The Runner

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.

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.

I certainly did not expect much from this film, so i was quite blown away at how good it actually was. given that i saw it just one week after returning from Vegas made it that much more enthralling. You can say that The Runner is a movie about the gambling lifestyle, the same way Field of Dreams is a movie about baseball, that is that the gambling aspect is just a vehicle to a very interesting character study. And the characters in this film are VERY interesting indeed. you will find yourself caring about the fate of these characters more than almost any movie you have ever seen, and for my money that is a key criteria in a rewarding movie watching experience. With all the dogs out there you could see, this one is definitely worth a look. 8.5/10

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.

The Runner is an outstanding movie. it is about a guy with a gambling problem. And the gambler (Ron Eldard) down on his luck with one chance, but his new boss has his own ideas. Also (Courteney Cox) is outstanding. And I give this film a 10 out of 10 Stars.