Runner from Angel Studios has made its debut in advanced screenings. The upcoming buddy-action-comedy stars Alan Ritchson (Reacher, War Machine, The Ministry of Ungentlemenly Warfare) and Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris, Loki, The Royal Tennebaums). In the film, “a former soldier (Ritchson) is thrown into a race against time as a medical delivery makes him the target of a ruthless cartel.” Runner comes from the team behind Mortal Kombat and The Hitman’s Bodyguard, with Scott Waugh helming the film as the director. The film also stars Rodrigo Santoro, Leila George, Kate Box, Peta Sergeant, Geraldine Hakewill, Cecilia Toussaint, and Scarlett Crabtree.
The film has screened for an audience. So, what is the early buzz as the viewers react on social media? Our resident critic, Alex Maidy, had a fun time with the movie, though felt the PG-13 rating as well, saying, “#runner is another winner from Alan Ritchson. Teaming with Owen Wilson, the movie is a fun, fast-paced action movie that feels slightly sanitized but still delivers some kick ass moments including a stellar high speed chase. Come for the action, stay for the bird.”
The critic Lights Camera Jackson also had fun with the film, but wasn’t glowing too bright about it, saying, “I’ve screened action flick #Runner starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson (in theaters Sept. 10). Has a premise out of the Liam Neeson playbook. Some memorable one-liners and wacky, outrageous sequences. The third act is so over the top. Not a high quality movie, but never dull.”
Josh Friedman had a heck of a time with this film and praises the performances and chemistry between Ritchson and Wilson, saying, “#Runner is a sharp cleverly funny action thriller elevated by great performances and banter between Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson. Scott Waugh creates a fun high-speed chase thriller in the heart of Brisbane, Australia that definitely keeps you engaged on the edge of your seat.”
StuckerMovieReviews found the film to be quite mediocre and of quality for streaming, despite enjoying parts of it. They said in their reaction, “#Runner is the perfect example of an action film made for streaming. While Owen Wilson and Alan Ritchson have some fun chemistry, the forgettable sorry and lackluster action fail to justify giving this a theatrical release. Angel Studios has made worse, but it’s still not great.”
BlackNezzy called Runner an enjoyable throwback to 2000s buddy action films, saying, “So just got out of seeing #Runner and it was an enjoyable enough action buddy movie. A nice throwback to early mid 2000s action films. Alan Ritchson & Owen Wilson were good together. Over all cool film to kick off fall movie season #RunnerMovie”
Charles Fernandez saw Runner at an AMC ScreenUnseen showing and gave it a 4/5, saying, “Alan Ritchson & Owen Wilson make for a fun pairing in tonight’s AMC SCREENUNSEEN Runner. Fun Entertaining Engaging Never Dull Action Film that moves along at a Great Pace & even has heart & An Over The Top 3rd Act. PEEK A BOO(IYKYK). 4/5. #Runner #AlanRitchson #OwenWilson”