Runaway (1984)

Director: Michael Crichton

Starring: Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes, Gene Simmons

In the near future, a police officer specializes in malfunctioning robots. When a robot turns out to have been programmed to kill, he begins to uncover a homicidal plot to create killer robots… and his son becomes a target.

‘Runaway’ is a classic 80s action film that still holds so well by today’s standards. I mean, already back then they made use of drones, but they called them ‘floating cameras’. ‘Runaway’ was way ahead of its time with interesting gadgets and impressive technology.

Tom Selleck is well cast as officer Jack Ramsay. (He is tall, lean and very handsome, and quite honestly a pleasure to look at, if I may be so blunt. He is such a hunk!) In the not too distant future robots will do everything for us, as depicted in the movie. (This is soon becoming a reality.) Ramsay is called in whenever a robot malfunctions. (No doubt that will be a reality, too!). Despite being set in the future, the film maintains a sense of realism, instead of being futuristic or fantastical. The events in the film feel relatable, relevant, and believable.

Cynthia Rhodes stars as Ramsay’s sidekick, Thompson. The chemistry between the characters are really good. The romance interest was predictable, but so effective and actually quite sweet. Gene Simmons (lead singer of the band KISS) was also very good as the creepy antagonist Luther.

‘Runaway’ is packed with action and sure to satisfy anyone hungry for action. The robotic spiders are the best!! I absolutely love this film. This seriously was a lot of fun!

Would I watch it again? Yes.