Review of The Running Man (1987) by Steven1981 — 20 Mar 2020

Was this film based on a novel or something? I don't know to be honest, maybe not or maybe but who cares... THE RUNNING MAN is a thriller sci-fi action movie made in 1987 and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, Yaphet Kotto and Richard Dawson star in this movie.

Damon Killian (Dawson) hosts a gameshow called The Running Man that has convicts and others play a game to fight against gladiator killers in order to stay alive. The point in this game is not entirely explained vin the movie and you don't even win anything except your freedom so it's a strange story to base a movie on and the gameshow seems very stupid and silly and utterly lacks logical thinking, intelligence.

It's completely pointless as there isn't any real goal to it and usually people die playing The Running Man but Schwarzenegger kills each opponent gladiator in the game such as Buzz Saw, Dynamo, Subzero and Fireball.

These action scenes aren't great and thrown in with witty humour at the deads expense, something Schwarzenegger usually does and is a trademark of his. So Maria Conchita Alonso, Schwarzenegger and a couple of old prison buddies are forced to play the game after being captured however only 2 make it out alive and take revenge on the gameshow host.

Obviously Schwarzenegger makes it out alive because he's the superstar of the movie but this film has good moments and bad moments. Great action scenes toppled on terrible action scenes and some dumb characters such as fat Dynamo who's just embarrassing as a villain, clumsy and laughable and lit up like a Christmas tree.

This is a good film but don't expect it all to be great however it's not the worst film ever made and Schwarzenegger has made worser movies. I guess it's entertaining at least. Rated 18 for violence.