By 2017, the global economy has collapsed and U.S. society has become a totalitarian police state, censoring all cultural activity. The government pacifies the populace by broadcasting a number of game shows in which convicted criminals fight for their lives, including the gladiator-style The Running Man, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian, where “runners” attempt to evade “stalkers” and certain death for a chance to be pardoned and set free.
In a dystopian 2017, convicted policeman Ben Richards is offered a chance at freedom by participating in "The Running Man," a deadly televised game show where contestants are hunted by professional stalkers. Richards must evade the stalkers and expose the corruption behind the game to have any hope of survival and justice.
Upon its release, "The Running Man" received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance and the film's action sequences, while others found its plot predictable and its social commentary heavy-handed. Despite a lukewarm critical reception, the film became a moderate box office success and has since garnered a cult following.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed "The Running Man" for its action-packed sequences and Schwarzenegger's typical heroic portrayal. Some viewers found the futuristic setting and the concept of the game show engaging, though others felt the film's satire was not as sharp as it could have been.
The film's dystopian future setting of 2017 is now in the past, with many of its depicted technologies, such as large-screen broadcasts and advanced surveillance, having become commonplace.
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