Critique: Film> Reviews.

The most frightening thing about The Running Man in this age of "Reality TV" obsession is that it might actually come true. Set in the year 2017, and loosely based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, Capitalism has gone completely blood thirsty: The department of justice now believes the best course of action for criminals is to forward them to a popular game show, where gladiators hunt them down for kills in front of a live (cheering) audience.

See, America loves television, and of course the way to get the ratings is to "give the people what they want" -- that's the philosophy of the show's creator and host, Damon Killian (Richard Dawson). Thankfully, though, the proposed concept of the soon-to-be future won't give us any sleepless nights primarily due to Schwarzenegger's typical wisecracking remarks, which keep the movie easily digestible and immensely satisfying throughout its two hour running time.

Arnie stars as Ben Richards, a cop framed for a bloody massacre of innocent people. After seeing him escape from prison, Killian sees Richards' potential and opts to put him on the show. Of course, things start to go horribly wrong when Richards sadistically butchers the gladiators before they can even get close to him; thus, inspiring an underground resistance movement to jam the network satellite and develop their freedom.

Most would turn their nose up at a Stephen King adaptation, but The Running Man is an interesting satire of contemporary American television, which, considering it was released in 1987, was quite ahead of its time. Arnold's puns are periodically hilarious -- perhaps his best on film -- which make for an all round enjoyable experience.

The only thing that confuses me is the film's attempt at developing a relationship between Richards and Amber (the feisty Maria Conchita) within the final few minutes to the sound of '80s pop trash. Me thinks, all that running around in those sexy little uniforms must've gone to their head.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2008.