Runner Runner
Director: Brad Furman
Cast: Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton
Rating: (M)
1 star (out of 5)
It's a fair bet that both Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake are hoping Runner Runner disappears quickly without attracting too much attention.
Runner Runner revolves around Richie Furst (Timberlake), a student at Princeton studying for his master's who pays his tuition by gambling online.
After he loses everything, Richie discovers (because he just happens to be a rather smart guy) that he was swindled, and rather than turn the information over to authorities, decides to confront the leader of an online gambling empire based in Costa Rica (as fanciful as this part of the plot sounds, it's actually the most credible aspect of this film).
Waiting for Richie in Costa Rica is Ivan Block (Affleck), a ruthless businessman with a penchant for voluptuous brunettes: enter Gemma Arterton as Rebecca Shafran.
Now, for someone as obviously clever as Richie, he somehow fails to see the trap that Block lays for him or question the wisdom of flirting with his new boss' ex-flame.
Ah well. Affleck isn't bad as a bad guy with zero scruples and a cocky conquer-at-all-costs attitude.
Likewise, Timberland's fresh-faced enthusiasm for his role, but with a shooting style that looks like it was borrowed from Miami Vice, Runner Runner is just too stupid for words.
The biggest twist in a plot that is transparent as glass is how Runner Runner didn't go straight to DVD.
Best thing: When Foals' Inhaler plays over the credits.
Worst thing: That $30 million dollars was spent making it.
See it with: An urgent need to part with money.
