Runner (2026) Angel/Action-Comedy RT: 97 minutes Rated PG-13 (strong violence, bloody images, some language) Director: Scott Waugh Screenplay: Miles Hubley and Tommy White Music: Charlie Nguyen Kim Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore Release date: September 11, 2026 (US) Cast: Alan Ritchson, Owen Wilson, Rodrigo Santoro, Leila George, Adriana Barraza, Sullivan Stapleton, Peta Sergeant, Geraldine Hakewill, Kate Box, Scarlett Crabtree.
Rating: ***
Since arriving on the scene three years ago, Angel Studios has been known primarily for faith-friendly films like their inaugural effort His Only Son, the biopic Cabrini and the animated David as well as their biggest hit, the surprise smash Sound of Freedom. As of late, they’re attempting to break into the secular entertainment market with non-religious/non-partisan movies like the family fantasy Sketch, the rom-com Solo Mio and the historical epic Young Washington. In other words, family-friendly entertainment without an agenda.
Leaving no stone unturned, Angel turns its attention to the action genre with Runner, a solid effort starring the unlikely duo of Alan Ritchson (Reacher) and Owen Wilson (Meet the Parents). For the uninitiated, a “runner” is a delivery man-for-hire tasked with high-stake, time-sensitive jobs that may or may not be above board. Hank Malone (Ritchson), a divorced recovering alcoholic, is one of the best. In his own words, he’s “not to be messed with”. He’s a former Navy SEAL so that’s good advice for anybody even thinking about it.
Hank’s latest assignment entails delivering a liver to a sick little girl in dire need of a transplant. He’s to pick up the package at the Brisbane airport and take it straight to the hospital. He gets a companion in the form of Ben Bishop (Wilson), an affable sort whose job it is to monitor the specialized container holding the organ. Hank isn’t the talkative type so it’s not exactly a match made in heaven.
It isn’t long before the you-know-what hits the fan. Somebody wants to get their hands on the organ before it reaches its rightful recipient. A band of mercenary bikers led by cartel guy Damian Zaldivar (Santoro, 300) appear with guns blazing and threats of terrible violence. He has his reasons for wanting the liver. Hank is not about to give it to him. He’s determined to get it to the little girl while it’s still viable. That gives him about two hours. Let the race against time and bad guys begin.
Directed by Scott Waugh (Expend4bles), Runner is a good movie. It’s dumb yet smart enough not to take itself too seriously. It’s a slightly uneven mix of hard-hitting PG-13 action and not-too-heavy emotional drama. Something awful in Hank’s past makes this assignment personal. It’s not difficult to guess what it is before the actual reveal. Then there’s the mother (George, Animal Kingdom) of the little girl (Crabtree, The Deb) trying (and not always succeeding) to hold it together while waiting for the life-saving liver to arrive. Her worry is palpable, especially when she becomes aware of what’s holding Hank up. Not to give away too much, she goes full bad ass in the climax protecting her child while bullets and bodies fly.
I really need to watch Reacher. Ritchson is one step away from being the next big action movie star. He cuts an imposing figure with his chiseled facial structure, defined chin and muscular physique. He has the skills to back it up too. When messed with, he turns into an army of one, taking on a whole gang of hired dirtbags and their slimeball leader who predictably gets the worst of it. Between this and Motor City, Ritchson could very well be the next Ah-nuld or JCVD. Wilson isn’t the first name you think of when it comes to action, but he does quite nicely here as the comic sidekick. Even better, he never becomes loud or annoying like Kevin Hart or Joe Pesci. With his trademark goofy grin and laid-back acting style, Wilson is a perfect contrast to his co-star’s intensity.
Santoro makes a fine villain. He’s a sleaze whose smile drips with malice and venom. So why does he want the organ so badly? I’ll answer that this way. There’s a huge black market for organs, especially when it involves a rare blood type. There’s millions of dollars to be made. I’m not saying that’s why Zaldivar wants it; I’m merely explaining why anybody would want to steal an organ. But I digress. He has his reasons and isn’t going down without a fight.
The action sequences in Runner are well done. They’re violent and exciting even if Waugh sometimes overdoes it with the editing. It has shoot-outs, hand-to-hand fights and car chases including one involving an ambulance. Fans of the genre will no doubt be pleased.
It should be noted that Angel didn’t actually make Runner. They acquired it for distribution after production was completed. This explains why the customary donation solicitation during the end credits feels like an afterthought. You’ll see what I mean.
Runner isn’t perfect. It’s uneven and it leaves one plot thread unresolved. It has a good sense of humor though. I like the bit with the parakeet, an uncompleted delivery from one to ex to the other than ends up in Hank’s care. The feathered co-star is a nice addition. Don’t worry, he doesn’t meet a grisly fate. If nothing else, Runner is kind to children and animals. Hey, maybe it does have an agenda after all.
