The Running Man: A Blast from the Past

Rewatching The Running Man (1987) was a fun trip down memory lane. This movie embodies the essence of 1980s over-the-top action, with an unabashed, glittery story that’s so bad it’s good. While it’s not Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best action movie of 1987 (that would be Predator), it’s still an entertaining ride.

The acting is, well, not great. Everyone’s performance is so bad that it makes Richard Dawson (yes, the Family Feud host) look good. But hey, it works, and Dawson essentially plays an R-rated version of himself.

What struck me immediately was the similarity between The Running Man’s plot and The Hunger Games. It’s interesting to note that The Running Man was written by Stephen King (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) in 1985, predating Koushun Takami’s Battle Royale by 14 years. King’s story was likely inspired by his own earlier work, The Long Walk (1979), which is a brilliant and simple story that’s surprisingly never been adapted into a film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Running Man

Where Are They Now?

One of the joys of watching an old movie like this is seeing where the actors went from here. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on the rise, and this movie marked the beginning of his ascent to superstardom. The film also featured Jesse Ventura, who appeared in Predator with Arnold earlier in 1987. Yaphet Kotto, recognizable from the first Alien movie, had a role, as did Jim Brown, the NFL running back. Maria Conchita Alonso, who appeared in this film and the sequel to Predator in 1990, is still active in the industry, having appeared in 10 movies and TV shows since 2020. Even Mick Fleetwood from Fleetwood Mac made an appearance!

The cast of The Running Man

In conclusion, The Running Man is a fun, cheesy action movie that’s perfect for a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s. While it’s not the best of its kind, it’s an entertaining ride that’s worth revisiting.