Review of The Running Man (1987) by Jarek M — 01 Aug 2010

Loosely based off its original writing by Stephen King, this action packed 80s film brings the best out of Arnold and the symbolism in consumerism, corrupted justice, and controversial entertainment. In 2019, the global economy collapses and American Society becomes enforced by police states censoring all cultural activity.

The government pacifies the populace by creating a set of game shows that pit convicted criminals to a fight for their live. One of those TV shows reaches popularity called Running Man where runners must escape from stalkers with their lives and those who escape will be freed and pardoned.

The game show host,Damon Killian(Richard Dawson), becomes interested in Ben Richards(Arnold Schwarzenegger) , a man framed for the massacre of innocent civilians during a riot of rebellious citizens, and is forced to be put in the games after being involved in a prison riot that he escaped along with some help.

The plot then goes along themed like game show stages(with a sweet scooter cage to get there)where Ben must escape each stalker and find a way to clear his name and kill whoever stands in his way. The story is very inspired from the book but molds itself in its own way to bring out a sort of unique style.

The stalkers for example are very corny costumed enemies that feel ripped off an 80s video game(the weirdesy one would be Dynamo, a fat electric light bulb guy), that are one of the running themes in the game show, sure they may look stupid and unreal, but they are like killing obstacles you usually see in real life wacky game shows(minus the killing) that Arnold must over come, and yes there is a pun for every stalker he kills.

The acting is alright for an action film, but not oscar worthy and is never used to an extreme potential. Supporting cast include Yaphet Kotto,Marvin J. McIntyre, and Professor Toru Tanaka, who play an okay supporting cast that doesnt really slow down the plot, but never brings it too forward.

The love interest with Ben is Amber Mendez(Maria Conchita Alonso) who works for ICS, who are responsible for the show. The way they meet is pretty hilarious, but the chemistry for their relationship is suprisingly well done, but never seemed to have been the highlight for the story.

The action plays really well, especially with Arnold taking who plays the true badass when it came to the action, and every kill he makes felt humorous, yet awesome. Now what really struck me from beginning to end was the messages the movie seemed to have brought in, but the biggest one would have to be how the media can lie and turn the the eyes of the public to what the real truth is.

I may have enjoyed this 80s film a little too much, but with action and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wouldnt enjoy it?