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REEL DEAL REVIEW: “The Running Man (2025)” is a Stylish, Satirical Blast Worth the Theater Chase!

the-running-man
KVI’s Ari Hoffman, joined by producer Big Mike and Morning Ride producer Zach, deliver a spoiler-free rave for The Running Man (2025).
Ari, a longtime remake advocate, admits initial trailer skepticism melted away thanks to Edgar Wright’s kinetic direction and Glen Powell’s star-making turn.
Far from aping the 1987 Schwarzenegger camp-fest, this version splits the difference between Stephen King’s bleak 1982 novel and over-the-top ’80s flair—delivering slick stunts, razor-sharp satire on reality TV and influencer culture, and a plausibly near-future dystopia that demands zero hoverboards.
Mike is a fan of the original Stephen King novel and the Schwarzenegger classic, and calls it “fast, fun, and faithful with smart upgrades,” praising the sound design as a “sixth cast member.” Zach, seeing it blind to the original, loved the standalone freshness and breakneck pace—though all three agree the crammed finale hints at sequel bait, briefly sagging into heavier commentary.
Verdict: ignore the agenda, embrace the adrenaline, and catch it on the big screen now for maximum immersion. As Ari says, “Get past it and enjoy a fun, shoot-’em-up movie!”
Listen to the full review here:
The Running Man (2025) poster

THE RUNNING MAN IS IN THEATRES, DOLBY CINEMA, 4DX, PREMIUM LARGE FORMAT AND IMAX ON NOVEMBER 14, 2025!

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

A Kinberg Genre / Complete Fiction Production

An Edgar Wright Film

“THE RUNNING MAN”

SYNOPSIS

In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the 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.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

PRODUCED BY

Simon Kinberg, p.g.a. Nira Park, p.g.a. Edgar Wright, p.g.a.

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

Stephen King

SCREENPLAY BY

Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright

DIRECTED BY

Edgar Wright

STARRING

Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Katy O’Brian with Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin

#RunningManMovie

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