The Running Man sees Glen Powell take on the role of Ben Richards, who has to survive 30 days on the run from professional killers to win a huge cash prize. Based on the Stephen King 1982 novel, you may remember Arnie starred in a 1987 film that has become something of a cult classic since. I'm not entirely sure I've watched the original, as I was probably too young, but I thought Edgar Wright did a pretty competent job with this remake. Cinema audiences don't seem to share my sentiments, sadly, as it's flopped at the box office, and cost six times the amount The Long Walk did (which is arguab
The Running Man sees Glen Powell take on the role of Ben Richards, who has to survive 30 days on the run from professional killers to win a huge cash prize. Based on the Stephen King 1982 novel, you may remember Arnie starred in a 1987 film that has become something of a cult classic since. I'm not entirely sure I've watched the original, as I was probably too young, but I thought Edgar Wright did a pretty competent job with this remake. Cinema audiences don't seem to share my sentiments, sadly, as it's flopped at the box office, and cost six times the amount The Long Walk did (which is arguably better).
Plus points for The Running Man - the soundtrack is decent, there are some thrilling action set-pieces, and whilst the pace did sag in places (I think I had a micro nap for a few minutes) and it could probably have been at least 20 minutes shorter, I enjoyed it moderately. Glen Powell has been touted by some as the new Tom Cruise, and was also excellent in Twisters and Anyone But You. This film has been compared by some to Squid Game, which I've not seen, and also reminded me a bit of John Wick at times, as the whole plot was inspired by Ben's desire to get medicine for his sick child (John Wick of course went on a four film trail of destruction to avenge the death of his dog). Not worth going out of your way to watch on the big screen, but I've seen a lot worse this year.
Dragonfly is proof that you don't need a huge budget to make a brilliant film. It's an absolute gem of British cinema, with wonderful acting, compelling storyline, and an ending that's like a punch in the stomach. Andrea Riseborough, Brenda Blethyn, and Jason Watkins are all on top form, in this tale of two lonely people who strike up an unlikely friendship. Sabre the dog, a massive American bull terrier, dominates many scenes, and plays a key part in the storyline too. I didn't know anything about this film when I went to watch it, but it definitely one that will stay with me. Subtle filmmaking at its finest, with something to say about the care system, getting older, loneliness and isolation, and trust between humans. I definitely didn't see the final twist coming. There are both chilling and heartwarming moments woven into the story, and some of the moments with no dialogue are the most powerful. A contender for one of my films of the year.
Next week, I'll have my take on Wicked: For Good (seeing it on the Didsbury SuperScreen), Now You See Me, Now You Don't and Christmas Karma, which has been described by the Telegraph as the worst film at the cinema since Cats, when Dame Judi Dench was half woman, half feline. I'm also hoping to squeeze in The Thing With Feathers and a Sisu sequel
