The original “The Running Man,” by Stephen King was a film based in New York City in 1987. The plot was set in a dystopian future where convicted criminals are given a chance to win their freedom by participating in a deadly game show. The book’s plot was a pretty similar premise involving a father trying to get money for his sick daughter. Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a blacklisted laborer living in poverty, enters the deadly game show to get money for his sick kid. However, with the movie being released in theaters on November 14, 2025, it provides a cinematic experience.

A modern perspective of the 1987 film was originally based on Stephen King’s novel. The visuals not happening on screen were expected due to intervening historical events and creative differences between Stephen King and the Paramount Pictures studio.

Personally, I like how the movie stands as a fresh take on a classic story for a new era while maintaining the thrilling essence that made the original a favorite. Some viewers have made reviews about the movie that will be covered here.

I came across some reviews about the movie from IMDb (a platform for movie and TV show enthusiasts, offering a vast database of titles, ratings, and reviews) Someone gave it a 6/10 and said the movie kept running. “The cast did a decent job in terms of performances. Glen Powell was charismatic and Josh Brolin was evil in his own ways.” ending the review with “this was a disappointment in terms of leaving an impact.” Another viewer said, “For me personally it delivered and was the 80s action throwback that I was looking for. Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, a down and out rebel working pay check to pay check to provide for his family who gets blacklisted and has no other choice but to enter The Running Man due to his child needing medication.” The review was an 8/10.