Film Review: 'Runner' Delivers Campy B-Movie Thrills With Ritchson and Wilson
Critic finds Scott Waugh's action flick 'Runner' leans into gonzo stunt work and tongue-in-cheek humor, even as it marks another attempt by faith-based distributor Angel Studios to enter mainstream entertainment.
A new review published by The Guardian's Culture section describes "Runner," an action film directed by Scott Waugh and starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson, as "serviceable B-movie camp" that leans into over-the-top stunts and self-aware humor.
According to the review, the film follows Hank Malone, played by Ritchson, described as an "outlandishly muscled fixer" whose work is tied to the unusual premise of organ transportation. The reviewer notes that this setup takes the film in an unexpected direction from what audiences might initially assume upon meeting the character.
The review credits "Runner" with applying "gonzo B-movie" techniques — including physics-defying car chases and exaggerated violence — to its storyline, distinguishing it from other recent late-summer action films, according to the critic.
The Guardian review also situates the film within the broader output of Angel Studios, the faith-based distributor behind the project, characterizing "Runner" as the latest in a series of attempts by the studio to move into more conventional, mainstream entertainment offerings.
Per the review, the combination of "impressive stunts" and "tongue-in-cheek flourishes" helps elevate what the critic otherwise describes as a "silly Aussie action flick."
Sources
- Runner review – Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson thriller is serviceable B-movie camp — The Guardian — Culture
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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