THE RUNNING MAN (2025) brings a bold and thrilling take on the classic dystopian story, this time led by Glen Powell as Ben Richards. When I first saw the trailer, I wasn’t sure what to expect; it looked like another high-action film where one man has to survive against impossible odds. But after sitting down to watch it, I was pleasantly surprised by how much heart and energy this movie brought to the screen. It’s the kind of movie that starts slow but pays off once it finds its rhythm.
The film takes its time setting up Ben Richards’ story, showing his struggle to provide for his daughter and the desperate situation that pushes him to join The Running Man game show. At first, I found the pacing to be a little too long. The first act could’ve easily been trimmed down by thirty minutes without losing anything important. Still, once the actual game begins, the movie takes off and doesn’t look back. The energy completely shifts, and you can feel the tension rise with every challenge Ben faces.
Once the world of the game is revealed, it’s easy to get drawn in. The dystopian setting feels believable and full of life, with the game show being both horrifying and fascinating. I loved how the movie balanced its world-building with intense, chaotic action scenes. It’s a mix that feels part Hunger Games, part John Wick, but still manages to find its own identity. The idea of society being so obsessed with violence and entertainment hits harder than expected, and the film plays into that theme well without ever losing its sense of fun.
Glen Powell delivers a strong performance as Ben Richards, showing both charm and desperation. He carries most of the emotional weight of the film, but he’s not alone. Michael Cera absolutely steals scenes as Bradley Throckmorton, adding unexpected humor and personality to a movie that could’ve easily taken itself too seriously. The supporting cast around Powell also helps flesh out the story, keeping the film feeling fresh as new characters appear throughout the game.
What I really enjoyed about THE RUNNING MAN is that it knows what kind of movie it is. It doesn’t try to be overly deep or revolutionary; it just wants to entertain, and it does that really well. Once the game starts, you’re locked in, watching one wild sequence after another. It’s violent, over the top, and sometimes ridiculous, but that’s exactly what makes it fun. You buy into the world, the chaos, and the characters because the film never tries to be anything other than a fast-paced dystopian thrill ride.
Overall, THE RUNNING MAN (2025) is a fun, high-energy action movie that delivers on its promise. It’s not perfect, and it could’ve been shorter, but if you just want to sit back and enjoy a good time, this is it. It’s a solid November film that knows how to entertain. So grab your popcorn, don’t take it too seriously, and get ready for one wild run.
THE RUNNING MAN is in Theatres, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, Premium Large Format and IMAX on November 14th, 2025.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Uziel Lopez (Contributor) is a Houston native who enjoys early mornings, staying active through running, hitting the gym, and listening to music. He’s always up for a movie as long as there’s popcorn. Click Here to check out Uziel's Articles.