I never intended to be swept up in The Runner, but for some reason I was. The dictionary defines gambling as games of chance for money at high risk, risking much for great gain, a risky undertaking. This movie really does make the gambling definition true. In fact it turns me off the thought of putting on a quick pick at the local lotto agent.
Of all the big time gambler's who've ever played Las Vegas, no one has ever laid eyes on anyone like Deepthroat, and no one ever will. For he works secretly, powerfully and he's just found the perfect man to 'run' his action: a young compulsive gambler named Edward. It's an offer Edward can't refuse. It's temptation he can't resist. And it's a gamble he's about to risk everything for, including the woman he loves. The Runner is taut thriller about breaking the rules, beating the odds and realising the only game being played is you.
This film clearly proves that people are pawns, especially in the gambling industry. The temptation to have just one more bet is just too great, and in Runner following the main character Edward, we see how bad you can get. To define the title of the film, a Runner is someone who gambles with someone else's money to help them win big. The runner goes on a certain 'run' and places bids at each booking place. They are instructed on what to bid on by the big boss. A very cut-throat environment to work, and from this movie, one decision, right or wrong, can have a life or death tag with it.
This movie contains some great scenes where Ed is trying to win, firstly for his boss, then in the end for himself. He does leave himself open to be caught doing the wrong. While on the job he does make some game choices when to bet and not to bet. I love the scene in the car as he is driving along, the pressure of his job just too great for him to handle. Also the end of the film is great to see exactly what someone will do to try and gain everything back, but taking the chance that they can lose everything as well.
The cast of this film is quite a good one. Playing Edward is young star Ron Eldard, who takes us on a scary ride of the effect gambling can have on a person. Eldard has appeared on another film which I enjoyed, Deep Impact. Probably the most well-known star in Runner is Courtney Cox. She stars as Karina, the woman who cares a lot for Ed, but stands to lose as much as anyone. Cox has had a good career in the last five years. Starring on Friends, one of the most successful TV shows in history has been great for her, plus appearing in the Scream trilogy has made her quite a good name. I liked her role in this movie very much. It is no coincidence that David Arquette has a cameo role in this movie. I feel for Cox and Arquette who have recently split after a very short marriage. I also respected the role of Deepthroat played by John Goodman. Goodman is a genius and can turn his hand to any role that is asked of him. He plays this harsh gambling boss role to perfection. If you haven't seen his role in Coyote Ugly yet, do yourself a favour and see it asap!
In this country (Australia), gambling is big business. We can take a bet on any sport we want, including Horse racing, Greyhounds and Football (of any code) just to name a few. Yet the greatest scandal to rock our shores is that of beating on the game of cricket. Some of the players in the Australian cricket team have been interrogated for taking bribes and fixing matches, and it has taken the spotlight off one of our country's favourite sports. I believe that gambling takes the shine off our favourite sports and sporting heroes.
Another point this movie is saying, is that family is more important than any gambling, money or possessions. Gambling will make your life at one stage seem to good to be true and then rip the seat out from under you. In Australia, we have had an upsurge in poker machines and Casinos, good for our economy, but terrible for the general public. Many Australians are getting help for 'Gambling addictions', which is a great shame in my view. This movie is a true representation that gambling is bad for our community. I know first hand that it can sweep you in. My grandfather is a small time gambler and has never really won it big, but lost his fair share of money trying to get that one 'lucky break'. I feel it is more important to work for your money and save it, to further yourself and your family if you have one. This film is good to show anyone who has a gambling problem or is thinking about taking up the gambling habit, cause it might just stop you from doing so.
Rating: 4 stars or 9/10
Of all the big time gambler's who've ever played Las Vegas, no one has ever laid eyes on anyone like Deepthroat, and no one ever will. For he works secretly, powerfully and he's just found the perfect man to 'run' his action: a young compulsive gambler named Edward. It's an offer Edward can't refuse. It's temptation he can't resist. And it's a gamble he's about to risk everything for, including the woman he loves. The Runner is taut thriller about breaking the rules, beating the odds and realising the only game being played is you.
This film clearly proves that people are pawns, especially in the gambling industry. The temptation to have just one more bet is just too great, and in Runner following the main character Edward, we see how bad you can get. To define the title of the film, a Runner is someone who gambles with someone else's money to help them win big. The runner goes on a certain 'run' and places bids at each booking place. They are instructed on what to bid on by the big boss. A very cut-throat environment to work, and from this movie, one decision, right or wrong, can have a life or death tag with it.
This movie contains some great scenes where Ed is trying to win, firstly for his boss, then in the end for himself. He does leave himself open to be caught doing the wrong. While on the job he does make some game choices when to bet and not to bet. I love the scene in the car as he is driving along, the pressure of his job just too great for him to handle. Also the end of the film is great to see exactly what someone will do to try and gain everything back, but taking the chance that they can lose everything as well.
The cast of this film is quite a good one. Playing Edward is young star Ron Eldard, who takes us on a scary ride of the effect gambling can have on a person. Eldard has appeared on another film which I enjoyed, Deep Impact. Probably the most well-known star in Runner is Courtney Cox. She stars as Karina, the woman who cares a lot for Ed, but stands to lose as much as anyone. Cox has had a good career in the last five years. Starring on Friends, one of the most successful TV shows in history has been great for her, plus appearing in the Scream trilogy has made her quite a good name. I liked her role in this movie very much. It is no coincidence that David Arquette has a cameo role in this movie. I feel for Cox and Arquette who have recently split after a very short marriage. I also respected the role of Deepthroat played by John Goodman. Goodman is a genius and can turn his hand to any role that is asked of him. He plays this harsh gambling boss role to perfection. If you haven't seen his role in Coyote Ugly yet, do yourself a favour and see it asap!
In this country (Australia), gambling is big business. We can take a bet on any sport we want, including Horse racing, Greyhounds and Football (of any code) just to name a few. Yet the greatest scandal to rock our shores is that of beating on the game of cricket. Some of the players in the Australian cricket team have been interrogated for taking bribes and fixing matches, and it has taken the spotlight off one of our country's favourite sports. I believe that gambling takes the shine off our favourite sports and sporting heroes.
Another point this movie is saying, is that family is more important than any gambling, money or possessions. Gambling will make your life at one stage seem to good to be true and then rip the seat out from under you. In Australia, we have had an upsurge in poker machines and Casinos, good for our economy, but terrible for the general public. Many Australians are getting help for 'Gambling addictions', which is a great shame in my view. This movie is a true representation that gambling is bad for our community. I know first hand that it can sweep you in. My grandfather is a small time gambler and has never really won it big, but lost his fair share of money trying to get that one 'lucky break'. I feel it is more important to work for your money and save it, to further yourself and your family if you have one. This film is good to show anyone who has a gambling problem or is thinking about taking up the gambling habit, cause it might just stop you from doing so.
Rating: 4 stars or 9/10