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November 12, 2025
The Running Man review — a film about inequality from clueless millionaires
The Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright continues his descent with this cloth-eared and phenomenally dull blockbuster starring Glen Powell
Edgar Wright, the director celebrated for his witty and inventive filmmaking in movies like *Shaun of the Dead* and *Hot Fuzz*, seems to have taken a wrong turn, according to early reviews of his latest blockbuster, *The Running Man*, which stars Glen Powell. Critics are panning the film, particularly highlighting its tone-deaf approach to themes of inequality and its overall lack of entertainment value.
The film, described as a big-budget action spectacle, reportedly attempts to tackle social disparities. However, reviewers are suggesting that the film's message is delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, feeling forced and, worse, hypocritical coming from a production likely backed by significant financial resources. The phrase "clueless millionaires" has been circulating amongst critics to describe the film's perceived disconnect from the very issues it tries to address.
Glen Powell, known for his charismatic performances in films like *Top Gun: Maverick* and *Anyone But You*, appears to be struggling to elevate the material. While Powell's individual performance hasn't been singled out for direct criticism, the prevailing sentiment suggests that he is simply unable to salvage a fundamentally flawed script and direction.
The most damning assessment comes from those who claim the film is simply "phenomenally dull." This is a particularly harsh indictment considering Wright's reputation for crafting fast-paced, visually engaging, and consistently funny movies. The expectation for *The Running Man* was high, given Wright's established pedigree, making the negative reception all the more disappointing for fans and industry observers alike.
While it's still early days, and audience reactions may differ from critical consensus, the initial reviews paint a bleak picture for *The Running Man*. The film's failure, if these reviews are to be believed, serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of tackling complex social issues within the framework of a large-scale, commercially driven blockbuster. It also raises questions about the creative direction of a director previously known for his sharp wit and originality. Whether the film can overcome this initial wave of negativity remains to be seen, but *The Running Man* appears to be facing an uphill battle.
The film, described as a big-budget action spectacle, reportedly attempts to tackle social disparities. However, reviewers are suggesting that the film's message is delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, feeling forced and, worse, hypocritical coming from a production likely backed by significant financial resources. The phrase "clueless millionaires" has been circulating amongst critics to describe the film's perceived disconnect from the very issues it tries to address.
Glen Powell, known for his charismatic performances in films like *Top Gun: Maverick* and *Anyone But You*, appears to be struggling to elevate the material. While Powell's individual performance hasn't been singled out for direct criticism, the prevailing sentiment suggests that he is simply unable to salvage a fundamentally flawed script and direction.
The most damning assessment comes from those who claim the film is simply "phenomenally dull." This is a particularly harsh indictment considering Wright's reputation for crafting fast-paced, visually engaging, and consistently funny movies. The expectation for *The Running Man* was high, given Wright's established pedigree, making the negative reception all the more disappointing for fans and industry observers alike.
While it's still early days, and audience reactions may differ from critical consensus, the initial reviews paint a bleak picture for *The Running Man*. The film's failure, if these reviews are to be believed, serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of tackling complex social issues within the framework of a large-scale, commercially driven blockbuster. It also raises questions about the creative direction of a director previously known for his sharp wit and originality. Whether the film can overcome this initial wave of negativity remains to be seen, but *The Running Man* appears to be facing an uphill battle.
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Entertainment