The Running Man (1987)

What more do you need?!

Directed By:  Paul Michael Glaser   Written By:  Stephen King (novel), Steven E. de Souza (screenplay)

Cast:  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Cochita Alonso, Yaphet Kotto, Jesse Ventura, Richard Dawson

Plot:  In the near future the citizens of the world enjoy hardcore games shows as provided by the new totalitarian state.  Arnie basically decides to screw it up after becoming a contestant, taking out the competition and throwing up one liners in this numb dumb look at violence and media.

Review:  The Running Man seems to fall right in with Arnold Schwarzenegger's film theme for the 80s; unapologetic, flashy funny cheese with slight Sci-Fi smarts.  Before this was The Terminator, after was Total Recall (both of which are superior).  While it may attempt to give slight forewarning in regards to the future of reality television and possible dangers of desensitization and an overbearing government, its basically sinks down to a story that will best serve the movement and continuation of the action.  That being said, I couldn't help but smile watching it.

Characterization is frail here, with Arnold's character speedily being presented as one man against the world (when is he not?) moving him into position to unwittingly become a pawn in game/reality show with elements we are all use to, aside from the fact that violence and death are mainstays.  His main opponent (besides Planet Earth itself) is a maniacal game show host played by Richard Dawson of Family Feud fame, essentially playing down any seriousness previously implied to the plot.  From here on, it’s a number of video game levels, each with their own boss and environment, with scenes that are slightly repetitive, but fairly enjoyable over all.

As expected, there's no great acting here to mention; however, if Arnold didn't act the way he generally does in everything (or lack thereof) would the movie be as enjoyable?  It is his hackneyed delivery and overly extreme gestures that help to make all of his films worth watching.  Credit must be given to the writer as well; a threat from our protagonist to his arch enemy in the third act was so belabored and excessive, I had to re-watch it three times just to understand what exactly would happen if the threat were carried out (and to continuously laugh).  Visual effects are fun and enjoyable, just like that synth-infused Harold Faltermeyer score; very dated as well, but maybe that’s what adds to the viewing here over 20 years after it first appeared.

You won't find anything unexpected, you will find strange computer game opening titles, your mind will be stimulated slightly by real world relevance and then squashed back down immediately, and you will have to put up with not one, but TWO future governors (both ALSO in Predator).  Nonetheless, The Running Man offers lighthearted entertainment with gloss and smiles that you can't help but enjoy.

Note:  Watch TOTAL RECALL; it may be strange that I bring it up here, but the similarities are palpable, and I can't help but stress it is a much better film.