The first social media reactions to Edgar Wright's film, The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, have arrived online ahead of its theatrical release next week.
The new film adaptation of the beloved Stephen King dystopian novel has been one of the most anticipated releases this year due to Powell's involvement and its seemingly propulsive action-packed tone, based on the trailers that they released. Audiences have been curious whether this is worth watching on the big screen.
Is Glen Powell's The Running Man Worth Watching According to the First Reactions?
Some of the critics and journalists who watched an early screening of The Running Man have weighed in on the new film in the first wave of social media reactions that have been posted online.
Fortunately, the majority of the reactions have been positive, with praises towards Powell's performance, Wright's direction, the social commentary, action set pieces, and for being a faithful adaptation of the novel.
Drew Taylor of TheWrap wrote, "#TheRunningMan rules. @edgarwright unleashes superb set pieces, mixing Verhoeven-style satire, sly social commentary and high stakes thrills. Best of all it's anchored by a great, emotionally resonant performance by @glenpowell, as an everyman pushed too far. Run, don't walk."
Meanwhile, Perri Nemiroff of Collider highlighted Wright's direction in her first reaction. "He’s got a remarkably firm handle on the style and tone of the film, and that’s what allows it to be both bombastic high-energy fun, and also just grounded enough to ensure you care and take the story home with you after the credits roll," she wrote.
Rachel Leishman of The Mary Sue called the film "everything I wanted it to be and so much more. Action packed, emotional, and a star vehicle for Glen Powell." and "Edgar Wright really bottled magic with Stephen King's novel and this is going to be an instant classic."
FilmLand Empire praised The Running Man as a "glorious, a brilliantly old-school blockbuster: fast-paced, action-packed yet character-driven, with a chaotic energy reminiscent of SCOTT PILGRIM. Glenn Powell burns up the screen, angry, masculine, funny and with a proper film star charisma. Loved it!"
It remains to be seen whether the film's positive buzz right now will sustain as more critics weigh in over the next few days, but this is a promising indication that The Running Man delivers everything that audiences have been hoping for.
What is The Running Man About?
The Running Man follows Ben Richards, desperate to save his sick daughter, who decides to join a game show where contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by "Hunters" hired to kill them.
Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters but a nation addicted to watching him fall.
Aside from Powell, the cast also includes William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin. It is set to release in theaters this November 14.
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