The Running Man

PLOT:

An unjustly accused prisoner in 2019 is given a slim chance at freedom if he enters a battle-to-the-death on a television game show. Dawson steals the show as the slimy host!

What people are saying:

“Great Schwarzenegger effort where he is a prisoner hunted down on a violent game show. You would think that by 2017, the home version of the show would have advanced to video instead of a board game. Richard Dawson is good as the jerk host.” 4 1/2 stars

“I loved the idea behind this movie, but there have been many other better movies with the same idea, and the movie itself is predictable and much like Schwarzenegger’s other films. Richard Dawson was perfect as the game show host, though, I really liked him. Overall, it’s okay, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A similar, but better movie: Deathrow Gameshow.” 3 stars

“Finally watched this from start to finish and it is pretty damn bad. I am sure back when it came out it was a bit better for a sci-fi film but it now is generic and along with the horrible acting it is enjoyable for the hilarity of corny one liners and cheesiness.” 1 1/2 stars

“Some of the main problems that The Running Man runs into is the extremely fast pacing and the extreme lack of character development, plot development, and exposition. Seriously, this could have been a really good movie if the crew focused on these things rather then the full-fledged action you find for the entire duration of the film. It felt as if this movie was made for thirteen-year olds with very short attention spans. A couple of redeeming qualities are Arnie’s acting and his classic one-liners and a really cool head-exploding scene. That’s pretty much it.” 2 stars

“With a dance routine choreographed by Paula Abdul, ironically The Running Man forecast America’s obsession with over-produced competitive ‘reality’ shows and predates The Hunger Games by 25 years. I’m not so sure about Arnie’s Bond style quips but the casting of Richard Dawson as the show’s host is inspired.” 4 stars