The Runner

Like many others, I came across The Runner by accident. In my case, I just happened to turn to the Mystery Channel on cable here in Tokyo as it started. I was intrigued enough by the title to see who was in it. Then the opening shot that draws the viewer into Las Vegas drew me into the movie. I had no idea what a "runner" is, but I soon learned a few things about Las Vegas I had never imagined. And then I got caught up in the story of the loser that keeps getting another chance. Of the many fine points about this movie, the one that stands out for me is the script. In particular, John Goodman's "insights" into the dilemma faced by fathers as their little girls grow up will probably stick with me the longest.

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.

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

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.

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.