New Movies to Watch This Weekend — ‘The Running Man,’ ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Nobody 2’ Drop Big Releases

It’s a busy week at the movies — and one release is sparking jaw-dropping debate.

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, has critics and fans buzzing with mixed reactions. While some praise its bold reinvention, others call it a shocking misfire.

Unlike the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Wright’s version is a fresh adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, originally published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman.

Powell stars as Ben Richards, a working-class man who enters a deadly TV competition to save his sick daughter. His grit and defiance turn him into a fan favorite — and a threat to the system.

Lavish Performances

The first hour coasts on Powell’s unexpected comedic anger, which critics say is both shocking and effective.

Colman Domingo shines as the flamboyant game show host, though his character inevitably draws comparisons to Stanley Tucci’s role in The Hunger Games.

Satire That Stumbles

The film attempts cultural commentary, parodying the Kardashian family and critiquing the American health care system.

But critics argue the satire feels half-baked, with shallow insights into social media, deepfakes, and modern tech anxieties.

Critical Reception

The response is mixed.

The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney said the film “ends up feeling hollow” and questioned Powell’s viability as a leading man. Meanwhile, Peter Bradshaw at The Guardian praised it as “always watchable and buoyant,” asserting Wright has “hit a confident stride.”

Other Releases This Week

It’s not just The Running Man making headlines.

On the big screen, Osgood Perkins’s Keeper continues his horror streak. At home, you can rent or buy One Battle After Another — hailed as one of the year’s best — or the entertaining Roofman. Streaming highlights include a new Eddie Murphy documentary and Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody 2 on Peacock.

Cultural Impact

Ultimately, The Running Man works best when mining Powell’s righteous anger for laughs but falters when trying to deliver meaningful commentary.

It’s a bold reminder that even cult-favorite directors like Edgar Wright can shock audiences — sometimes by leaving them speechless for the wrong reasons.

With its mix of lavish performances and half-baked satire, The Running Man proves that bold reinventions can still divide audiences — and spark cultural conversation.