Don't look now, Netflix, but somebody beat you to the punch when it comes to the American version of Squid Game. Should Netflix be nervous? Can they no longer move ahead with an American Squid Game? Well, while I was watching the first half of the movie, I was thinking, 'you're done. This is great. Well, not great, but pretty good.' But then the second half of the movie and I was like, 'don't worry about it, Netflix. You'll be just fine.'
The difference with Squid Game is the intriguing challenges throughout the competition, while The Running Man becomes a giant game of hide and seek. They don't even really run. They hide. It's hard to make watching someone hide cinematic or entertaining.
This movie is message-heavy, more of a message than a movie, and it is depressing. I walked out of this movie so depressed. To cheer myself up, I watched 'All Her Fault' on Peacock, which is comfort food since 'Real Housewives.'
How you feel about this movie could depend on how you feel about Luigi because this movie is basically about Luigi, at least that's what it felt like to me. It's also the second time Stephen King's novel has been adapted for the big screen, the first being in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Setting up this dystopian future shows an unsettling world a step away from reality, where a network conglomerate controls life beyond television. The hidden references to the original and its action sequences, particularly involving Glenn Pal, add some intrigue.
Edgar Wright had an opportunity to prove his action-directing prowess with 'The Running Man,' but the movie falls flat, especially beyond the midpoint action scene which lacks the energy of predecessors. The film blurs the line on message-making it the forefront instead of action, leading to a narrative that diminishes in excitement as it progresses.
Glenn Pal holds his own as the film's lead, showing potential stardom akin to Tom Cruise, but the supporting cast feels barely present. While the premise initially engages by constructing a vivid world, audience interest wanes as the film transitions into an overbearingly message-centric second half.
Ultimately, 'The Running Man' doesn't satisfy the theater experience, feeling more suited for streaming to avoid the disillusionment of its latter parts. Edgar Wright's future ventures may benefit from returning to smaller comedic projects, partnering again with Simon Pegg. Glenn Pal's search for a defining role continues with this film not quite aligning with his career goals.