Three things are true about “Runner Runner,” starring Justin
Timberlake and Ben Afflick. One, director Brad Furman likes to use the shaky cam
way too much, two, Ben Afflick makes a good villain and three, this should have
been a better movie. The story is essentially one you know: a young hotshot
gets in over his head while being tutored by a mentor who ultimately betrays him. There’s also a half-attempt at romance (but there’s absolutely no
chemistry) and some law enforcement interference. Co-stars Gemma Arterton and Anthony Mackie are underused. And
I’m not sure whether to blame the lack of tension on the director or Brian
Koppelman & David Levien’s script. Plus the whole movie seems rushed,
nothing is developed, not the story, not the characters, not the action.
The movie starts out strongly enough, with Richie Furst
(Timberlake) trying to earn a Master’s degree at Princeton. To pay for his
tuition, he has become affiliated with a few online casino sites where he gets
commissions for every player he signs up. When the dean shuts him down, he
desperately risks his entire savings in poker and loses. When he realizes he
was cheated, he travels to Costa Rica to meet with online gambling mogul Ivan
Block (Afflick), who takes an interest in this brash kid from New Jersey.
Despite providing a few glimpses behind the curtain of online gambling, “Runner
Runner” never fleshes out this setting. Another failing. 10/21/13
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