Ben Richards signs up for a brutal televised game show: if he can survive being hunted for 30 days, he can win life-changing money — and potentially save his sick daughter.
Edgar Wright delivers a dark action-thriller set in a dystopian near-future. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, which he wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Unlike the 1987 Schwarzenegger version, Wright’s adaptation is much more faithful to the book, turning the story into more of a road movie — Richards is constantly moving, hiding, and meeting different people as he tries to survive.
Cinematography from Chung-hoon Chung is notable, along with the editing by Paul Machliss and music by Steven Price.
There are echoes in the concept of other works like the French novel/film Le Prix du Danger (The Prize of Peril), which King clearly seemed to borrow from, where people are hunted for entertainment. Wright’s version stays true to King’s themes of media, desperation, and spectacle.
Glen Powell is impressive as Ben Richards: he’s tough, scared, determined — Powell brings real emotional weight to the role. The supporting cast is excellent; Josh Brolin plays the ruthless producer Dan Killian; Colman Domingo is memorable as the show host Bobby “Bobby T” Thompson; Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, and William H. Macy all contribute strong performances. Katy M. O'Brian is particularly memorable. There’s also a nice nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger (the original’s Ben Richards).
The action and stunts are great — you really feel the danger. Wright’s direction builds a tense but stylish world, the film has real scope, and the chase sequences feel grounded and raw. Despite the violence and serious stakes, there’s also dark humour, and the satire about media and spectacle is sharp.
Fans of the novel will appreciate Wright and Michael Bacall’s tweaks for the most part.
Overall, this is a very good adaptation. It respects King’s original novel, but it’s not just a rehash of the old movie — it stands on its own. If you like dystopian thrillers, action with heart, or just want something a little different, this is well worth watching.
Highly recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment