'The Running Man' Movie Review: Glen Powell & Edgar Wright starrer survival drama is predictable but entertaining

Star cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson and Emilia Jones

Director: Edgar Wright

Set in a totalitarian, Orwellian America, Stephen King’s novel The Running Man narrates the story of Ben Richards (Glen Powell), who participates in the survival show called The Running Man, where contestants need to survive and evade being captured or killed by assassins, aka Hunters for 30 days during a live broadcast, which will make them win a billion dollars.

Ben, a blacklisted blue-collar worker living in the slums, participates in the show so that he can give a better life to his wife Sheila (Jayme Lawson), a hostess at a gentleman’s club, and their infant daughter Cathy, who is suffering from Influenza.

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The producer of the show, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin) and host Bobby (Colman Domingo) see Ben as a perfect contestant, who can give them high ratings and survive from the group of hunters. In his survival journey, Dan meets characters played by Emilia Jones, William H Macy, Michael Cera and Daniel Ezra, who help and play crucial roles. Relying on his personal traits, will Ben emerge as the winner of this deadly race?

While the plot looks typical Bollywoodish underdog story, the stylish treatment, along with some masterful chase sequences, make it a gripping and thrilling affair. Despite being predictable, the film’s social commentary hits the right chord.

Talking about the performances, Glen Powell perfectly fits the bill with his onscreen charm and charisma. Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo play their characters with flair, while Jayme Lawson’s emotional arc makes a good impression. On the whole, The Running Man scores brownie points because of its pace, sleek direction and compelling storytelling, which makes it a big screen affair.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

The Running Man is playing in cinemas