Fans of classic action films can catch Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1987 sci-fi thriller 'The Running Man' on Film4 tonight at 10.55pm. The broadcast comes ahead of a reboot starring Glen Powell, directed by Edgar Wright, which has received mixed reviews.
Based on a Stephen King novel, the original film is set in a dystopian America between 2017 and 2019, where a totalitarian government controls the population through a violent game show. Schwarzenegger plays Captain Ben Richards, framed for murders he didn't commit, who must outrun professional killers in an abandoned part of Los Angeles.
Critics and fans have praised the original for its 'wildly entertaining' retro feel, full of classic one-liners and 80s cheese. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer called it 'pure 80s Arnold at his most entertainingly excessive', while another highlighted its 'beautiful dystopian atmosphere' and importance of defying tyranny.
The reboot, starring Glen Powell, has divided critics, with some dubbing him the 'next Tom Cruise' and others claiming he is miscast. Ratings range from one to five stars. The original film remains a favourite for its synth-heavy score, neon palette, and satirical take on media manipulation.
