Can We All Just Take A Minute To Reminisce On How Awesome The 1987 The Running Man Is Before The Next One Comes Out?

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It’s likely that Arnold Schwarzenegger will be remembered primarily for his performances in the “Terminator” series, shaping a significant part of his enduring reputation.

Indeed, I’d contend that the character of Ben Richards from the 1987 film “The Running Man” proves to be more compelling than the T-800. This character is set for a remake in the latter part of the 2025 movie schedule.

Of course! Let’s take a moment to appreciate the greatness of the original version of “The Running Man” featuring Glen Powell’s remake hasn’t been released yet. How about we discuss what an amazing film the original was before we get too caught up in the excitement for the new one?

Arnold Schwarzenegger Is In Top Form As A Wise-Cracking Badass

Just recently, my coworker Jason Wiese shared his dislike for the initial film, which I can completely understand. Many action movies from that period feature Arnold Schwarzenegger as an unexpected choice. Essentially, the ex-Mr. Olympia comes off as overly large to portray a believable hero. It’s almost like you immediately realize those other characters have no chance against him.

For me, one of the most captivating aspects of “The Running Man” lies in its plot. It tells the story of an individual falsely accused and condemned, who must engage in a lethal television game to regain his freedom. Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays Ben Richards, a character known for his quick wit, seemingly invincible nature, and badass attitude.

This is quite humorous, yet impressive. It seems like playing a video game in many aspects, and I mean that positively. In truth, the retro game, Smash TV, was significantly influenced by this movie. In the movie, Schwarzenegger doesn’t merely kill an ice skating adversary; he also comments, “Here’s Sub-Zero, now…Zero!

When he confronts Buzzsaw, who claims his chainsaw is an extension of himself and plans to incorporate Schwarzenegger into it, Arnie turns the tables by using the weapon against him. Later, he tells him, “Keep it.” The entire film is filled with such action-packed scenes, making it a delightful watch.

This Is How People Thought 2019 Was Going To Look In 1987, And It’s Kind Of Cool

I enjoy watching old “futuristic” films, as the depictions of what they thought the future might be often don’t match reality. For instance, movies such as “Back to the Future Part II” speculated about advancements like self-tying shoes, biometric scanners, and unmanned aerial vehicles – all of which are now commonplace in our modern world.

On the other hand, you have films such as Zardoz, where you’ll find a floating, conversing head and Sean Connery dressed in a red loincloth and high boots reaching up to his thighs. The Running Man, set in 2019, finds itself somewhere between these two extremes.

This setting exhibits a distinctly bleak future, though not quite as extreme as depicted in Mad Max. What distinguishes it as futuristic is less the technology and more the ideas that have taken hold. For instance, due to an economic downfall, America has morphed into a state with heavy policing, where propaganda dominates. Here, criminals are given an opportunity to live if they partake in a lethal reality TV show where survival becomes a matter of life and death.

As a dedicated cinephile, let me tell you, watching this film was like stepping into a world where Mega City One from Dredd, my all-time favorite comic book movie, merged with The Hunger Games. A hint of Gladiator’s grandeur was sprinkled in for good measure. Now, 2019 wasn’t exactly like that, but the concept is intriguing, at least from a cinematic perspective.

The Villains In This Movie Are Awesome

It’s quite impressive, isn’t it? The antagonists in this film, often referred to as “stalkers,” are exceptionally cool. While Arnold Facing off against the Predator is unmatched, among Arnold’s screen adversaries, it’s challenging to find one as cool as Captain Freedom, portrayed by Jesse Ventura. Ten years ago, he reportedly took out runners like Richards with his bare hands.

Instead of Fireball, played by Jim Brown, let’s talk about the villain who uses a flamethrower. He meets his demise in a spectacular explosion, but not before Schwarzenegger cracks a joke, “How about a match?” as he throws a flare at him. Sub-Zero is another menacing adversary, known for launching explosive pucks, making him the most lethal hockey player anyone has ever encountered.

In a world filled with extraordinary individuals, I find myself particularly captivated by Dynamo – the electrocutionist who enchants audiences with his opera-like voice. Coolness personified, this man is so exceptional that even Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character can’t bring him down, leaving the crowd in awe. However, to those who truly appreciate his unique talents, such an outcome should not come as a surprise; he’s simply too invaluable to be subjected to the final sentence.

In this film, all the antagonists have a strong resemblance to video game bosses, with each one progressively more challenging than the last. With every win, the audience grows increasingly supportive of our hero. One aspect that I particularly enjoy about this movie is its stark contrast to the book, which I’ll discuss in detail shortly.

Like The Shining, It’s Nothing Like The Stephen King Book It’s Based On, But I Like That About It

In my younger days, this film held a special place, and I must admit, I’ve watched it more times than I can count (admittedly not as many as “Big Trouble in Little China,” but still quite a few). Imagine my surprise then, when I came across the original book later in life, only to discover that it bore little resemblance to the movie I fondly remembered from my childhood.

Similar to “The Shining,” I’ll make a statement that might stir some debate – I believe the film surpasses the book in my opinion. Now, let me clarify, this doesn’t mean the book is poor quality. It’s simply different. In the novel, the character Ben is struggling financially, and he decides to participate in a competition known as “The Running Man.” However, unlike conventional game shows, the contestant, or “runner,” isn’t just competing; they are being pursued by stalkers across the globe, and must devise ways to evade them. This structure mirrors the new movie more closely.

In this revamped version, the runner’s survival extends his earnings, making it an intriguing premise that has me excited for the upcoming movie. Yet, what truly captivated me about the original was its game show-like atmosphere and how each battle was confined within an arena.

It’s plausible that this upcoming film will enhance my love for the book. However, I doubt it could ever diminish my affection for the initial movie, given how much I cherish every aspect of it, leading me to conclude…

And Can We Just Give A Hand To Richard Dawson As The Game Show Host?

Finally, let’s extend our appreciation to Richard Dawson, portraying Damon Killian, the game show host in “The Running Man”. Frankly, I believe the film wouldn’t be half as captivating without his outstanding performance.

Dawson, originally known as the host of Family Feud, exhibits a blend of charm, vigor, cunning, eeriness, and captivating personality, at times displaying all these traits in the same sequence. Despite the presence of numerous adversaries vying against Ben in mortal combat, Killian emerges as the primary antagonist, consistently working towards ensuring that Ben fails in his endeavors.

The scenario involves an attempt to recruit him as a stalker after he begins winning games. Dawson is both detestable yet appealing in his character. He portrays Killian as a man who believes he’s fulfilling his civic responsibility by hosting the show, and he’ll go to great lengths to boost ratings, even if it means aligning with adversaries.

Eventually, although the latest film appears intriguing, my affection remains deeply rooted in the initial one. I’d be delighted to learn your perspective on this. Feel free to share your thoughts!

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2025-07-28 12:09