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The Running Man (1987) Reviews

The Running Man (1987)
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Directed by former Starsky and Hutch TV star Paul Michael Glaser, this post-apocalyptic science fiction yarn satirized American entertainment, mocking pro wrestling, game shows, and law-and-order reality programming. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a cop in the totalitarian America of 2019, framed for massacring rioting civilians during a famine. After escaping from jail, Richards tries to prove his innocence, but his efforts are thwarted at every turn by a regime in need of a scapegoat. Richards is captured along with an innocent civilian, Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), and they are forced to participate in a violent game show called "The Running Man," hosted by the unctuous Damon Killian (Richard Dawson). The object of the game for Richards and Mendez: obtain freedom by staying alive against a gauntlet of skillful assassins like "Subzero" (Prof. Toru Tanaka) and "Captain Freedom" (Jesse Ventura), each armed with unique weapons like razor-sharp hockey sticks and chainsaws. With the help of some fellow "contestants," Richards is able to tap into government computers and prove his innocence. The Running Man was very loosely based on a short story by Stephen King, who wrote it under the name Richard Bachman. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Starring:
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, (more)
Director(s):
Paul Michael Glaser
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Average Ratings

(22 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Joshua M.

This is a pretty good movie compared to the book The Running Man by Stephen King. Yeah some things were different, but I have rarely seen a movie that follows a book exactly. This is still a great classic to go back and watch every now and then. Yeah, some of the movie was pretty cheesy. But hey, it's an 80's movie with Arnold, what did you expect. So funny to see Arnold in his younger days of acting and all the other actors of that time. Who would have though 2 actors on this movie are now Governors. I still say it is a good watch and a must see at least once in your life. I definitely recommend this movie.

Yes   |   No


Mary R.

The concept of a gameshow that uses convicts to partake in a sadistic game of death really isn't that far fetched. The running man is a futuristic game show that gives convicted felons a second chance by letting them compete in a gameshow that could ultimately lead to their doom. Runners make their way through a giant arena composed of maybe 100 city blocks with "stalkers" hidden around the corner. They must fight for their lives against these theme based stalkers such as: BUZZSAW, the chainsaw weilding maniac, FIREBALL, the flamethrower psycho, DYNAMO, a fat opera singing guy who can through electricity,.and others. As always, arnold plays a great role as the only runner to win the game and reveal its internal corruption and ultimately cause its downfall after he was blackmailed into participating in the game....cause he was framed for a crime. Great movie, and a must see and own for any hardcore Arnold fan.

Yes   |   No


Walter R.

The ending was a little far fetched, even for a game show. The stalkers were out in left field as characters.

Yes   |   No


Jeff H.

An excellant movie. This is one of Arnold's best movies.

Yes   |   No


Teresa R.

have not seen yet waiting for you to send.

Yes   |   No


Bonnie and james P.

Saw this many years ago...way ahead of its time and very predictive of the future...Not a fan of Arnold, but good nontheless...

Yes   |   No


Harold W.

Typical Schwarzenegger action - silly fun. All his 80s and 901s actioners are guilty pleasures for me. They move fast, have colorful characters, good enough effects and an interesting, if implausible, storylines. You go, guy.

Yes   |   No


Adam J.

this was not the special edition as promised. it was the original dvd release. im not sure if this was a mistake in the shipping or someone switched them and hoped nobody would notice. i hope when they ship me the replacement dvd its the special edition. ill let you all know in a few days when i get it again in the mail. not that anyone will ever read this because noone writes reviews at bloackbuster.com

Yes   |   No


John B.

Nuff said...

Yes   |   No


Heidi F.

This movie veered so far away from the book The Running Man that it shouldn't have even been associated with it. Based very VERY loosely on the short story by Richard Bachman (Stephen King). Dated- awful 80's dancers, awful 80's hair, awful 80's music...you get the point. At some points I couldn't tell if this was a bad 80's music video or a movie. Lackluster performance by Swarzenegger. Not believable like the short story. Pass on this one.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (22)
     
    Joshua M.

    This is a pretty good movie compared to the book The Running Man by Stephen King. Yeah some things were different, but I have rarely seen a movie that follows a book exactly. This is still a great classic to go back and watch every now and then. Yeah, some of the movie was pretty cheesy. But hey, it's an 80's movie with Arnold, what did you expect. So funny to see Arnold in his younger days of acting and all the other actors of that time. Who would have though 2 actors on this movie are now Governors. I still say it is a good watch and a must see at least once in your life. I definitely recommend this movie.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Mary R.

    The concept of a gameshow that uses convicts to partake in a sadistic game of death really isn't that far fetched. The running man is a futuristic game show that gives convicted felons a second chance by letting them compete in a gameshow that could ultimately lead to their doom. Runners make their way through a giant arena composed of maybe 100 city blocks with "stalkers" hidden around the corner. They must fight for their lives against these theme based stalkers such as: BUZZSAW, the chainsaw weilding maniac, FIREBALL, the flamethrower psycho, DYNAMO, a fat opera singing guy who can through electricity,.and others. As always, arnold plays a great role as the only runner to win the game and reveal its internal corruption and ultimately cause its downfall after he was blackmailed into participating in the game....cause he was framed for a crime. Great movie, and a must see and own for any hardcore Arnold fan.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Walter R.

    The ending was a little far fetched, even for a game show. The stalkers were out in left field as characters.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 22 Reviews
       

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