Australian cinema-goers facing a tough choice this weekend might find themselves weighing up two major new releases, with one proving significantly less painful than the other.
A Tale of Two Releases
In a week that sees the debut of both The Running Man remake and Now You See Me: Now You Don't, the decision becomes clearer upon viewing. Initially underwhelmed by The Running Man, this critic's perspective shifted dramatically after enduring the third instalment of the Now You See Me franchise, which serves as a stark reminder that far worse films exist.
This comparison holds particular weight during the current cost-of-living crisis, where every entertainment dollar counts. Choosing between these two films presents a modern-day Sophie's choice for audiences, though the horrendously stupid nature of the Now You See Me sequel makes the decision considerably easier.
Assessing The Running Man Remake
The Running Man, now showing in Australian cinemas, earns a mediocre three-star rating with an MA15+ classification. The film features Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the role originally made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 classic.
Directed by British filmmaker Edgar Wright of Baby Driver fame, this version hews closer to the Stephen King novel that inspired both films. While undoubtedly an improvement over the original thanks to Wright's involvement, it represents a noticeable step down from his previous visionary work, feeling more like a director-for-hire project with less of his signature kinetic style.
The plot follows Powell's Ben Richards, a decent but hot-headed character navigating a dystopian near-future America. After losing his job, he's forced to audition for dangerous game shows to support his wife and sick child. The all-powerful Network identifies him as an ideal contestant for The Running Man, a popular show with a simple premise: survive for 30 days and win $1 billion.
Where The Film Stumbles
The devil, as always, resides in the details. Not only must Ben evade a team of crack hunters led by Chief McCone (Lee Pace), but he quickly discovers that Network boss Dan Killian (Josh Brolin) has rigged the entire game to boost ratings.
The film's primary weakness lies in its inconsistent tone, which oscillates awkwardly between serious action and quirky comedy. This tonal uncertainty negatively impacts the performances, particularly Powell's, who hasn't quite solidified his leading man status yet.
Comparisons to The Hunger Games are inevitable, especially when evaluating Colman Domingo's performance as Running Man host Bobby T against Stanley Tucci's iconic Caesar Flickerman. While Domingo delivers a competent performance, he doesn't quite reach the heights of "the Tooch."
The supporting cast proves largely forgettable, and the set pieces feel uninspired by Wright's typically high standards. Nevertheless, it remains a solid popcorn movie for those seeking entertainment outside the home.
Most importantly, The Running Man stands as a significantly better cinematic experience than Now You See Me: Now You Don't, which this critic would rate at a generous two stars.
