Episode 450: The Running Man (1987)

The Running Man (1987) Watch the trailer!

Sci-Fi films based on stories by famous writers? Arnold Schwarzenegger films? Last century's cheese science fiction movies? There's so many ways to describe this pairing, but however you label it, these are two films that were both predictive of the future and much deeper than a surface analysis would suggest! Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, 1987's "The Running Man" is a film based on a Richard Bachman (a.k.a. Stephen King) story. Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a former helicopter pilot who is arrested after refusing to fire on a group of unarmed civilians. After escaping from a prison work camp, he is seen on the news by showrunner Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), head of the most popular TV show in the country, "The Running Man!" After Ben is re-captured, Damon gets Ben assigned to be a contestant on the show, and pairs him with the two other prisoners who escaped with him, Harold Weiss (Marvin J. McIntyre) and William Laughlin (Yaphet Kotto). Now the three, along with Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), a woman Ben kidnapped while on the run, must survive both the physical race track and the various hunters, professional players each with their own gimmick, and reach the end of the course to earn their freedom! Also starring Jim Brown, Erland van Lidth, Gus Rethwisch, Professor Toru Tanaka, and Jesse Ventura!

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See what people are saying about the Two Geeks and a G.I.T. Podcast!

May 20th, 2024

"Love this pod, loved this episode. 2 film professors and their apprentice, I learn a lot every time.

Sal Mineo was the victim of a common hate crime back then. It should be mentioned that in the late sixties and 70's he was part of the gay liberation movement, it cost him jobs and eventually his life.

There ar many web pages that completely ignore this fact, it not true that he was just mugged and stabbed, my heart that is not stabbed tells me so, also it's documented in books and mentioned in some websites. The Hollywood reporter article called him a half assed actor, ICKY the hate continues, he was out in the 60's and it cost him gigs, that doesn't make him half assed.

such a sad story, but the truth should not be erased." -Dominic Nigro.

Nov 1st, 2023

"Because I was already in the middle of my self-created Shocktober Film Fest, which always ends on Halloween with ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, and I wanted to search for any podcasts which discussed it, I stumbled upon this podcast. I am impressed with both the general discussion and the knowledge of at least two of the three who teach a movie class, I think at a college. Love their choices, their coverage and their discussion. Have now already listened to at least 7 episodes (albeit at faster than normal speed), and it will be in my regular podcast rotation from now on." -shakurav1.

Mar 27th, 2023

"These guys are great to listen to. One of my favorite pods" -Ratpak2000.

Jan 11th, 2023

"Informative, interesting, and entertaining look at a lot of movies. All pods are free, unlike some reviewers out there. These reviewers have an education background and it shows in the way they express themselves, impart information about the movies as well as listen to each fellow host give their own opinions. Check out their expansive library of free film reviews, and film types paired together. Great takes on lots of genres. Thanks, guys!" -TheMatrix.

July 24th, 2021

"Just discovered. What a great movie podcast. I especially love the range of films covered. I discovered it by searching for a podcast episode talking about UHF of all movies. Any podcast that can cover comedies such as UHF, Summer School, and Spaceballs and then can just as well inform and entertain on films like City Lights, Stagecoach, and 12 Angry Men is a winner in my book. I still have many of your episodes to discover. Well done." -Mike C.

July 12th, 2021

"Had a listen, great episode guys. I am glad you like [1408] and picked it to cover as it doesnt really get talked about all that much in the sense of a must see Stephen King movie like The Shinning, Shawshank, Stand By Me etc

Without saying too much the window scene is also the one that got me good too, I love horror movies and while my wife hides behind her pillow or hits the roof with jump scares I seem motionless to most (The Ring and Jacob's Ladder aside), however this scene, first gave me shivers when he saw what he did followed instantly by a near heartache jump scare haha" -Bruce H.

June 14th, 2021

(Regarding the review of "The Shining") "Perfect" -Alton S.

Feb 18th, 2021

"As a former student of Jeff's, I was fascinated with his opionion on movies. I still have the first business card he handed me on the first day of class. Coming from three professors, I enjoy each [of] your well thought-out points of view. Not only am I learning something new about my favorite movies, but finding interests in new films. Keep up the great work geeks! (and G.I.T.)" -Joseph N.

July 16th, 2020

"Hi, I have been working through loads of classic films. Love the podcast. Would love to hear 12 Angry Men episode (my new fave classic film). Thanks" -Tom B.

Feb 18th, 2020

"Buddy does NOT talk too much. But Chad does! Just kidding - great show as always!" -Tim J.

November 4th, 2019

"Hey 3 x G's!
Love your podcast! And since you ask for suggestions about movies to be put on the show, I have to give my two cents, about some movies that I love, and would love hear your views on:

Tootsie (1982)
Amadeus (1984)
Pleasantville (1998)
Zathura - A Space Adventure

Thanks for all the reviews! 🙂" -Frederik T.

Sept 19th, 2019

"Hi guys, love the podcast. Have you thought about doing a podcast on PTA’s ‘Boogie Nights’. Maybe ‘There Will Be Blood’ too. Would love to hear your thoughts. Keep up the good work." -Steve M.