The Runner

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.

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!!

Unsettling story of a loser addicted to gambling who is hired as a runner by a sadistic man well aware that his new hire will never be able to follow a single rule: no gambling.

Ron Eldard does a wonderful job as Edward Carrington, making his character believable, sympathetic and infuriating all in a single breath. You root for the guy when he pulls himself out of a hole he's dug for himself and then feel like taking him aside and beating the crap out of him when he digs himself right back in. Never have I felt so helpless and uncomfortable watching a character's life fall to pieces on screen.

John Goodman and Courtney Cox are also very good. John Goodman's sweet guy disposition is nowhere to be found here, tucked away to allow an intimidating brute of a man to surface. Courtney Cox shines and shows the kind of range that has only been hinted at on "Friends".

Definitely worth seeing and not easily forgotten.

Vegas and gambling have never looked less glamorous.

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.

Yes, there have been quite a number of films ranging from drama's to comedies on the subject of gambling. But, The Runner is a cut above the rest. Beautifully photographed and stylishly produced the films direction is fast paced from start to finish. John Goodman talents come through full force as Deep Throat, an unseen played who, with the help of many his runners, has a foot hold or should I say a throat hold on the entire gambling scene. The entire cast does an excellent job with their various characters. However, Courteney Cox shines through as the films brightest star. From one of the films eariler comedic moments " The runner has a serious problem of a gastric nature" on his first date with Cox to her near death- birth of their child. Courteney Cox's work in this film was indeed a treat for anyone who wishes to see a talented actress on screen.