' Another complained: 'The first one was way better. Loved the satire and Richard Dawson, who was a game show host in real life, as the host in the original. Tired of remakes with all the social commentary without improving the whole movie.'
Despite mixed critic scores, the film has found an enthusiastic audience on streaming. Paramount Plus is offering a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing viewers to watch The Running Man along with other content like Tulsa King and Dexter: Resurrection.
