The Running Man is exactly the kind of popcorn action movie I live for. It’s not trying to change your life or give you a philosophical dissertation on society. It knows what it is — adrenaline, spectacle, forward momentum — and it delivers every bit of it. Think John Wick: not deep, but driven by just enough emotional grounding to keep you invested. In this case, poverty and illness push Ben into joining The Running Man competition — a televised gauntlet no one survives — and from there, the movie just takes off.
The first thing worth highlighting is the casting. Glen Powell was the biggest surprise for me. I’ve never seen him this angry on-screen, and it fits him far better than I expected. He plays a man who cares deeply, hurts deeply, and refuses to back down — and he brings a level of intensity that elevates the entire film.
Then there’s Colman Domingo as Bobby. He isn’t in the movie a ton, but every time he appears, the screen sharpens. His charisma is unreal. Some actors just exist differently on camera, and Domingo is one of them — his presence stays with you long after he’s gone.
And finally, Josh Brolin as Dan. He’s unsettling and warm at the same time — a man who relishes the power he has, even if it means being hated. He’s calculating, clever, and quietly terrifying. It’s one of those performances that makes you lean forward a little more every time he speaks.
As for the action? Chef’s kiss. It’s plentiful, kinetic, and wildly entertaining. I got exactly what I came for and loved every minute.
The Running Man isn’t trying to be profound. It’s trying to entertain — and on that front, it absolutely crushes it.
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