#9 The Running Man: It's time to start running!

Blast Off into Dystopian Action: The Running Man 1987 Movie Review on the Four Takes Movie Podcast

Welcome to the Four Takes Movie Podcast! Join hosts Martin, Adam, Luke, and David as they dive into a definitive review of the 1987 action movie classic, The Running Man. This is an essential listen for any fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger or 80s cinema.

The episode breaks down the plot of this iconic 1987 movie, which is set in a dystopian 2017 where the United States has devolved into a totalitarian police state.  The most popular form of entertainment is the violent game show, The Running Man.  The movie follows Ben Richards, an innocent police officer framed for a massacre, who is forced to become a contestant and fight flamboyant professional killers known as Stalkers.

The team tackle the fascinating controversy surrounding the source material. The film is based on a book written by Richard Bachman, the well-known pen name for celebrated author Stephen King.  King himself was reportedly so displeased with how little the film resembled his book that he requested his name be taken off the project.  This podcast episode explores why the film leaned into high-octane 80s action rather than deep storytelling.

This discussion is fast-paced, mirroring the nature of the film itself.  Get ready for unique insights, including the amazing use of practical special effects, especially during the early prison break scene where a character’s head explodes—an effect the team noted was so realistic it was hard to figure out how they achieved it without CGI.

The episode also highlights the film's unexpected observations about media and power. The hosts discuss how the network constantly changes the narrative and manipulates footage to turn Richards into the villain, referring to him as the butcher of Bakersfield, illustrating themes of state-controlled propaganda that still resonate today.  You will also hear deep dives into the film’s casting, noting that director Paul Michael Glazer was a star on Starsky and Hutch, and that antagonist Damon Killian was perfectly cast, being played by a real-life game show host. Listen out for all the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger catchphrases Richards uses, including the variation on I’ll be back: only in a rerun.

They also debate the ethics of the film's copious product placement, pointing out the prominent Adidas logo on Richards’ suit, and the appearance of Yamaha and Coca-Cola logos.  Ultimately, the consensus is that this 80s classic is pure entertainment, proving that movies designed simply to be fun and entertaining are sometimes the most valuable.

The team delivers their final movie review scores for this quintessential action movie, and will be moving from 80s cheese to 90s gloom as they prepare to watch a classic 1995 psychological thriller.

Don't miss Episode 9 of the Four Takes Movie Podcast!

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