Film: The Running Man [2025] – Glen Powell, Alyssa Benn, David Zayas

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man is a wildly entertaining remake with standout casting, slick visuals, thrilling action, and a smart modern spin.

Starring Glen Powell, this remake changes a couple of things and makes the story way more interesting. Yes, I’m not Powell’s biggest fan, and I probably would never be, but the actor keeps showing us new sides to his talents as an actor. And what he accomplishes in The Running Man is both darkly funny and full of almost worthy outrage.

My issue with this film? some dialog and scenes are VERY predictable even for someone who’s never read Stephen King or watched the original movie. To be honest, some dialog is just weak.

On the other hand, I have to hand it to director Edgar Wright. My expectations were low, to say the least. But Wright’s direction, retro-futuristic production design, and Powell’s personification of a rage-filled anti-hero-turned-hero, make this adaptation a worthwhile, if ultimately frustrating, experience on the big or small screen. Favoring straightforward action over edgy satire, the film predictably funnels into a series of death-defying escapes emphasizing spectacle over substance.

The action is good, but basic, the set design has a LOT of potential but barely scratches the surface. If it wasn’t for great performances by Powell and Colman Domingo, this movie could have been a disaster. Both leading men actually save this movie from itself. And that’s a good thing, for the actors.

Should you watch it?

Fun, political, with great action. It’s an entertaining movie that I would watch again, when it’s streaming.

Where can I watch it?

The Running Man is now playing in theaters.