STORYLINE: A man joins a game show in which contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them. (IMDb)

    Over the years director Edgar Wright has directed a wide variety of feature films. His cornetto trilogy features a horror comedy (Shaun of the Dead, 2004), an action film (Hot Fuzz, 2007), and a science fiction film (The World’s End, 2013).  Other films from the directors career include the heist thriller Baby Driver (2017) and the horror film Last Night in Soho (2021).  Now Edgar Wright’s latest feature, a remake of The Running Man, makes its way into theaters.

      Following films such as Divergent (2024) and The Long Walk (2025), The Running Man  seems destined to be the latest film to be there heir to The Hunger Games mantle.  All are dystopian type films, where the central character is in a kill or be killed situation. .  In most cases the are there to save their family. More like The Hunger Games then other type films, The Running Man is a realty show, within the movie. The Running Man is more of an action film then a horror film or YA geared featured. 

    The film features the stylized action sequences that fans of Edgar Wright films can expect. The difference with The a running Man is that they are unevenly paced.  Some action scenes are gritty, like those in the Bourne series others over the top, such as in the Kingsman films.

    The other textbook staple that this film has, from Edgar Wright films, is the soundtrack.  The music selection is a bit  random at times, but, as normal, it works.

   Setting aside the fact that this is a remake, the film doesn’t bring a lot original to the genre. For reference, I thought John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982) was an incredible remake. It retold the story of the original, while putting its own sta,p on the horror and science fiction gevres. I did not get that from The Running Man remake. I did walk out entertained though.   

   The Running Man features everything fans of Edgar Wright films have come to enjoy, even though it is a run of the mill action film.

   Until next time I will see you at the movies!