Backdrop preview Running Scared backdrop
Running Scared

Running Scared (1986)

Two street-wise Chicago cops have to shake off some rust after returning from a Key West vacation to pursue a drug dealer that nearly killed them in the past.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Peter Hyams

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Peter Hyams
Producer
  • David Foster
  • Lawrence Turman

Reviews

John Chard
7/10

Show me another career they let you shoot people.

Running Scared is directed by Peter Hyams (also on cinematography duties) and written by Gary DeVore, Gary DeVore and Jimmy Huston. It stars Billy Crystal, Gregory Hines, Steven Bauer, Darlanne Fluegel, Joe Pantoliano, Dan Hedaya, Jon Gries, Tracy Reed and Jimmy Smits. Music is by Rod Temperton.

The buddy buddy action/comedy cop formula has proved to be a most viable filmic commodity over the years. It gathered apace in the 1980s and right at the forefront is this often forgotten fun little treasure.

Plot has Hines and Crystal as Chicago cops, tough and full of wise cracks, they are tasked with trying to bring down high profile drug dealer Julio Gonzales (Smits). The timing is unfortunate because after a holiday in Key West the boys decide they have had enough of police work and want to retire there. Can they bring down Julio Gonzales? Can they stay alive in the process? Questions to be answered in an entertaining hour and forty five minutes.

The chemistry between Hines and Crystal is set in stone, they are a great pairing and very quickly you warm to them. As per genre requirements some of their character's methods are unconventional. the gags are thick and fast, and crucially very funny - while the support slots are nicely filled (Pantoliano a joy).

In the mix as the two cops ponder retirement is the looming presence of two younger cops ready to step into their shoes, which of course makes for sparky rivalry. There's the emotional beat of "the ex-wife" as a critical plot development, though amazingly Fluegel is under written and hardly in the piece! And Smits never fully convinces as the chief villain, but he also is weirdly under written.

Basically if you have a kink for this type of genre piece, especially ones produced in the 80s - and to have an understanding of that decades style of film making - then there's a good time to be had here. 7/10

Mar 27, 2019

Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Comedy/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Running Scared distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Peter Hyams brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Running Scared took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 469 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1986, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Running Scared shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Dead Ringers, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Running Scared offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like FearDotCom and Sniper explore similar territory, Running Scared stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 27, 1986
  • Runtime: 1h 47m
  • Revenue: $38,500,726

Similar Movies

Dead Ringers
Dead Ringers
1988
7.1
FearDotCom
FearDotCom
2002
3.7
Sniper
Sniper
1993
6.2
Ricochet
Ricochet
1991
6.1