Glen Powell. Those two words are what defined The Running Man (2025). Directed by renowned director Edgar Wright, this movie is a rendition of the book by Stephen King and of the original 1987 film with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Powell brings this movie to life. He’s funny, charismatic, and you’re rooting for him throughout the whole movie. I like his character a lot, and I believe not many other actors could replace him on this and do an equally good job. 

The whole premise of this movie is a dystopian game show in which Powell, who plays the character Ben Richards, is running from hunters. The reason Richards is running is because he signed on to be in this show, all because he is broke and needs money for him and his family. If he survives 30 days, he’ll win 1 billion dollars. I think this simple premise is what makes this movie good. Wright doesn’t try to overcomplicate it with other plotlines and we’re able to follow what is happening well. Besides the whole “government is poisoning our children” conflict, the movie has one simple goal : survive. 

I think the movie dips in the supporting cast. I like Josh Brolin, who was Thanos in the MCU, as this conniving CEO who plays mind games with Powell. But, I think the rest feels offputting. Michael Cera as this revolution-minded character is weird and almost awkward. I don’t feel a clear sense of what he wants out of all this and he just seems crazy. Emilia Jones is the most random character addition in the movie. She comes in near the 3rd act, and is basically just there. She doesn’t accomplish anything, rather just a “hostage” to keep the plot moving.

Despite all that, I still really enjoyed this. It’s funny, action-packed, and interesting. It raises the question of what limits the government and entertainment should have, and ultimately answers that question. Like I said, Powell is the main star, and he brings this movie to a much higher level. I’d give this an 7/10, and hope it does better at the box office. And oh yeah, you can’t forget Bobby T.