The 80s are often referred to as the golden age of action movies. Explosions, gunfights, and one-man-armies were all the rage. And when it comes to 80s action flicks, one name towers above the rest – Arnold Schwarzenegger. From The Terminator to Commando, Arnold had charisma, muscles, and a one-liner for every occasion. But one movie that often gets overlooked is The Running Man. And that’s a real shame because The Running Man has everything that made Arnold a bona fide action superstar.
The Plot
The Running Man is set in the dystopian future of 2017. The government has been taken over by a totalitarian regime, and the populace is oppressed and powerless. The only escape from their grim reality is through a television show called “The Running Man.” In this show, prisoners have to fight for their lives against a team of gladiators called “stalkers.” If they survive, they win their freedom.
Arnold’s Role
Arnold plays Ben Richards, a soldier falsely accused of a massacre. He is forced to participate in “The Running Man” to clear his name. But unlike the other contestants who are scared and desperate, Ben is a tough-as-nails hero who isn’t afraid of a fight.
The Action
The action in The Running Man is fast-paced, brutal, and explosive. The stalkers are like something out of a comic book – each one has a unique look and style. For example, there’s Dynamo, a flamboyant opera singer with laser beams shooting out of his suit. Or Buzzsaw, a chainsaw-wielding maniac with a motorbike. And of course, there’s Sub-Zero, a hockey-themed stalker with a deadly razor-sharp hockey stick.
But what really makes The Running Man stand out is Arnold’s physicality. He takes on the stalkers one by one, using his muscles and wits to outsmart them. Whether he’s fighting Buzzsaw on a chainsaw duel or using his surroundings to take down Dynamo, Arnold is at his absolute best in this movie.
The Humor
The Running Man may be a dystopian thriller, but it also has a healthy dose of humor. Arnold has always had a knack for one-liners, and this movie is no exception. Whether he’s telling a stalker “Here’s Sub-Zero, now, plain zero” or “I live to see you eat that contract,” Arnold’s wit adds a level of levity that makes the movie even more enjoyable.
Trivia
Did you know that The Running Man is based on a book by Stephen King? It was originally published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. However, the movie is very different from the book – the book is much darker and bleaker. Also, the movie was released in 1987, and it’s set in 2017. It’s interesting to see how the filmmakers envisioned the future.
The Legacy
The Running Man wasn’t a critical hit, but it has gained a cult following over the years. It’s easy to see why – the movie is a perfect encapsulation of everything that made the 80s so great. It has macho heroes, outrageous villains, explosive action, and a healthy dose of humor. And of course, it has Arnold Schwarzenegger at his absolute peak.
Final Thoughts
The Running Man is a movie that deserves to be remembered. It’s a testament to Arnold’s star power and charisma. And it’s a reminder of a time when action movies were unapologetically over-the-top. So if you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. You won’t be disappointed
Call to Action
Thanks for reading this article about The Running Man. If you’re a fan of Arnold or 80s action movies, check out some of our other articles about classic movies like Die Hard or Lethal Weapon. And don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post from RFGC.
