The Running Man poster
The Running Man

What’s Aged the Worst?

The outdated graphics, context-dependent Richard Dawson stunt casting, weak futuristic guns, Dynamo’s assault scene, Arnold’s reduced physique, and poor dialogue are criticized; Yaphet Kotto’s death scene suffers most from the writing.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:35Read transcript
  • The opening graphics look unmistakably cheap and mid-1980s.
  • Richard Dawson’s casting is harder to appreciate without knowing his former game-show stature.
  • The futuristic machine guns sound less intimidating than ordinary contemporary weapons.
  • Dynamo’s abrupt sexual assault on Amber makes the movie turn needlessly dark.
  • Arnold’s reduced biceps and lack of a shirtless scene reflect a back injury rather than character preparation.
  • The dialogue repeatedly undercuts the movie’s visuals and cast.
  • Yafakoto gives a committed death performance but receives a weak final line.