Released in theaters on Nov. 14, 2025, “The Running Man” shocked many with its significant, timeless re-branding of the original 1987 film. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, this film holds the anger and resentment of society that was so graciously written on every turning page. Starring Glen Powell as Ben Richards, and directed by Edgar Wright, this funky, fast paced flare is certainly one to see in theaters.
As I went to the theaters blindly, I was really interested as to what the movie was about and how there were so many deeper meanings behind it. With this perspective in mind, here are my honest reviews on different aspects of the film.
ACTING: 8.5/10
The acting was on point, to an extent. I think Powell (Ben) did a great job of fully committing to the character. Every emotion, from rage and anger, to even acceptance was perceived perfectly, just how King’s original novel portrayed the
character to be. As well as Michael Cera’s (Elton) brief portrayal of a comedic, broken and slightly crazy activist. Though some acting and scenes were slightly awkward at times, Powell’s whole performance made up for it.
In an interview with ABC News, Powell was asked how he perceives his character and the film.
“What makes this movie so great is that [King] wrote it in 1982, they set it in 2025, and it’s like everything that [King] wrote about is happening,” said Powell. “My character represents everyone right now.”
PLOT: 8/10
Ben Richards, a father of a sick daughter and husband of a night lady, life is pretty hard for him. His family is struggling with money and doesn’t really know what to do. However, broadcasting on every television are games that give the winning contestants big money. One day, he gets so fed up with his life that he goes to audition to be a contestant, filled with hope and rage. He gets put into a game called “The Running Man”, which is a life or death game.
In this game, he will have to withstand 30 brutal days of being hunted by “The Hunters”. If he won, Ben would be given one billion dollars and become another hunter. Yet, in this process, there would be many hardships and misdirection from the host. All in all, if he wins, his life would turn into paradise and would finally be able to do what he dreams to do: provide for his family.
I really enjoyed all the twists and turns that the story line had, every one making me more and more invested into what the film was really advertising. One thing that I can say is that the movie felt like a cross between “The Hunger Games” and one of Wright’s previous well-known works, “Baby Driver”.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: 9.5/10
The cinematography and overall substance of this film was the best aspect of it. It was set in a dystopian, futuristic theme, while incorporating color and an 80’s feel. It gave a sense of art and captured emotional aspects in various scenes, while giving multiple angles and perspectives of one singular moment. Just like every other movie that Wright produced, his filming style and specific creativeness gave great experience to the audience which was so graciously shown.
ENDING: 6/10
Though every other aspect of the movie was great, the ending was one I was slightly confused and partially let down about. They left the movie open to many different ideas, yet none of them make sense when put together. I felt like it was rushed and never really got to the point, just ending it in one instance, never really making any sense.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, King was asked how he liked Wright’s adaptation of his 1982 novel.
“I like the ending of Edgar’s version of ‘The Running Man’ very much,” King said. “I think readers of the novel will be satisfied because they get to have it both ways.”
