Shane’s Movie Review: Runner, Runner

Gambling connoisseur student cracks an online poker match but is suddenly rolled out of his big winnings.  He pursues the off-shore site master only to go to work for him illegally. Runner, Runner is a touch by the numbers, although still a lightning fast thriller with a standout Ben Affleck as shady billionaire Ivan Block, proving why he was chosen to play Batman.

The Social Network launched credibility for Justin Timberlake in the acting world; he was appealing in the better than average Friends with Benefits and the only redeeming feature of The Love Guru. As the broke Princeton student, who travels to beautiful Costa Rica in vengeance mode, his varying range is not compromised as Richie Furst. He takes proof of being cheated out of his money to the source himself, instantly making an impression and landing an executive position.

The backdrop of online poker turns out to be a distraction rather than a plot device the further this music-video-style film continues. Instant excessive cash flow, parties and scantily clad women hand delivered by his new boss to the delight of Furst. The poker term “Runner, Runner” is barely explained; it doesn’t really matter when everything happening is mostly so unbelievably entertaining anyway.

The FBI soon make their presence known to Furst with scare tactics to assist in bringing down of his corrupt new boss. Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau) waves his hands around, making threats as Agent Shavers, a frustrated nemesis of Block who just wants the loopholes closed; the local authorities are just as desperate. Business is good, but you can just sense Block is smart enough with a backup contingency plan to elude authorities, or is he?

Love blossoms amongst the mayhem between the young American and ruby lipped British glamour Rebecca (Gemma Arterton). Rebecca happens to be a former play-thing, now associate of Block. Sultry Rebecca turns out to hold equal concerns for her employer’s dealings. Without spoiling the outcome, her motives on the romance remain dubious but noble in a way.

Confrontations between Affleck and Timberlake are genuinely explosive from two sharp actors. At one point, chicken-carcass snapping alligators are brought in to make an effective point, but they are nothing compared to the nasty local criminal element.

How Furst redeems himself is part of the fun of the rising tension leading to a decent resumption. Not a perfect film, Runner, Runner still holds a few aces up its sleeve before folding.

Runner, Runner runs into US theaters on October 4th. It is now playing in Australia. 

Shane A. Bassett is a contributor for TheYoungFolks.com. Read more about him on our Partners & Contributors page & follow him (@Movie_Analyst) on Twitter.