The Running Man (1987)

 

Ready for some Arnold at his most Arnold-ish? Then you have definitely come to the right place. The man was on fire during this period in the 80s and pretty much every film he made became a classic in its own right. Not because they were all masterpieces, but because they are all cult favourites and they do make it clear why the man became such a mega-star. 

'The Running Man' is extremely loosely based on a Stephen King short story, but if you haven't read it: don't fret. This film just takes the bare bones idea of a television show and then runs with it. And it is a lot of fun. 

In the distant future of 2017 (well, in 1987 that was still distant enough, I guess) the United States are a fascist state and one company has the monopoly on media and most art is either forbidden or approved by the state propaganda. Television rules all and one tv show in particular is a staple: 'The Running Man'. Here, criminals (or enemies of the state, of course) are sent into a grid that they have to pass in 3 hours' time, while being hunted by Stalkers. 

They are a bit like a mix between gladiators and wrestlers and they get to kill the contestants. 

Arnold is Ben Richards, a police officer who refused to shoot at innocent civilians and gets thrown into jail for it. He is selected by Damon Killian, presenter of the show as his showstopper, after he escaped and was pretty much betrayed by a girl called Amber Mendez. However, Amber discovers that footage was doctored and she is subsequently also thrown into the game. 

But because Arnold is Arnold, he manages to gain the support of the audience, kicks a whole fuckton of backside and drops oneliners like there's no tomorrow. 

Oh, and he helps the resistance expose the dastardly practices of the network and the government.

This film is a hoot. Not only is it entertaining as all heck, but the incredibly magnetic personality of Arnold carries the entire project. He has a very good foil in Damon Killian, played by real life tv-host Richard Dawson. They don't have many direct interactions, but in some strange way they are perfectly opposite. The side characters are decent enough, but they don't have a lot to do. There's the always wonderful Yaphet Kotto, but he is almost an afterthought. As is Mick Fleetwood, by the way. Arnold of course gets a love interest with Amber and because Maria Conchita Alonso is one hot and foxy lady, she would come back in 'Total Recall'. She is fun, but once again: she doesn't have a lot to do. 

The Stalkers are probably what most people remember (or it's the yellow jumpsuit Arnold sports). They are obviously larger than life and it works for the most part. The fights and kills are inventive and the setup is always well thought out.

If there is a criticism, it lies in the almost pedestrian way the film was shot and edited. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky from 'Starsky and Hutch'), the entire project does feel more akin to a television show and it would have benefited from a spicier editing and more varied pace. A lot is shot in wide shots and that doesn't help. But if you can look past this minor issue, this is heaps of fun to watch. 

For Arnold-fans, this is mandatory. Everyone else: give it a twirl.