If someone is trying to decide whether to catch Angel Studios’ stylistic departure Runner in theaters, they are likely weighing the appeal of a high-octane buddy pairing against the risk of tonal whiplash. Starring the Reacher star, Alan Ritchson, and the ever-magnetic Owen Wilson, the film blends heavy-duty action with dark subject matter and quirky comedic beats.  

Before one buys a ticket for the September 11 release, here is a breakdown of what works, what does not, and who will enjoy the ride.

The story of Runner follows Hank (Alan Ritchson), an American ex-Navy SEAL living in Australia who is trying to live a quiet life as a sober, gentle giant working as a "runner". His day takes a chaotic turn when a routine transport assignment reveals a precious cargo: a medical-grade liver with a strict three-hour window of viability, desperately needed to save a dying seven-year-old girl.

Complicating things is Ben (Owen Wilson), an endlessly jovial, fast-talking medical courier forced to tag along. Soon, the mismatched pair are hunted down at every turn by a ruthless cartel led by a live-wire villain named Damien (Rodrigo Santoro), who values the black-market organ for his own deeply personal reasons.

Alan Ritchson cements his status as a powerhouse action star, perfectly utilizing his intimidating physical presence. Opposite him, Owen Wilson provides reliable comic relief, playing a jittery foil to Ritchson’s Terminator-like indestructibility. Their dynamic channels classic buddy-cop energy reminiscent of Midnight Run or 48 Hrs. Directed by former stuntman Scott Waugh (Expend4bles, Hidden Strike), the movie does not stay boring for a single second. If one is looking for high-octane sequences filled with fistfights, shootouts, explosions, and car chases, it delivers on the adrenaline front.

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While the movie promises a thoroughly enjoyable buddy action-comedy, it does not come without flaws.

The movie struggles mightily to balance its conflicting identities. It careens wildly from slapstick or lighthearted elements (like Ben having a panic attack or the aforementioned birdcage) straight into brutal, explicitly gory violence. Because the action is so relentless and bloody, it can leave a bad aftertaste. The excessive brutality sometimes clashes awkwardly with the movie's lighter comedic intentions.

Reviewers note that Runner attempts to inject a tragic plot element in the final act, but due to the rushed, chaotic pacing, the heavy emotional pivot ultimately feels unearned. These are some points to keep in mind before deciding to watch the movie in theaters on September 11. Also, if the decision feels too difficult a task, one can stream Alan Ritchson’s Motor City instead. 

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Would you like to watch the film in theaters upon its release? Do let us know.