Alan Ritchson And Owen Wilson’s ‘Runner’ Receives Surprising Rotten Tomatoes Score

Angel Studios has established itself with faith-driven, family-friendly content, but this fall, the distributor is making a bold move into R-rated action. ‘Runner’ represents a significant tonal shift for the studio, swapping gentle narratives for intense gunfights, cartel chases, and a body count that critics are still assessing.

The film centers on Hank Malone, a former soldier turned courier in Australia, who finds himself in a race against time when a delivery turns out to be a liver urgently needed by a dying child. Adding to the tension is Ben Bishop, an unexpected partner played by Owen Wilson, as they become targets of a ruthless cartel led by Damian Zaldívar, portrayed by Rodrigo Santoro.

With ‘Runner’ now in theaters, the film has garnered a 65% score on the Tomatometer based on 17 reviews, a respectable but not overwhelming reception for a movie that hinges on Alan Ritchson’s action-hero persona and Wilson’s comedic flair.

Many reviews highlight the chemistry between Ritchson and Wilson as the film’s standout feature. One review noted their enjoyable mismatch, with Wilson’s energetic delivery contrasting Ritchson’s stoic demeanor, which prevents the film from feeling like a typical genre piece.

Other critics praised director Scott Waugh’s experience as a former stunt performer, emphasizing that the action scenes possess a visceral quality rarely found in mid-budget thrillers. Waugh, who also directed ‘Expend4bles,’ is noted for his brutal fight choreography that contrasts sharply with the film’s occasional comedic moments.

However, this tonal shift has been flagged by several critics as a core weakness. They observed that ‘Runner’ sometimes struggles to balance its grim stakes with Wilson’s comedic relief, leaving the film caught between two competing tones rather than fully embracing either.

Much of the film’s buzz revolves around the dynamic between its leads, who only met in person once filming commenced. Wilson shared that although he and Ritchson had spoken on the phone prior, their first real interaction occurred during production in Australia, as he mentioned to WUSA9.

Santoro, who plays the main antagonist, discussed the physical challenges of facing off against Ritchson, noting that their size difference compelled him to fully embody the villain’s menace. He also revealed that he performed many of his own stunts for the first time, crediting Ritchson’s stunt background as invaluable during filming.

The supporting cast includes Leila George as Kate Baker, Peta Sergeant as Julie, and Geraldine Hakewill as Monica, adding depth to the expansive chase narrative set in Queensland, Australia.

‘Runner’ also faces an unusual scheduling overlap, releasing just a week and a half after another thriller titled ‘The Runner,’ starring Gal Gadot. This coincidental timing has led to comparisons between the two films, although early reviews suggest ‘Runner’ offers a more coherent and engaging plot than its rival.

Despite its focus on saving a child’s life through organ delivery, ‘Runner’ does not shy away from violence, and its 65% Tomatometer score reflects a film that earns respect for its craftsmanship, even as some critics wish it had chosen a clearer direction. Whether this mixed reception translates into box office success remains to be seen as the film expands its theatrical release.

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