Runner: Movie Review

Cast: Alan Ritchson, Owen Wilson, Rodrigo Santoro, Leila George, Adriana Barraza, Peta Sergeant, Scarlett Crabtree, Geraldine Hakewill, Kate Box, Goran D. Kleut, Cecilia Toussaint, and Tommy Archer.
Director: Scott Waugh

Angel Studios takes a swerve away from its more contemplative faith-based fare for this action-led buddy comedy with a darkness at its heart that the filmmakers are too scared to show.

Reacher man mountain Alan Ritchson is Hank, a former navy SEAL who works as a runner in Brisbane, delivering whatever is needed as he tries to work thorough his sobriety and issues with his former wife and dead daughter.

However, on the day he celebrates his first year clear, he's given the job of delivering a medical parcel to a hospital. It should be a simple job as the cargo is a liver for a sick young girl (complete with thick Coca-Cola glasses, blonde hair and lisp), but the pick-up comes complete with a jabbering human element - its courier Ben (Wilson in vaguely irritating form.) 

But Ben and Hank aren't the only ones who want the liver - as a cartel group, headed up by a sneering caricature of a Cartel figure (Santoro) tries to steal the liver, one of the rarest in the world and blessed with golden blood. (No really.)

What transpires is something to behold - in both good and bad ways.

Runner mixes bloodless ultra-violence with the kind of quipping buddy Odd Couple road trip comedy you'd expect. But an extremely odd mix of tone meshed with some laugh out loud moments and some of the cheesiest action sequences and plot turns you'd see make it possibly a contender for somehow both the worst film of the year and yet also the most cheerily entertaining in every throwaway sense of the word.

Solid action and some well-choreographed bouts of kickass action see Ritchson barely flexing the kind of muscle he displays in Reacher, while Wilson doesn't exactly dig deep for his annoyingly upbeat road trip companion.

It's a curious mix of Christian ethics, racist stereotypes, gunshot violence where nobody is left with blood and cloyingly predictable plot twists that follows.

On top of swirling cameras, a cute Coca-Cola glasses wearing kid, sneering villains and kills that suggest violence but show nothing all create a film that is off to an unusual start when pre-titles credits declare that the Angels Guild, a community of 2500 members approve of what's about to transpire.

It's terrible in every sense of the word, yet in among the utter averageness of what transpires, both Ritchson and Wilson somehow manage to acquit themselves in a movie that aims high, fails miserably and yet somehow, you can't stop watching.

What's on DocPlay in October

Here's everything that's streaming on DocPlay in October 2026.

This October, exceptional documentary films from the 20th and 21st centuries premiere on the platform. Alongside two remarkable late-career works from Agnes Varda, the Oscar-winning The Times of Harvey Milk comes to DocPlay. New Danish doc Dear Tomorrow considers the loneliness epidemic in Japan, while Wisdom of Happiness (pictured) gives voice to the Dalai Lama as he approaches his 90th year. Respected veteran journalist Tony Jones makes his feature documentary debut with Sundance-premiering Sentient, which considers the impact of biomedical testing on animals - and their handlers. And from Aotearoa New Zealand, Wildboy follows a young man on a 15-year journey of self discovery.

5 October

Dear Tomorrow (Exclusive)

In Japan, loneliness has turned into a national crisis, encouraging the government to create a Ministry of Loneliness. Dear Tomorrow follows two individuals – Masato, and Shoko – struggling with isolation. Aware of their need for human connection, they embark on a journey toward healing and renewal. 

5 October

Wisdom of Happiness (Exclusive)

A deeply intimate and highly cinematic documentary featuring the Dalai Lama, who, at nearly 90 years old, offers practical advice for navigating the 21st century.

8 October

The Shepherd and the Bear (Exclusive)

High in the majestic French Pyrenees, a conflict is provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears amid a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an ageing shepherd struggling to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy obsessed with tracking them down. A modern folktale examining humanity’s relationship with a vanishing natural world.

8 October

Wildboy

Brando, a young man with ADHD, embarks on extraordinary adventures in order to escape society and find purpose. At 18, he sets out to walk New Zealand’s coastline, and over the next decade, he tackles epic feats: skiing across Greenland, kayaking around Vancouver Island, and cycling across the Australian Outback. 

15 October

The Times of Harvey Milk

A true twentieth-century trailblazer, Harvey Milk was an outspoken human rights activist and one of the first openly gay U.S. politicians elected to public office. The Oscar-winning The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) was as groundbreaking as its subject. One of the first feature documentaries to address gay life in America, it’s a work of advocacy itself, bringing Milk’s message of hope and equality to a wider audience.

19 October

Sentient (Exclusive)

A moving journey into laboratory research on animals, exposing a hidden world in which it's not just the animals getting hurt. The debut feature documentary from veteran Australian journalist Tony Jones (AU), streaming exclusively on DocPlay after premiering at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

26 October

Baby Doe (Exclusive)

30 years ago, Gail Ritchey, a young woman from a conservative Christian community in rural Ohio, gave birth alone and left her newborn in the woods. Now a mother of three, her quiet suburban life is shattered when DNA evidence links her to ‘Geauga’s Child,’ and she is arrested for murder - despite saying the baby was stillborn.

29 October

The Gleaners and I

By turns playful, philosophical, and subtly political, Agnes Varda’s The Gleaners and I (2000) is a warmly human reflection on the contradictions of our consumerist world from an artist who, like her subjects, finds unexpected richness where few think to look.

Armageddon Expo 2026 reveals Supernatural stars and High School Musical reunion

Jared Padalecki heads a major Supernatural gathering, while High School Musical stars Lucas Grabeel and Bart Johnson reunite as Armageddon Expo returns to Auckland this Labour Weekend.

Armageddon Expo is bringing three major fan reunions to Auckland this Labour Weekend, with stars of Supernatural, Aliens and High School Musical joining a blockbuster international guest line-up at Auckland Showgrounds from October 23–26.

Leading the Supernatural contingent is Jared Padalecki, who starred as Sam Winchester throughout all 15 seasons of the hit series. He will be joined by Felicia Day, Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster, Osric Chau, Matt Cohen, Samantha Smith and Alaina Huffman.

For another generation of fans, Lucas Grabeel and Bart Johnson bring High School Musical to Auckland. Grabeel starred as Ryan Evans across the hugely successful Disney franchise, while Johnson played East High basketball coach Jack Bolton.

The Auckland line-up also includes Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Mandalorian), Anson Mount (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Christopher Lambert (Highlander), Christopher Judge(Stargate SG-1, God of War), Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds), Charlie Bushnell (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) and New Zealand-born Lord of the Rings actor and stunt performer Sala Baker.

Armageddon Expo founder Bill Geradts says the strength of the guest list makes this Labour Weekend event something special.

“This is a pretty amazing line-up,” Geradts says. “Having Jared here with so many of the Supernatural cast is huge. Those fans are incredibly loyal and they’ve been asking us for something like this for years.

“Then you’ve got Lucas and Bart from High School Musical, Giancarlo Esposito, Anson Mount, Christopher Lambert, Christopher Judge and this fantastic Aliens group. Some of these are people fans have grown up watching, while others are in the shows and games they’re into right now.”

There is another major reunion in store for fans of James Cameron’s Aliens, with Jenette Goldstein, Mark Rolston, Ricco Ross, Cynthia Scott, Daniel Kash, William Hope and Carl Toop appearing together. The group includes the actors behind Colonial Marines Vasquez, Drake, Frost, Dietrich and Spunkmeyer, Lt Gorman and one of the performers inside the Xenomorph suit.

Gaming and voice performance continue to play an increasingly important role at Armageddon, with Auckland featuring its biggest gaming voice line-up to date.

Alongside Christopher Judge are David Bateson (Hitman), Erika Ishii (Ghost of Yōtei), Jason Spisak(Arcane), Andrew Wincott (Baldur’s Gate III), Lucie Pohl and Carolina Ravassa (Overwatch), Kenny James (Mario), Martin Copping (Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege) and Spartacus star Liam McIntyre, who plays Logan in Marvel’s Wolverine, releasing on PlayStation 5 on September 15.

“Gaming has become massive for us,” Geradts says. “It’s not a niche thing anymore. We’ve got parents who started gaming when they were young coming along with their own kids, mums and daughters, and plenty of grandparents as well.

“The characters matter, the stories matter and now the actors behind them are becoming stars themselves. Fans want to meet the stars of these games just as much as they want to meet somebody from a favourite TV show or movie.”

Beyond the guest line-up, the Labour Weekend event will include gaming, cosplay, trading cards, Artist Alley, K-pop, amusement rides and celebrity Dungeons & Dragons. YouTube creator Hilly Hindi from The Hillywood Show and Marvel Zombies artist Arthur Suydam will also appear.

Geradts says meeting the people behind favourite characters remains a big part of Armageddon’s appeal.

“At the end of the day, Armageddon is about being a fan,” Geradts says. “You come along, meet people you never thought you’d get to meet, dress up if you want to, play games, buy stuff and spend a weekend surrounded by thousands of people who are into the same things you are.”

Armageddon Expo Auckland runs over Labour Weekend, Friday 23 to Monday 26 October 2026 at Auckland Showgrounds.

Tickets are on sale now, with further attractions and events to be announced.

FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION | Experience The Thrilling Conclusion April 8, 2027

During PlayStation’s State of Play broadcast, SQUARE ENIX released a new trailer and extensive new gameplay footage for FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION and revealed the game’s release date. FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, the unforgettable, breathtaking finale to one of the most ambitious projects in video game history, launches on April 8, 2027, across PlayStation^®5, Nintendo Switch^™ 2, XBOX Series X|S and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and XBOX on PC.

Across the new trailer and gameplay footage, witness a world without boundaries. Explore every corner of a truly open planet aboard the iconic Highwind airship. Mount up with Piko, the trusty Chocobo, who grows alongside the party, learning new traversal and combat abilities. Master the perfected version of the series’ acclaimed hybrid combat system, with new playable characters Cid and Vincent and the new FITS system, which bestows new abilities and greater heights of power through the specialized roles of Warrior, Knight, Black Mage and Summoner. See Cid and Vincent wearing the Knight FITS and Summoner FITS, respectively, in the extended gameplay deep dive.

Footage also reveals new gameplay features. Players can freely swap their active, controlled character, as well as their party makeup, at any time while exploring the world. Quickly scale rooftops and nimbly zip through the environment with the new grappling gun. By choosing which party members undertake certain quests, players can customize their narrative experience, impacting how certain events and scenarios unfold.

Physical and digital pre-orders are available now, with digital Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders opening at a later date.

In FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, Cloud Strife and his loyal companions face a world that teeters on the brink of annihilation. Grieving a beloved ally, and with their nemesis Sephiroth nearing godhood, the party takes to the skies aboard the airship Highwind in a race against time to stop Meteor, the ultimate destructive magic, and the total obliteration of the planet. The final battle has begun. Everything leads here.

Catch up on the series before FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION arrives by playing the first two entries, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, out now across PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, XBOX Series X|S and PC. Players can take advantage of the Streamlined Progression feature in both titles, with options such as unlimited HP and MP, always-full ATB gauge and easier weapon ability acquisition to streamline the experience for those catching up. The two titles have together garnered massive critical acclaim, including several The Game Awards nominations and awards, over 140 perfect review scores and numerous Game of the Year accolades.

Players with save data from FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and/or FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH on their console or PC will also unlock special bonuses in FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION:

• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE:
• Summon Materia: Chocobo & Moogle
• FFVII REMAKE Weapon Skin Set
• FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH:
• Summon Materia: Phoenix
• FFVII REBIRTH Weapon Skin Set

FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION launches April 8, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, XBOX Series X|S and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and XBOX on PC. This title is not yet rated. For more information, visit: https://www.square-enix.com/ffvii/en-us/games/revelation/.

EA SPORTS FC 27 expands partners, leagues and stadiums ahead of September 2026 launch

Electronic Arts has announced an expanded roster of leagues, clubs, partners and stadiums coming to EA SPORTS FC 27, bringing players closer to the football they love through one of the most authentic representations of The World’s Game. Additions include new and renewed partnerships with a number of major European clubs, the highly anticipated return of Liga MX, and the continuation of EA SPORTS FC’s long-term relationship with the Bundesliga, the ROSHN Saudi League and the A-League.

“With EA SPORTS FC 27, we’re building on years of bringing our community closer to football,” said James Salmon, Senior Director Partnership Marketing, EA SPORTS FC. “New and renewed partnerships bring more of the clubs, leagues, players and stadiums fans care about into FC 27, with the authenticity they expect from us. Together, they make The World’s Game feel even more connected to the football our community follows and loves.”

EA SPORTS FC™ continues to expand its authentic representation of European football, with the return of S.S. Lazio bringing the number of officially licensed Serie A Enilive clubs to 17. New and renewed marketing partnerships with Aston Villa and Liverpool FC, respectively, further strengthen EA SPORTS FC’s connection to the English top flight. Fans can exclusively experience the Premier League in EA SPORTS FC™ 27, with all 20 clubs, managers, stadiums, kits, pundit commentary, and more.

“EA SPORTS FC is one of the most recognised and iconic brands in the sports gaming space and has been for many years,” said Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa. “We are delighted to be partnering with them to give our supporters a true and representative experience of playing as Aston Villa and are looking forward to exploring ways in which we can work to bring fans closer to the club that they love."

Liga BBVA MX joins EA SPORTS FC™ 27, bringing all 18 clubs from one of the most passionate and culturally significant leagues in world football to the game in a fully licensed experience.

"EA SPORTS FC has become one of the most important platforms for football fans globally,” said Mikel Arriola, Liga MX Commissioner. “This partnership allows us to continue expanding the reach of Liga BBVA MX, connecting with new generations of fans and showcasing the passion, talent, and identity of Mexican football on a global stage."

EA SPORTS FC™ also announced a new era in its partnership with the Bundesliga, extending one of the longest-standing collaborations in global sports and entertainment. The partnership brings fans closer to the heart of German football, providing fans with new ways to authentically engage with Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in EA SPORTS FC.

Building on their existing collaboration, EA SPORTS FC™ also announced a renewed partnership with the ROSHN Saudi League (RSL). The agreement brings the energy and identity of Saudi football to life, allowing fans locally and globally to authentically experience every RSL club and player in EA SPORTS FC.

EA SPORTS FC™ have also confirmed a renewed partnership with the A-League. The agreement allows fans to authentically experience the A-League across EA SPORTS FC™ and EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile, complete with updated team sheets and kits following the A-League season launch in October.

In EA SPORTS FC™ 27, fans can step onto the pitch in more authentic stadiums, as the iconic arches of AS Monaco’s Stade Louis II have been recreated in FC 27 alongside Real Oviedo’s Estadio Carlos Tartiere and the Legia Warsaw Municipal Stadium. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and VfB Stuttgart’s MHPArena have been reconstructed in-game, while players will be able to enjoy all three promoted Premier League clubs’ stadiums: Ipswich Town’s Portman Road Stadium, Hull City’s MKM Stadium and Coventry City’s CBS Arena at launch.

EA SPORTS FC™ 27 delivers unrivalled authenticity to fans across The World’s Game, featuring 21,000+ players across 800+ clubs and national teams, 140 stadiums, and 35+ leagues, all powered by the support of over 300 global football partners.

Only EA SPORTS FC™ 27 brings together the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Women's Champions League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, and LALIGA EA SPORTS in one game, alongside the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga, Liga F Moeve, Barclays Women’s Super League, Ligue 1 McDonald's, Arkema Première Ligue, and the National Women's Soccer League.

PRE-ORDER EA SPORTS FC™ 27 TODAY

Pre-orders are now available for EA SPORTS FC™ 27, which will launch on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. EA SPORTS FC™ 27 will be available worldwide to play on September 25, 2026 with Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition early access beginning September 18, 2026.*

 

Also starting September 18, 2026, EA Play** members can be among the first to step into The Grounds and experience more true-to-football gameplay in the EA SPORTS FC™ 27 10-hour early access trial. EA Play Pro members get day 1 access to the EA Play Pro Edition, which includes all the content and benefits available with the Ultimate Edition.

 

All members score recurring Football Ultimate Team™ Draft Tokens and new vanity items in The Grounds. Plus, save 10% on pre-orders, EA digital purchases, including game downloads, FC Points, and DLC. For more information on EA Play, please visit https://www.ea.com/ea-play.

 

For more information on EA SPORTS FC™ 27, please visit ea.com/fc27 and ensure you’re following our global social channels for all the latest upcoming news and announcements for EA SPORTS FC™.

 

*Conditions & restrictions apply. See ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-27/game-disclaimers for details.

**Certain content & features, including The Grounds mode (including Clubs) is available only on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2 versions. Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details.

HOT WHEELS™ Infinite Rush Reveals Post-Launch Content Roadmap Featuring New Vehicles and a Ferrari Expansion Pack

Milestone and Mattel have revealed the post-launch content plan for HOT WHEELS™ Infinite Rush, featuring a major Expansion, premium DLCs, and more than a year of additional content designed to expand players’ collections and racing opportunities.

Vehicle Pass - Expand the garage with 44 additional Hot Wheels™ released across more than a year of content updates, including iconic Hot Wheels Originals, fan-favourite vehicles from the Acceleracers™ and Highway 35™ World Race series, and legendary real-world automotive brands.

Ferrari Expansion Pack - Explore a brand-new island inspired by the world of the Prancing Horse, featuring iconic Ferrari landmarks recreated at Hot Wheels scale. The expansion also includes eight exclusive Ferrari vehicles, spanning the manufacturer's history from the Ferrari F40 Competizione to the Ferrari TESTAROSSA.

HOT WHEELS™ Infinite Rush launches on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™ 2, ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, and PC via Steam, Microsoft Store, and Epic Games Store on September 10, 2026, with Early Access beginning September 7.