Runner movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: RUNNER

This action thriller releases in theaters on September 11, 2026.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 37 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

Directed by Scott Waugh, this high-stakes action-comedy thriller follows Hank Malone (Alan Ritchson), a former soldier working as a covert “runner” who transports sensitive cargo. When a routine job to transport a rare donated liver for a sick little girl named Lily turns into a deadly ambush, Hank finds himself paired with an anxious organ courier named Ben Bishop (Owen Wilson). Together, they must outrun a ruthless cartel determined to hijack the organ, fighting through impossible odds and a ticking clock across Australia to deliver the liver in time to save a life.

The film was directed by Scott Waugh. Miles Hubley and Tommy White wrote the screenplay.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Intense action violence: Frequent physical fights, car chases, gun battles, and bone-snapping hand-to-hand combat. Blood and many deaths are seen.
Moderate foul language throughout (including s-words, h-words, a-words, d-word, and p-word).
Non-sexual male upper-body nudity in two brief scenes.
References to alcoholism and recovery (a character attends an AA meeting and mentions receiving his 1-year chip).
Best for mature teens and adults; too violent for young children.
Portrayal and talk of dying children

THEMES:

Self-sacrifice and heroic courage
Standing up for what is right despite high costs
Protecting the vulnerable
Family devotion
Redemption and second chances

THINGS I LIKED:

There is a really fun dynamic and buddy-cop comedy chemistry between Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson. Alan brings rugged action-hero intensity, while Owen brings fantastic humor and heart. My husband and I get a big kick out of Alan Ritchson’s version of Reacher. The guy is so massive and subtly hilarious.
Fast-paced, propulsive direction by Scott Waugh keeps the tension VERY high and momentum moving.
It’s a heartfelt story rooted in moral conviction, kindness, and saving a child’s life.
I appreciated that the exciting, stylized action sequences were balanced with genuine emotional beats.
Some of the lines and physicality offer the much-needed humorous moments in the film.
I was impressed with how creative and unique some of the fight sequences were.
I currently teach at two nursing colleges, so it was interesting to see how nurses and hospitals were portrayed.
I adore and applaud Angel Studios for all of the good, inspirational movies they’ve been pumping out in recent years. It was nice to see them connected to a film that features two blockbuster actors! Thank you, Angel Studios, for sharing a press screener with me so I could preview this! My husband especially enjoyed it!
I always enjoy “traveling” to a new country in movies. This time, we get to spend time in beautiful Australia!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It’s a fairly formulaic action thriller plot with predictable twists.
Some violent set pieces feel a bit long and overly graphic for a PG-13 film released by Angel Studios.
The Cartel villains are over-the-top and somewhat cliché, leaning into cartoon-like bad guys.
There are SO many other movies with the name Runner. It’s definitely appropriate for this movie, though. Amazon Studios just released a new movie on Prime called The Runner, starring the gorgeous and athletic Gal Gadot.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Every second counts when a child’s life is on the line. We don’t stop, we don’t turn back.” – Hank Malone (Alan Ritchson)
“When you’re given a choice between what is easy and what is right, you choose what’s right. Every single time.” – Hank Malone (Alan Ritchson)

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Dr. Trina Boice is a university professor, author of 36 books, professional author coach, YouTuber, podcaster, film critic, and mom of 4 awesome sons.