Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” Adaptation Struggles to Capture Novel’s Urgency

Edgar Wright’s new film, “The Running Man,” has premiered. The movie is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 dystopian novel. It stars Glen Powell and was released on Friday, November 14.

The update hews closer to King’s original story than the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger version. However, critics note the film’s tone feels uneven, caught between Wright’s signature energy and the grim source material.

Film Criticized for Hollow Action and Underdeveloped Characters

The plot follows Ben Richards, a desperate father played by Glen Powell. He signs up for a deadly game show to afford medicine for his sick daughter. The show, “The Running Man,” pits contestants against a lethal hunter squad for a billion-dollar prize.

According to the review, the lengthy setup gives way to an episodic and numbing chase. Powell performs with physical determination but lacks the standout charisma needed. Supporting characters, including those played by Michael Cera and Lee Pace, are largely underdeveloped.

Wright’s Direction Falls Short of His Previous Cinematic Heights

The film is seen as a journeyman effort from the acclaimed director. It lacks the precision of “Baby Driver” or the stylish mood of “Last Night in Soho.” While visually sharp, the attempt to blend satire with serious social commentary doesn’t fully connect.

The consequence is a movie that feels both fast-moving and hollow. It wears down the viewer despite moments of exciting action and a few clever cameos.

The new “The Running Man” adaptation delivers spectacle but ultimately runs on empty, failing to match the prescient urgency of Stephen King’s classic novel or the director’s own best work.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Is this new movie related to the old Arnold Schwarzenegger film?

Yes, both are based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel. This new version from Edgar Wright is a separate adaptation that sticks much closer to the original book’s plot and darker tone than the 1980s action classic.

Q2: What is the main criticism of Glen Powell’s performance?

Critics say Powell throws himself into the physical role with ferocious determination. However, he lacks the blinding charisma or spark needed to elevate the everyman hero and truly carry the film as its lead.

Q3: How does the film handle the novel’s social commentary?

The movie depicts a divided America with poverty, costly healthcare, and oppressive surveillance. Yet, the jokey tone often clashes with this grim backdrop, diluting the impact of the social critique.

Q4: Are there any notable cameos in the film?

Yes, the film includes a few cute cameos. Most notably, Arnold Schwarzenegger appears not in person, but as the face printed on the fictional world’s one-hundred-dollar bill.

Q5: Who directed and wrote this adaptation?

The film was directed by Edgar Wright. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Bacall, his collaborator on “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.”