In Runaway, it is the near future and humanity is reliant on robots to conduct menial jobs. The robots are capable workers, and an asset to mankind, however, they are prone to malfunction which can make them dangerous.
Due to the complex nature of the robots, a special division of the police force exists to deal with any malfunctioning bots. This division includes veteran officer, Sgt. Jack R. Ramsay, as well as his new partner, Officer Karen Thompson.
One night, Ramsay and Thompson get a call to attend an unusual crime scene. A domestic robot has gone out of control, and has attacked and killed a family with a kitchen knife.
After disabling the bot and rescuing an infant, Ramsay investigates the reason why the robot went rogue. What follows is a case involving heat-seeking missiles, acid-injecting spider robots, and a spot of acrophobia!
Written and directed by Michael Crichton, Runaway is a sci-fi action thriller starring Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes, Gene Simmons, Kirstie Alley, Joey Cramer and G.W. Bailey. The movie was originally released in 1984, and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.
However, despite the milestone it is a celebration which will receive little fanfare or attention. This is because Runaway is not a particularly well-remembered picture.
Sure, I’m talking about it now, but ask the average Joe on the street, and the masses won’t necessarily know of its existence. It certainly has cult appeal, but not a mainstream presence, and it has largely fallen through the cracks over the years.
This is because Runaway was neither a critical or commercial success when it was released back in ‘84. It came, it flopped, and it sort of fell by the wayside.
These days it is largely only remembered by two groups of people. The first is those interested in Michael Crichton stories, while the second is those who are devoted to Tom Selleck.
Yet despite the niche fanbase and the limited celebrations for its 40th birthday, Runaway deserves some love. Sure, there are reasons it gets overlooked (it’s a mid-level movie at best) but it has plenty to offer for the right audience.
Firstly, there’s moustache-sportin’ dreamboat, Tom Selleck as lead cop, Jack Ramsay, and as anyone will tell you, Selleck is always top value! Secondly, there’s an eclectic supporting cast which includes KISS frontman Gene Simmons, Flight of the Navigator’s Joey Cramer, and Police Academy alumni G.W. Bailey!
Thirdly there’s a genuinely intriguing premise from Jurassic Park creator Michael Crichton. OK, so as a director, Crichton fails to deliver a film worthy of his story, but on paper Runaway has some interesting ideas and a neat hook.
In short: The potential is all there and for those who enjoy futuristic sci-fi stories, Runaway manages to tick many of the right boxes. The film is best approached as an occasionally corny sci-fi B-movie, rather than anything else, but there are various moments throughout the film when it really hits the spot.
Plus, it’s worth watching for the kooky turn from Gene Simmons alone. The musician-turned actor takes on the role of crazed scientist, Dr. Charles Luther, and he gives a suitably deranged performance.
Oh, and if all that wasn’t enough, the end credits includes a kissing sequence between Selleck and co-star Cynthia Rhodes, which goes on for at least a minute. And this minute of snogging includes pyrotechnics.
It is an unintentionally hilarious way to end the film, yet it is worth sitting through the entire picture just to see this frankly quite bizarre creative decision. It’s camp and I love it!
As for why this film flopped at the box-office, well, it’s because the direction is often flat, the pacing is off, and it never manages to reach its full potential. As stated above, Runaway is a mid-level movie and that’s as good as it’ll ever be, so don’t for one second believe it is anything more.
But mid-level can be OK. The imagination is there, the film simply suffers in the execution.
With a few tweaks, and perhaps a different director calling the shots, Runaway could have been a success. As it stands, it’s a trier, but an interesting trier at that.
I have no idea why no one has attempted to remake Runaway over the years, but maybe somebody will in the not-too-distant-future. For now, let’s simply light some candles and wish it well for its anniversary year.
Should you like to watch Runaway, the film is tricky to come by, however it is currently available to purchase on Blu-ray via 101 Films.
—
—
Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a comment