This movie is more than a bit absurd when i watch it today, but as a little kid, i thought it was awesome.

In yet another movie where the world has collapsed in one form or another (this time economic) the population is kept placated by the broadcasting of popular game shows where convicted criminals fight for survival in an arena of sorts where there are various "heroes" that are hunting them. If they win the contest, they go free - that's pretty much the only rule.

Arnold plays the role of Ben Richards, a wrongfully convicted police officer who elects to enter the game in lieu of two of his pals in a very Hunger Games twist. However, unlike Hunger Games, his buddies are still put into the system anyway. Obviously this makes Ben Richards angry and he vows revenge on those that put him in this situation.

The heroes were a lot of fun to pre-teenage me, but now looking back they are just completely absurd. Especially this guy, named Dynamo, who kills you with bolts of electricity from his suit. Plus he is an accomplished singer.

I was unaware until recently that this movie is actually based on a series of short stories written by Steven King under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman. I never really understood why Steven decided to do that. I bet that information is out there.

Anyway, this film pretty much embodies what all Schwarzenegger films were like back in the 80's although I will say that this one is likely a bit more over the top than most of the others. SPOILER ALERT! Arnold eventually wins in this one too, but the method in which he wins by winning over the crowd is particularly whimsical.

I personally find this movie entertaining because it is so ridiculous, but back in 1987 I enjoyed it because Schwarzenegger was pretty much every boy's idol at the time. The fact that this movie was meant to take place in the distant future - the year 2017, makes it even more fun. However, i am not going to give this movie high marks just based on my own nostalgia