This episode of The Deja Review, Mart & Trev strap on the explosive collars and sprint headfirst into The Running Man — twice — to see which dystopian death-game does it best: ‘80s cheese or modern mean.

First up, 1987’s Arnie classic, where game shows involve chainsaws, wrestlers dressed like Christmas ornaments, and Arnold Schwarzenegger treating every kill like an open-mic night. Both hosts have an absolute blast with the neon madness, practical stunts, and pure VHS energy… but Trev draws the line at the puns.

Then they hit the 2025 remake, which dials back the lycra and actually sticks closer to the original book — darker, nastier, and way more “this could genuinely happen.” Both hosts are surprised how much they love it: sharper satire, bigger stakes, and an actual critique of reality TV instead of just blokes in spandex with flamethrowers. Mart calls it “smart sci-fi,” while Trev declares it “the rare remake that understood the assignment”… before immediately ranting that it deserved way better at the box office.

Expect debates about which version they’d survive (answer: neither), fond memories of ‘80s nonsense, and Trev attempting to fine Arnie £5 for every pun

Two long time friends, one podcast.

This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ ⁨@LittleFoilFish⁩ ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ ⁨@TheDejaReview⁩

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Deja Review

01:09 Overview of The Running Man

02:06 The Original Film's Background

04:59 Character Analysis and Casting Choices

08:19 Dialogue and Writing Quality

10:16 Visual Effects and Production Quality

12:39 Cameos and Music Links

14:36 Cultural Commentary and Themes

18:03 Transition to the Remake

19:28 Remake's Development and Casting

21:25 Differences in Character Roles

23:10 Plot and Character Motivations

25:29 Filming Locations and Production Details

27:24 Advertising and Product Placement

29:21 Cameos and Easter Eggs

30:18 Cultural Parody and Social Commentary

32:43 Innovative Filming Techniques

34:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

35:04 Character Evolution and Audience Reception

38:36 Character Dynamics and Plot Resolutions

41:34 Comparative Analysis of Actors

44:59 Hunters: Original vs. Remake

45:56 Themes of Reality and Dystopia

48:45 Potential for Future Adaptations

49:58 5 to 1: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Keywords

The Running Man, movie review, remake, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Stephen King, dystopian films, Glen Powell, film analysis, social commentary, action movies, film adaptations

This episode on The Deja Review, Mart & Trev head somewhere warm and cheerful… Antarctica, where the coffee’s frozen, the pay’s terrible, and your co-worker might secretly be an alien lasagne.

First up is The Thing from Another World (1951) — the brisk, no-nonsense sci-fi where a group of scientists discover a crashed UFO and immediately make the worst possible decisions in matching parkas. Mart loves the rapid-fire dialogue and old-school monster mayhem, while Trev notes that the alien basically “a very angry carrot with legs.” Still, it’s charming, tense, and feels like a workplace drama where HR would simply say, “Have you tried shooting it?”

Then they thaw out John Carpenter’s 1982 remake, where the paranoia is thicker than the snow and absolutely no one trusts anyone. Dogs explode, heads grow legs, and Kurt Russell solves most problems with a flamethrower. Both hosts adore it — the practical effects, the dread, the beard game — with Trev declaring “It's a fantastic film.” and Mart wondering if this is the worst team-building exercise in cinema history.

Expect heated debates that will even melt this ice and the shared conclusion that if your Antarctic job involves shape-shifting aliens, maybe just stay home.

Two long time friends, one podcast.

This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Plans

00:59 Overview of 'The Thing' (1951)

02:30 Film Synopsis and Initial Impressions

04:56 Creature Design and Special Effects Discussion

09:49 Character Dynamics and Military Influence

15:05 Themes of Isolation and Scientific Ethics

17:58 Transition to the Remake of 'The Thing'

18:56 Details of the 1982 Remake

19:51 Comparative Analysis of Original and Remake

25:07 Special Effects and Practical Techniques

29:47 Character Analysis and Plot Development

35:08 Final Thoughts on Both Films

37:33 Hilarious Errors in Body Horror Scenes

39:57 The Ambiguity of the Ending

42:51 The Impact of Special Effects on Horror

46:14 The Power of Soundtracks in Building Tension

49:11 John Carpenter's Influence and Legacy

54:59 The Debate: Original vs. Remake

57:07 5 to 1: Kurt Russell

01:12:11 Final Thoughts and Tributes

Keywords

The Thing, 1951, 1982, horror, sci-fi, remakes, special effects, John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, isolation

In this bonus episode of the podcast, hosts Mart and Trev dive into their favourite films of 2025, sharing their top five picks along with honourable mentions and a few disappointments.

The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humour as they reflect on films like 'Freakier Friday', 'Sinners', and 'The Long Walk', discussing their unexpected enjoyment and the elements that made these films stand out.

They also touch on the challenges of remakes and sequels, particularly with titles like 'Spinal Tap 2' and 'The Running Man', emphasizing how these films managed to capture the essence of their originals while offering something new.

Two long time friends, one podcast.

This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - @thedejareview