Alan Ritchson is stepping into a different kind of action role, and early critics have taken notice. The first reviews for the upcoming action-comedy Runner reveal a consistent trend: Ritchson brings genuine acting chops to a film that struggles to balance its brutal violence with its comedic ambitions. Directed by Scott Waugh, the movie hits theaters on September 11.
First reviews of Alan Ritchson’s Runner are in
The plot centers on a delivery man tasked with transporting a healthy liver to a sick girl. He must also escort the man who brought the organ while fighting off mercenaries who want it for themselves. Owen Wilson plays the hapless courier providing comic relief, while Ritchson handles the physical destruction.
Critics agree that Ritchson elevates the material. M.N. Miller of FandomWire called the film a “generic, aesthetically pleasing, and occasionally fun action throwback.” Miller noted the movie runs just over 90 minutes but can feel grating.
However, he praised Ritchson’s range, writing, “The most talented man in Hollywood can convey deep sorrow and poignant emotion just as convincingly as he can send a fist through a man’s torso as if it were drywall.”
The central debate among reviewers focuses on tone. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter argued that the action becomes too relentless and gory. He wrote that the “ultra-violent mayhem simply doesn’t fit well” with comic moments like Ritchson carrying a parakeet in a birdcage during a chase or Wilson experiencing a panic attack at an inconvenient time.
William Bibbiani of TheWrap disagreed. He praised director Scott Waugh for balancing “funny characters and seriously sick beatdowns and explosions.” Bibbiani singled out Wilson’s performance, writing that his character would be annoying in almost any other film but here proves “lovable and funny and a smart, invaluable asset to the story.”
The supporting cast includes Leila George, Rodrigo Santoro, Adriana Barraza, Peta Sergeant, and Sullivan Stapleton. Critics have not devoted much attention to these performers, focusing instead on the chemistry between Ritchson and Wilson.
Only nine reviews have been made on Rotten Tomatoes so far. A consensus score will likely come closer to the release date. Still, four out of five critics have found the film a pleasant surprise.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
