The Running Man (1987)
This week on “Shat the Movies,” we’re running headfirst into The Running Man (1987), the action-packed sci-fi thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Join us as we break down the high-stakes game show, over-the-top villains, and the unforgettable one-liners in this satirical dystopian classic. Whether you’re a fan or new to it, get ready for a fast-paced and fun discussion!
Plot Summary
In the 1987 sci-fi action thriller The Running Man, directed by Paul Michael Glaser and loosely based on the novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman), Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a wrongfully convicted man forced to participate in a deadly game show where survival is anything but guaranteed. Set in a dystopian future where the government controls information and society is pacified through violent entertainment, The Running Man serves up explosive action with sharp social commentary.
Richards, a former police officer framed for a massacre he tried to prevent, is given the choice: rot in prison or fight for his life on The Running Man, the most popular show on television. Hosted by the sadistic Damon Killian (played with smarmy charm by real-life game show host Richard Dawson), the show pits “contestants” against over-the-top gladiators called Stalkers—each with a distinct persona and deadly weapons. As Richards battles foes like the flamethrower-wielding Fireball, chainsaw-swinging Buzzsaw, and electric shocker Dynamo, he quickly becomes a fan favorite and a symbol of rebellion.
Joining forces with Amber Mendez (María Conchita Alonso), a resistance-minded network employee, Richards uncovers the truth behind the show’s propaganda and the lies the government feeds its citizens. What begins as a fight for survival becomes a revolution on live TV.
The Running Man is packed with classic Schwarzenegger one-liners, campy futuristic visuals, and a surprisingly prescient critique of media manipulation and reality television. Join our podcast review as we revisit this 80s cult favorite, discussing its blend of action and satire, memorable villains, and whether it still resonates in today’s media-obsessed culture.
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