With millions of Americans suffering from economic uncertainty and food insecurity, all while the rich elite treat themselves to public displays of excess, there’s a lot of anger and despair out there for working class citizens. From a cinematic standpoint, it’s been a palpable theme tapped into this year, from Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, to now Edgar Wright’s The Running Man. While the former focused more so on empathy, the latter channels pure rage via an effective combination of biting satire and action spectacle, resulting in a supremely cathartic and fun time at the movies.
This version of The Running Man is a fresh adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), centering on a dystopian future where economic disparity is so vast that average citizens live in squalor, and only have a chance at a big pay day via grotesque game shows involving humiliating and dangerous tasks. Ben Richards (Glen Powell) desperately needs money to help his sick baby girl and reluctantly signs up for the deadly Running Man.
In an interview on my favorite podcast, Comedy Bang Bang, writer/director Edgar Wright emphasized how his film is a much “truer” adaptation of King’s novel, compared to the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger-starring original (which I loved as a kid, even though it’s objectively terrible). I’m glad Wright chose the path that he did.
Wright’s penchant for pop culture-infused humor and music, combined with kinetic action set pieces, simply yields a (mostly) non-stop thrill ride. The setup does drag on some in the beginning, featuring some clunky exposition and character development, but when the chase is on, it’s a blast. The tone is a nice blend of sincere sympathy for economic hardship, but adds consistent levity via sharp satire of the absurdity of celebrity culture. Between all the foot chases and gun fights, there’s a recurring bit that bashes The Kardashians, whose biggest problems in the world are spats over spilled wine (not dying for money).
Powell is good. I’ve had my issues with what seems like forced ascendence the past couple years, but he was the right choice for this Ben Richards. The rest of the supporting cast are strong contributors to either aid or thrwart Powell during his perlious journey. Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Jayme Lawson, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones and Michael Cera all have focused arcs and make the most of their screen time. Cera (an Edgar Wright veteran, Scott Pilgrim) was especially a joy to see unhinged, even if still confined to his general docile demeanor.
Edgar Wright’s The Running Man is just a damn good time at the movies. It has obvious flaws and things to nitpick, but the economic validation it delivers to the average moviegoer, in tandem with it’s high-octane spectacle, is a welcome combination.
