El apostador

Maybe the acting is a little rude, maybe the directing is a little anonymous, maybe there's a little too much "Leaving Las Vegas" influence on the story (which maybe is not the worst thing you can say about the script). But, if only all the (many) films about gambling had been so honest about the abysses of horrors where gamblers live every second of their lives, then maybe people would have a more realistic, less charming idea of them.

The story is so honest about the losing that I really think the writer talks about personal experience. I do.

It is never pleasant to watch someone dig himself deeper and deeper into a hole, despite others' attempts to save him. Or because of others' attempts to make the hole deeper. Edward (Ron Eldard) is a compulsive gambler, born and raised in Las Vegas, who finds a solution to his money woes: run numbers for Deep Throat, a big-time gambler and thug (John Goodman). For a while, it looks like he's doing well -- Edward falls in love with Karina (Courtney Cox Arquette), and makes a good sum of money for Deep Throat. He cannot resist the temptations of gambling, however, and slowly, yet inevitably, slips time and again. Goodman is fun to watch -- no Mr. Nice Guy here. Arquette also acts well, showing a depth not seen in Friends or the Scream movies. Still, the movie lacks something -- there are a few subplots going on in the background that are never explained, and the ending, after a good build-up, ends up being too simplistic for my liking.

The Runner was really good, I didn't get bored with it or anything. During the movie I found myself in suspense, in fear, in happiness, yelling at the screen, in doubt, and yes, I once even cried. Good overall acting except for the main character, he sucked (no offense). I recommend you see it.

John Goodman is a supporting actor in this movie the same way that Atlas supported the Earth in Greek mythology. First, let us dispel any notion of realism. Goodman plays a sport gambler who beats the house so often that he has his own cadre of runners and soldiers. (In real life such men ARE the casino sport books). Instead of examining this fascinating character, we are thrust into the lives of the pretty boy/girl leads Arquette and Ellard. The end result was an obvious "producer's instrument" designed to advance young cinematic careers as much as make a buck. The Runner (Ellard) should have been The 'Sportwonk' (Goodman). Missed exciting themes were How does he beat the books? How does he get his info? Is he mobbed up? What is the life of a winning sports gambler like? Still, the finale is very exciting and worth the price of rental. If you like OC, buy it.

This film is amazing...

I ordered it off of the internet being a HUUUGE Courteney Cox Arquette fan and when I watched it, the film and especially Courteney completely blew me away...

The main character is Edward played by Ron Eldard (Deep Impact) who has a SERIOUS gambling problem. He is recommended to the malicious Deepthroat (John Goodman) for a Runner job by his uncle Rocco (Joe Magneta) who is trying to get himself out of a serious situation. There is one condition, Edward cannot, under any circumstances gamble. Will he do it?...

Edward meets a beautiful, young casino waitress called Karina (Cox Arquette). She's the kinda girl "you'd kill your brother for" (hehe, my favourite line :D) He inevitably ends up falling in love with her and she falls pregnant.

There is so much suspense in this film I was actually physically shaking by the end, and my nails certainly didn't survive it!!

As for the performances: Ron Eldard is pretty good, although he does get slightly annoying and you feel like screaming at the screen at him... John Goodman is genuinly terrifying and disturbing as Deepthroat, a man that seems to have no soul whatsoever. The stand out in this film is definatly Courteney Cox Arquette though. She's simply... breathtaking in the role, and the labour scene at the end, in my opinion, is oscar winning stuff (no joke whatsoever)

It's a shame that this film didn't do better because I'd love to see Courteney getting the recognition for dramatic acting that she deserves.

Overall, on the strength of the amazing storyline and Courteney (especially Courteney :D) I give this film a definate 10 out of 10!!