So....I just finished watching The Running Man....
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Limited Edition
So....I just finished watching The Running Man....
....and I want the lost 101 minutes of my life back!!!!11!!!
Does anyone know if this was produced to be as tongue-in-cheek as it tried to be, or was it actually trying to be cool/bad-assed/action packed?? Returns from Box Office Mojo make it appear as if it were a flop on it's initial release, yet, a 2-disc DVD was released for it?
To it's defense, it would be kinda cool to see the Survivor castaways chased around a deserted island by Jim Brown weilding a flame thrower and Jesse Ventura, so long as he could tote that friggin chopper gattling-cannon from Predator!
I did enjoy TV's Frank dressed up in Christmas lights!
Does anyone know if this was produced to be as tongue-in-cheek as it tried to be, or was it actually trying to be cool/bad-assed/action packed?? Returns from Box Office Mojo make it appear as if it were a flop on it's initial release, yet, a 2-disc DVD was released for it?
To it's defense, it would be kinda cool to see the Survivor castaways chased around a deserted island by Jim Brown weilding a flame thrower and Jesse Ventura, so long as he could tote that friggin chopper gattling-cannon from Predator!
I did enjoy TV's Frank dressed up in Christmas lights!
#2
DVD Talk Legend
I like The Running Man more than Predator.
It's a B-movie premise that's executed pretty well.
The acting demands placed on Ahnuld are few.
It has a good sense of humor about itself with Richard Dawson.
And Maria Conchito Alonso is one hot and spicy jalapeno.
It's a B-movie premise that's executed pretty well.
The acting demands placed on Ahnuld are few.
It has a good sense of humor about itself with Richard Dawson.
And Maria Conchito Alonso is one hot and spicy jalapeno.
#4
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by MartinBlank
Returns from Box Office Mojo make it appear as if it were a flop on it's initial release, yet, a 2-disc DVD was released for it?
#5
DVD Talk Legend
Even though it touches on some serious issues (check out the documentary on the 2-disc release) I've always thought of this as a comedy set in an action/sci-fi genre, and as a not very subtle satire.
Lots of fun, lots of laughs, some kick-ass action.
Lots of fun, lots of laughs, some kick-ass action.
#11
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At least it stayed consistent with most other movies made from Stephen King stories, i.e. it was better in print.
#12
DVD Talk Legend
I really enjoyed this movie. At the time, I don't know if it was trying to be serious, but I doubt it. There are too many laughable parts.
It'd be a cool reality show, I'd watch it.
It'd be a cool reality show, I'd watch it.
#13
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From: The Appian Way by way of Birmingham, AL
I didn't think it was as much shite as it really had very nearly nothing at all to do with Stephen King's (as Richard Bachman) original short story. Arnie's version was turn your brain off stuff that you'd forget 30 seconds after leaving the theater. King's was an extremely nihilistic story that, to my mind, contained some of his tautest writing to date. It's actually one of my favorite works of his. I'm guessing that King would rather have had them simply lift the premise for "The Running Man" TV show, which existed in a radically different form in the book, just to keep his name out of the credits. It's almost as unconnected to the original work as The Lawnmower Man was.
#14
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From: Austin, TX
I really like the yuppie party scenes at the end - they get to watch the fall of their society on TV, and then have a party afterwards! At least the citizens of Demolition Man had the good grace to be mildly concerned about the end of their civilization.
#16
DVD Talk Legend
Watched it again about a year ago and it was as crappy as when I first saw it. It also has a really cheap look to it.
A good idea wasted. This is one of those films where a remake would be welcomed by me.
A good idea wasted. This is one of those films where a remake would be welcomed by me.
Last edited by Jaymole; 07-12-05 at 10:55 AM.
#17
DVD Talk Legend
"Who loves you and who do you love?! And what's the number one game show in the whole, wide world?!"
#18
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Ha - all of you are a trip. How dare you bash an 80's cheese masterpiece!!!!
#19
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From: Right of Atilla The Hun
This was a fun movie to watch. No artsy-fartsy director, no tortured, angst-ridden girlie-men, no prostitutes with a heart of gold, no drug addicted "heros" we're supposed to feel sorry for. Lots of action, cheesy moments(intentional), and 2 Governers along with Jim Brown, Richard Dawson hamming it up as a super Type-A personality game show host, what more could one ask for?
Last edited by bhk; 07-12-05 at 06:13 PM.
#20
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by bhk
This was a fun movie to watch. No artsy-fartsy director, no tortured, angst-ridden girlie-men, no prostitutes with a heart of gold, no drug addicted "heros" we're supposed to feel sorry for. Lots of action, cheesy moments(intentional), and 2 Governers along with Jim Brown, Richard Dawson hamming it up as a super Type-A personality game show host, what more could one ask for?
This movie rocks. Absolutely love it.
#22
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From: Seattle and sometimes hell
I always thought the true to movie version would be good but that can't happen now with 911 and all.
I liked the movie. It doesn't hold up well but it was good for it day.
I liked the movie. It doesn't hold up well but it was good for it day.
#23
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by MartinBlank
Returns from Box Office Mojo make it appear as if it were a flop on it's initial release, yet, a 2-disc DVD was released for it?
#24
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
It had virtually nothing to do with the novel, except for the concept of "man in survival game show." As what it is, it's fun. As a King adaptation, its worthless. I liked it. It's certainly not real deep or anything, but it's enjoyable. Some of the dialog is incredibly cheesy, but that can add to its funfactor.
"I'll be back."
"Only in a rerun!"
"I'll be back."
"Only in a rerun!"
#25
DVD Talk Limited Edition
There is a reason why Arnold poked fun at himself in "Last Action Hero" 
I'm starting to think i just need to go out and get "Running Man" instead of waiting for it to go on sale.

I'm starting to think i just need to go out and get "Running Man" instead of waiting for it to go on sale.



