Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie''s plot.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I like this movie! After all, Arnold Schwarzenegger will always be himself on the screen. Most of the actors are not spectacular in their roles, and the special effects are comical. Yet the story and all the elements in this movie when combined make what could be a colossal flop into a fun flick.
Brief Plot Summary
In the future, the world is in turmoil. Food riots are just one of many problems. Law enforcement agent, Ben Richards, refuses to fire upon innocent civilians. The government deems him a criminal and sentences him to participate in gladiatorial style combat ... except the execution ring is in the form of television entertainment where the convicted have to escape the "Stalkers" to earn their freedom. Ben Richards causes mayhem and sends the "system" a strong message as he fights to survive.
My Experiences
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Ben Richards, who is a law enforcement officer who disobeys orders to fire upon a rioting crowd when all they want is food. The government controls everything and demands obedience. Schwarzenegger when he is onscreen is larger-than-life Schwarzenegger rather than a character we can submerse ourselves into (forgetting the actor). He shoots one-line zingers as if there is no end to them. As always, Schwarzenegger is great in action roles. He dominates the scene, whether doing battle or trying to win the girl.
The "girl" in question is named Amber and is portrayed by Maria Conchita Alonso. I like Alonso in this role. She is feisty, smart, and appropriately terrified. It's not spoiling the story to say that she begins as someone who believes all the lies spun about Schwarzenegger's character and comes to question whether the government is telling the truth. Unfortunately for her, when the government suspects she is spying on them, Alonso's character ends up fighting for her life along with Schwarzenegger. Being a smart girl, she knows who to stick with as the bad guys come after them.
Richard Dawson almost steals this movie. He plays game show host, Damon Killian. His role is over-the-top self-motivated evil. He doesn't care who he hurts as long as his show's ratings stay high. Bringing Schwarzenegger into the show is a huge rating booster, a challenge, and also brings Dawson's character more than he ever imagined.
The "Stalkers" are hilarious in a B-movie way. Their costuming is ridiculous. One of them looks like a Christmas Tree gone wrong. They have unique names such as Captain Freedom (played by Jesse Ventura), Fireball, Buzzsaw, Subzero. All of the Stalkers have unique "tags". For example, Fireball shoots fire at those he chases, and Buzzsaw wields lethal chain saws.
This movie will not be remembered for its scenery or special effects. Probably the best one is the rollercoaster car that game show contestants are strapped into as they are launched into the ring (reminiscent of a junk yard). That is one dizzying ride!
What this movie is famous for is its violence. From start to finish, this film is one big fight for survival. The sets are dark and menacing. Despite the comic-book hero style of the bad guys, this movie is not suitable for children.
The Cast
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Ben Richards Maria Conchita Alonso - Amber Mendez Richard Dawson - Damon Killian Yaphet Kotto - William Laughlin Jesse Ventura - Captain Freedom Jim Brown - Fireball Erland Van Lidth - Dynamo Dweezil Zappa - Stevie
Director - Paul Michael Glaser
Purchasing & Specifications
Amazon.com sells this movie for $13.49. It comes in a plastic keepcase with a folded piece of cardstock that lists some production notes and the scene selections.
This movie is in English and is Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only). The aspect ratio is 1.85:1. Runtime is 101 minutes.
Summary
The Running Man is one of those movies I term a guilty pleasure. The film is cheesy in so many ways, yet I enjoy the story. It's fun watching Schwarzenegger pit his brawn and wits against outlandishly costumed bad guys. This movie is bad in so many ways that is good fun!
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