The Running Man: Stumbles Despite a Charismatic Cast

I had high hopes for The Running Man, but this ended up being pretty disappointing. The film boasts an amazing cast led by Glenn Powell’s incredibly charismatic performance. He’s easily the strongest part of the movie, bringing energy and presence every time he’s on screen. Powell really carries the story in a way that makes you wish the rest of the film matched his level. Josh Brolin delivers a solid turn as the diabolical villain, leaning into the menace of his character, while Coleman Domingo adds flair and personality as the flamboyant host. The cast are doing what they can, and on an individual level, they’re all engaging.

Unfortunately, with a director as stylish and distinct as Edgar Wright, I expected a lot more. The movie is tonally all over the place, constantly shifting in ways that make the narrative feel unfocused. It never fully commits to or explores its themes, and because of that, the impact feels muted. Despite the talent involved, the film often feels oddly lifeless. The pacing doesn’t help—parts of it drag noticeably, making the movie feel longer than it actually is. It’s also lacking the kinetic, rhythmic energy that Wright is typically known for, which makes the absence even more noticeable.

There are some cool action sequences scattered throughout, and the set piece in the third act stands out as the film’s most exciting moment. When the action works, it works well, but those highs aren’t consistent enough to elevate the whole experience.

Overall, The Running Man has its moments, but not enough to make it truly enthralling. It ends up feeling like one of those movies that’s better suited for streaming, where it can be watched casually rather than anticipated as a major theatrical event.