Few action films this year have left audiences as breathless as Edgar Wright’s The Running Man.
LionhearTV attended the advance screening at SM Megamall, and from the opening scene to the final showdown, the film never once loosened its grip. It is, quite simply, relentless—a near-constant barrage of tension, spectacle, and raw emotion.
Glen Powell continues his Hollywood ascent with a performance that proves he’s more than a rom-com leading man. As Ben Richards, Powell embodies the desperation of a father pushed to his limits—a man willing to risk everything for his sick daughter.
Based on Stephen King’s dystopian novel, the story thrusts Ben into ‘The Running Man’, a violent, nationally televised survival game. Contestants, known as Runners, must stay alive for 30 days while being hunted by elite assassins called Hunters. No one has ever survived the game—until Ben.
Powell brings a mix of grit, vulnerability, and determination to the role, making Ben’s journey both gripping and emotionally charged.
Unlike the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Wright’s adaptation stays closer to King’s original narrative—exploring themes of desperation, exploitation, and the moral rot of a society addicted to televised violence.
As Ben becomes an unexpected fan favorite, the film slowly unpacks how media manipulation dictates public perception, how entertainment can desensitize viewers, and how systems of power profit from human suffering.
Wright balances this social commentary with explosive action sequences, delivering a film that is thrilling without sacrificing depth.
What elevates ‘The Running Man’ beyond a typical action spectacle is its emotional core. Beneath the gunfights, chases, and explosions lies a story about a father fighting for his child’s life. That human element gives weight to every decision Ben makes—and leaves a lingering impact long after the credits roll.
The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast: Josh Brolin as Dan Killian, the ruthless network boss, Colman Domingo as the flamboyant and morally bankrupt show host, Lee Pace as the cold, terrifying head Hunter, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, and William H. Macy, each adding texture and tension to Ben’s journey.
Domingo and Brolin, in particular, bring a chilling charisma that perfectly captures the story’s critique of power and spectacle.
LionhearTV‘s Verdict. ‘The Running Man’ is not just an action movie—it is a brutal, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant thriller that reflects the darker side of modern entertainment culture. With heart-pounding sequences, a standout performance from Glen Powell, and a timely commentary on media and morality, this film is a must-watch for both action fans and dystopian fiction lovers.
Rating: ★★★★☆ If you’re looking for a movie that will stress you out in the best possible way, ‘The Running Man’ delivers.
Now showing in Philippine cinemas.
