The Running Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Arnold is wrongly accused of a crime, so he joins a deadly gameshow filled with colorful killers only to prove that the media lies and reality TV is evil…with explosions.

🍿 The Running Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Framed for a Crime

In a dystopian 2017, Ben Richards, a helicopter pilot, refuses an order to fire on unarmed civilians during a riot in Bakersfield. He’s framed for the massacre and dubbed “The Butcher of Bakersfield” by the state-controlled media. Richards is sentenced to a prison work camp.

Escape from Wilshire

Eighteen months later, Richards and two fellow inmates, Laughlin and Weiss, escape the prison. They seek refuge with the underground resistance movement, hoping to expose the government’s lies. Richards is initially reluctant, but the pursuit by authorities forces him to act.

Forced into ‘The Running Man’

After a failed attempt to secure a safe passage with Amber Mendez, Richards is captured by Damon Killian, the host of the popular TV game show ‘The Running Man.’ Killian blackmails Richards into participating in the deadly show, threatening to put Laughlin and Weiss in his place if he refuses.

Surviving the Game

Richards and his former prison mates find themselves contestants, forced to battle ‘stalkers’ in a brutal arena. Richards quickly discovers that the show is rigged, and the promises of freedom for past winners were lies. Amber Mendez is thrust into the game as well when Killian learns she has uncovered the truth about Bakersfield.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A wrongly convicted former helicopter pilot who is forced to participate in the deadly game show ‘The Running Man’ to survive.
• Damon Killian (Richard Dawson): The charismatic and ruthless host of ‘The Running Man’ who manipulates the game and the public for higher ratings.
• Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso): An ICS network employee who initially betrays Ben Richards but later joins him in exposing the truth.
• Laughlin (Yaphet Kotto): One of Ben Richards’ fellow inmates and resistance fighter who aids in the mission to expose the truth
• Buzzsaw (Gus Rethwisch): A chainsaw-wielding stalker and champion on ‘The Running Man’ known for his brutal attacks.
• Dynamo (Erland van Lidth): An opera-singing stalker on ‘The Running Man’ who uses electricity as his deadly weapon.
• Fireball (Jim Brown): A flame-throwing stalker on ‘The Running Man’ who uses a rocket pack on his back.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ben Richards: “I’ll be back!” – Said sarcastically to Damon Killian before being launched into the game zone, mocking Killian’s earlier comment about seeing him ‘only in a rerun’.
• Ben Richards: “Here is Subzero… now plain zero!” – Said after killing the stalker Subzero with barbed wire, delivering a classic Schwarzenegger pun.
• Damon Killian: “Hello, gorgeous!” – Damon Killian says as he sees Arnold run into the game arena for the first time and instantly likes him
• Ben Richards: “He had to split.” – Said after Ben Richards kills the stalker Buzzsaw by shoving the chainsaw into Buzzsaw’s groin.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $38,122,105
• Worldwide Gross: $38,123,906

💥 The Running Man Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched *The Running Man* as a kid, and the over-the-top action blew my mind. Seeing it now, the movie’s satire on reality TV is eerily accurate. Richard Dawson’s performance is pure genius, and I always get a kick out of Schwarzenegger’s one-liners. Even though it’s cheesy, it’s a fun movie that has stuck with me over the years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger”
  • “Fans of 80s action films”
  • “Viewers interested in dystopian themes”
  • “People who enjoy action movies with social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Intense action sequences”
  • “Some language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A guilty pleasure action flick, *The Running Man* delivers on its promise of futuristic violence and dystopian satire. While the plot is thin, the engaging performances, especially from Richard Dawson, and the over-the-top action sequences keep the audience entertained.
• The New York Times: “Though dated, *The Running Man* still offers a surprisingly relevant commentary on media manipulation and the desensitization of society. Schwarzenegger’s presence provides the necessary muscle, but the film’s true strength lies in its satirical edge.
• RogerEbert.com: “The film’s reliance on 80s tropes makes it visually jarring, but Richard Dawson’s performance offers a memorable, dark twist. *The Running Man* is thought-provoking, but struggles with an over-the-top delivery.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the outrageous villains and inventive deaths of the ‘stalkers’.: Most viewers agree the film’s commentary on media and reality TV is surprisingly accurate and relevant today.

Fans found the movie cheesy but charming, appreciating its 80s aesthetic and over-the-top violence.: The film is recognized for its fast-paced action and memorable one-liners delivered by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Overall Consensus: The Running Man is considered a fun, if somewhat cheesy, 80s action film with a surprisingly relevant satire on media manipulation and reality TV. It remains a cult classic among fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rob Cohen, the producer, purchased the rights to the Richard Bachman novel “The Running Man” without knowing Bachman was actually a pseudonym for Stephen King.”
• “Dolph Lundgren and Christopher Reeve were considered for the role of Ben Richards before Arnold Schwarzenegger was cast.”
• “Richard Dawson, who played the villainous Damon Killian, was a real-life game show host, best known for hosting ‘Family Feud’. This added a layer of authenticity to his portrayal.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Running Man?

The Running Man is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video for purchase or rental. You can also find it on Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Running Man, you might like these similar films:

• Death Race 2000 (1975): Features a dystopian future where a deadly race is a form of entertainment, similar to the televised violence in ‘The Running Man’.
• RoboCop (1987): Set in a dystopian future with corporate control and media manipulation, it shares thematic elements and a violent, action-oriented approach.
• The Hunger Games (2012): A modern equivalent where contestants are forced to fight to the death in a televised spectacle, echoing the themes of government control and entertainment through violence.
• Battle Royale (2000): Japanese cult classic where a class of students is forced to fight each other to the death on an island, showcasing the extremes of violent entertainment.

🛒 The Running Man Related Products

• The Running Man (Blu-ray): Experience The Running Man in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes features, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes, offering a deeper look into the making of this iconic action film.
• The Running Man (Kindle Edition): Read the original novel by Stephen King, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Delve into the gripping story that inspired the movie and discover the differences and nuances of the book.
• The Running Man Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality print of the original movie poster. Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his iconic pose, this poster is a great addition to any movie buff’s collection.
• Running Man Inspired T-Shirt: Show off your love for The Running Man with this t-shirt featuring the Running Man logo. Made from comfortable, high-quality material, this shirt is perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Running Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Harold Faltermeyer
• “Theme from The Running Man” – performed by John Massari
• “The Ride of the Valkyries” – performed by Richard Wagner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With The Running Man

Hey, have you seen the CinemaSins video on ‘The Running Man’? It’s hilarious! They point out all the funny mistakes and plot holes in the movie. You’ll have a blast watching it.

The Running Man (1987) Retrospective / Review

Want to know more about ‘The Running Man’? Check out this retrospective review by Oliver Harper. He dives deep into the movie, offering his thoughts and analysis. I found it really insightful!

The Running Man – What’s the Difference?

Did you know that ‘The Running Man’ was based on a book by Stephen King? This video compares the two and highlights the differences. It’s a must-watch for fans of both the movie and the book.

✨ Rate