I watched three movies this week, and each one hit me in a completely different way. Here are my thoughts—spoiler-free, quick, and honest.

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⭐ The Running Man (2025) — Glenn Powell

This is obviously a remake of the 1980s film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I watched the original probably 20–25 years ago, and I still remember the premise: a dystopian future run by massive corporations, a violent game show, and a hunted man whose struggle plays out live on national TV.

The new version keeps the same setup. Glenn Powell plays the contestant on the run, now motivated by the need to win money to save his daughter.

Comparing it to the original doesn’t really make sense — they were made in completely different eras, and the “first-watch magic” of the 1980s version is impossible to recapture.

So the real question is: Is the new one good on its own?

In some ways, yes. The world-building is cool, the action sequences are well-done, and Powell is solid in the role. But when the movie ended, it felt pretty forgettable. It couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a personal story about a father fighting to get home to his family, or a broader takedown of the system behind the Running Man show — and it didn’t fully commit to either.

Ranking:

The Running Man (2025): 1320 / 1707

Original Running Man (1980s): 225 / 1707

A gorgeous, well-acted movie… but ultimately below average in myoverall rankings.

⭐ Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

(Third film in the series)

The third installment brings back most of the cast — Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher — and introduces three young magicians who idolize the original Horsemen.

The premise is still amusing: magicians treated like global celebrities with massive fanbases. It’s not very believable, but you have to accept the setup to enjoy the ride.

The plot is pretty bland, but there are enjoyable moments, and it’s an easy streaming watch if you liked the first two movies.

Ranking:

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: 1324 / 1707

Definitely average or below.

⭐ Playdate — Kevin James & Alan Ritchson

This was the biggest surprise of the three.

Playdate is wildly different from most streaming movies — in tone, in pacing, in genre. It mixes buddy-comedy, family adventure, and action, and somehow the combination works. Kevin James and Alan Ritchson have great chemistry, the kids are strong actors, and the movie zips along. The first half barely slows down. The middle drags a little, but the ending picks back up.

We immediately know that Alan Ritchson’s character, Jeff, and his son CJ are different in some way. The movie reveals the twist about halfway through — and while the twist itself isn’t all that unique, the way the movie tells the story keeps things fun. Most of the surprises land, and a lot of them lead to genuine laughs.

It’s funny, strange, unpredictable, and stands out because it’s willing to be weird in ways other movies aren’t.

Honestly, this one could have even done well in theaters.

Ranking:

Playdate: 249 / 1707

A clear standout among modern streaming releases. I watched with my kids on Thanksgiving, then again with my wife the next night.

⭐ Final Ratings Recap

The Running Man (2025): 1320 / 1707

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: 1324 / 1707

Playdate: 249 / 1707

Playdate is the only one that truly rises above average — and it does so in a big way.

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