I’m a sucker for movies that attempt social commentary, especially about corporate corruption and media manipulation. For that, I give the movie an A for effort. However, it gets a C for execution because of the muddled message. I’ll average that out to a solid B result. I think this script was two or three rewrites away from being really good.
Casting
I like the casting choices, especially Glenn Powell as Ben Richards. I think the actor has more range than the script demands on him, but that’s not his fault. Josh Brolin was perfect in his role as Dan Killian. He was a believable asshole, exactly as he needed to be. And then some of the casting felt odd, like Lee Pace was completely wasted in this movie and Michael Cera was an odd choice. But then William H. Macy’s cameo as Molie was well done. But then, William H. Macy is pretty excellent at everything he does.
Join the PERA (Personal Entertainment Research Assistant) waitlist.
The World's Most Indispensable Movie App
The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.
Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)
Social Commentary
I’m trying to figure out why this movie didn’t really land for me, since it’s typically a genre I appreciate. The best I can come up with is that the world-building doesn’t feel fleshed out. It’s pretty much a first-person POV, though most of the movie. We see only very little from other characters’ POV. I think the message could have been stronger had they pulled back on a few of the long action scenes and used that time to develop other characters and explore more of the world. The movie has a runtime of about 2h 8min, without the credits. That’s enough time to develop the main character and the world-building.
Grade: B-
What people are saying
about the RunPee app.
Water drinkers unite
Run pee is the best app for people who find themselves needing to pee a lot but also not wanting to miss any action. The app gives you the best times to use the bathroom during a movie while also telling you when to leave and which lines to listen for! It not only gives you the time you should go pee, but it also explains to you what is happening during the break. I helped I use this app every time I go to the movies now. My god father recommended this app to 5 years ago and it’s been in my phone ever since! Highly recommended.
View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Download RunPee app
There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of The Running Man.
| Rated: | (R) Some Gore | Language | Strong Violence |
| Genres: | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| USA release date: | 2025-11-11 |
| Movie length: | |
| Starring: | Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace |
| Director: | Edgar Wright |
| Writer(s): | Michael Bacall, Edgar Wright |
| Language: | en |
| Country: | US |
Plot
Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards is convinced by The Running Man’s charming but ruthless producer to enter the deadly competition game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite – and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.
Creator and developer of the RunPee app. When something doesn’t work right in the app it’s pretty much his fault. 🙂
Aspiring author. Would like to finish his “Zombie Revelations” trilogy if he could break away for working on RunPee and the cottage he’s building for RunPee Mom.