Originally published to FOX5 Vegas on Nov. 13, 2025.

Nearly 40 years after 1987’s The Running Man, a new runner approaches. The film, like its predecessor, envisions a world where corporations have transformed the United States into a fractured police state. The citizens, many of whom live in poverty, are fed a steady diet of reality television and violent game shows, like “The Running Man,” where three contestants can win a fortune if they can survive 30 days running from everything the corrupt corporation can throw at them.

Visionary director Edgar Wright’s take on the dystopian action staple comes armed with a cast stocked full of “Hey, it’s that person!” actors, who filter through the film at breakneck pace. William H. Macy, Lee Pace and Michael Cera are among the performers who all drop in for a cup of coffee in 2025’s version of the film.

The movie, however, is anchored by lead baddie Josh Brolin and star Glen Powell. Powell has been, and continues to be, a star. He moves through the strange world of The Running Man with effortless charm. Brolin is disarmingly ambiguous, never revealing his true intent until the final scenes of the film.

Wright’s directorial stylings are somewhat muted when compared to his dramatic flair in previous efforts, such as Last Night in Soho and Baby Driver. Some of his signatures are here, but they’re subdued in exchange for the film’s frantic action.

However, the aforementioned action is one of the film’s strong suits. The Running Man does not slow down for much. Indeed, running from start to finish, the film is relentless and mostly thrilling.

However, as enjoyable as Powell’s turn is, the dark future envisioned in the movie just doesn’t hit the same way it did in the late 1900s. Dreary, perhaps overly mean, it feels like a remnant of the original film’s time. The Running Man could use a fresher form of dystopia.

There’s no doubt 2025’s The Running Man is a good time at the cinema. It’s obviously a well-crafted film with engaging performances. However, audiences seeking a less cynical view of the future may look elsewhere.