Key Highlights
- The Running Man (2025) is a Paramount+ streaming remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film.
- Directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, the movie fails to live up to expectations despite its substantial budget and creative pedigree.
- The story retains elements from Stephen King’s novel but feels disconnected in its futuristic setting and tone.
- Critics find the film underwhelming, citing issues with pacing and character development.
Stream It or Skip It? The Running Man on Paramount+
The Running Man (2025), now streaming on Paramount+, is a remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. This article delves into whether this adaptation lives up to its potential or if it’s better left in the past.
The Director’s Vision
Edgar Wright, known for his quirky and innovative approach to filmmaking, brings a unique perspective to The Running Man. His directorial style has been celebrated in films like Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. However, this remake of The Running Man (now streaming on Paramount+) seems to struggle with its identity.
The film’s premise is set in an alternate timeline where reality TV and state-sponsored games shows have taken over society.
It’s a dystopian world that’s both familiar yet unsettling, as Wright attempts to blend the spirit of 1980s action films with modern sensibilities. Unfortunately, the execution falls short.
Starring Glen Powell
Glen Powell, one of Hollywood’s hottest young actors, takes on the role of Ben Richards, a man forced into The Running Man (now streaming on Paramount+) by dire circumstances. While Powell maintains an earnest and determined presence throughout, his character often feels like a placeholder in a film that’s more concerned with its setting than its characters.
Other notable cast members include Colman Domingo as Bobby T, Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, and Karl Glusman. The ensemble cast is impressive but ultimately underutilized in this flawed production.
Review: A Disappointing Take
The Running Man (now streaming on Paramount+) attempts to balance action sequences with social commentary but fails to find the right balance. The film’s tone oscillates between dark satire and earnest comedy, leaving it feeling disjointed and unfulfilling.
“Wright’s influences are impeccable: RoboCop, Brazil, and Escape from New York are the big ones,” writes John Serba in his review. “Whether they’re put to good use is the question.” The action sequences, while entertaining at times, lack the excitement and innovation that Wright is known for.
The screenplay struggles with clichéd dialogue and weak character arcs. It’s clear that Wright was handed a substantial budget but struggled to fully realize his vision. The result is a film that feels like it’s treading water, never quite breaking through into greatness or even competence.
Conclusion
The Running Man (now streaming on Paramount+) is a cautionary tale of what can happen when a talented director is given too much creative freedom and not enough narrative discipline. While the film’s setting and concept are intriguing, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
For those looking for an entertaining action movie with a twist, The Running Man (now streaming on Paramount+) might be worth watching. For others, it may be better to skip this one and explore other options that do justice to their budgets and ideas.
The Running Man (2025) – Stream It or Skip It? You decide!
