(1987) Directed by Paul Michael Glaser Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Richard Dawson, Maria Conchita Alonso, Yaphet KottoRating: ******
5/6
In the not-too-distant future, Reality TV is the norm, But it’s not as real as it pretends to be. We get deception in some form. The highest-rated TV show It’s a show called The Running Man. It’s hosted by Richard Dawson, Playing Damon Killian. Killian sets killers loose Inside a TV arena To be hunted down by dressed-up clowns While the audience brays like hyenas. These clowns are known as Stalkers. They’re killer athletes. Each has his own gimmick, And a weapon to help him beat The drugged up, slowed down criminals, Scared out of their minds. They're told that they’ll be set free, That they won’t have to do more time, If they survive The Running Man To stay alive for one show. They can vacation in Bermuda, A place nice and sunny to go, But none of these men are told That no one wins this game. The networks manipulate the truth. It’s really a confidence game. The government controls all media, And lies to the population. They tell them that Ben Richards Is the worst man in the nation. Ben Richards was a soldier, A helicopter pilot. One day he massacred civilians Who were very near starting a riot— Only he didn’t do this deed, But it makes no difference at all. The public believes he did it, Which is why he is now in jail. Ben escapes, gets captured and meets Killian, Who offers him a deal. He will spare his two prison buddies from being stalked If Ben will make the audience squeal. Richards agrees and goes on the show, But Killian screws him over, Putting his friends on nevertheless. Richards is angry, moreover. He vows to come back for Killian, Who doesn’t even blink. Then he sends them down a roller coaster ride, To shock them so they can’t think.
The audience goes wild As they see the violence start to come. It’s all about the bloodshed. It’s a huge part of the fun. These men are modern gladiators Competing for their lives, But the Stalkers have all the advantages. It’s up to Richards to turn the tide. He kills the very first Stalker And the audience is in shock. Never before had they seen the defeat Of a television jock. This is just the beginning Of this futuristic tale. Dawson and Arnie are at the top of their game, And entertain without fail. We see authoritarianism Controlling all the masses, We see most of the populace Behaving like jackasses. Richard Dawson, as the villain, Really steals the show, While Maria Conchita Alonso Gives the production a special glow. Arnie is fantastic. For this sort of role, he’s well suited. I’m giving us a five out of six. Its foundation is very well rooted.
