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The Running Man on DVD (1987)

The Running Man cover art
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Average rating: (69%)
1113418201835
3.5
 
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger | Maria Conchita Alonso | Yaphet Kotto | Richard Dawson
Director: Paul Michael Glaser
Studio: UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK
Run time: 97 mins
Certificate: 18
Collections: 100 Eighties Greats
User collections: The mindless FILMS | Peggster | My Favourite Films | Top 5 Arnie Films | Just 10 Films | THE GREATEST ACTION MOVIES EVER MADE !!!!!! | A Movie Masterpiece | The Arnold Collection | My DVD Collection
Genres: Action/Adventure | Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Languages: English
Released: 19/08/2002

Brief synopsis of The Running Man

Set in 2019, an ex-cop framed and convicted of mass slaughter, becomes a contestant on the most popular game show in which convicted felons race for their lives in decimated L.A. in hopes of a pardon. Adapted from a Stephen King novel.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 3 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Given TV's increasingly desperate search for new programme formats, this futuristic blockbuster about a game show where a pumped-up audience bays for the blood of convicts on a lethal combat course isn't so far-fetched. Arnold Schwarzenegger, busy consolidating his position as the number one action star of the 1980s, plays the former police helicopter pilot who is forced into the game of death when he rebels against his totalitarian superiors. While it's a long way from the original Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) novel, Schwarzenegger gets to do what he does best — destroying baddies with a quip — and director Paul Michael Glaser — fondly remembered for his role in Starsky and Hutch — handles the action sequences with some panache. Maria Conchita Alonso plays Arnie's reluctant partner, while Richard Dawson steals the acting honours as the game-show host.

Halliwell's Film Guide

Fast-moving action movie, full of violence and some dubious jokes.

Los Angeles Times

"...A high-energy futuristic science-fiction thriller..."

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 4 starsTOP MOVIE !!!

A customer from GLASGOW , 31/08/2005

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

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Rated - 4 starsWow !!!

SCRITCH from swansea , 18/11/2003

I haven't seen this film for years, but had a craving to see it again, and wow was I not disappointed! I am not a big Arnie fan, but this film is a fast, action, packed Gem. Arnie pulls out all stops aided by some good performances from all the cast. I might just check out "Total Recall" next :)

Thanks for reading.

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Rated - 3 starsRun, run away from the 80s.

A customer from Essex, England , 14/08/2005

A good Arnie actioner with some unconvincing bad guys and a very bad song at the end. Definately rent this if you havent seen it.

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Rated - 4 starsgood sci-fi

HANS ALARCON from london , 05/09/2005

i remeber when i was 8 years old, the first time watching this film, i couldn't believe what was happening, i thought that was happening in real live...... it's interesting and the actors do a good job and the story is good as well.. do watch at least once, you'll not feel defraudated.....

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