Runner Runner

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Runner Runner Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

Don't bet on dumb gambling thriller; some language, sex.

R 2013 91 minutes
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Parents say

age 17+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 15+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Runner Runner is a thriller starring Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck that takes place in the world of online gambling. There are some violent images, such as characters being chased, abducted, and beaten up, as well as a character being fed to crocodiles (not much blood is shown). Women are scantily clad throughout and treated as sex objects; viewers briefly see a fairly graphic sex tape on a TV screen, and the main character and the female lead kiss passionately in one shot (the implication is that it's foreplay). Language is very strong, with multiple uses of "f--k," as well as "s--t" and "p---y." Consumerism is celebrated, with lots of money spent; characters are often seen drinking beer (or harder drinks) at parties or other celebrations, with no consequences. Timberlake might attract some teen fans to this movie, but word of mouth might just as quickly turn them off.

Community Reviews

slasher23
slasher23 Adult
August 16, 2014
age 16+
some violence a sexual content with brief nudity a some strong language

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Dan G.
Dan G. Adult
October 4, 2013
age 18+

Violence, Group Sex, and Bad Language - R Rated - Not for Children

The values espoused in this film are very base. The goal of obtaining as much wealth and privilege, no matter how many people you have to hurt to do it, is held up as the premier ideal in life. If the main character figured it out in the end, perhaps there would be some redemption. However, instead we are treated with a few instances of disturbing violence against other people, an instance of a group sex orgy, and crude language throughout.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake) is a promising Princeton graduate student, but his job as an affiliate for a gambling site gets him in trouble. So he decides to risk his life savings in online poker to win the rest of his tuition money. He loses but discovers that he was cheated, so he flies to Puerto Rico to meet the site's reclusive creator, Ivan Block (Ben Affleck). Ivan is apparently so impressed with Richie's skills that he hires him as his new right-hand man. Richie becomes wealthy and meets the beautiful Rebecca Shafran (Gemma Arterton), who also works for Ivan. But trouble finds him again when the FBI noses in, the local gambling czar demands more money, and Richie figures out that he's the fall guy.

Is It Any Good?

This is a generic Hollywood thriller that has dumbed itself down and forgets about characters. Director Brad Furman's previous movie, The Lincoln Lawyer, took what could have been a generic Hollywood thriller and turned it into something good, a movie that didn't pander or dumb itself down and focused on interesting characters; unfortunately, RUNNER RUNNER just doesn't compare.

The screenplay invents situations and then forgets about them, such as making Ivan mysterious and elusive at first and then making him totally available later, when the plot requires it. And Richie and Rebecca's relationship is dangerous at first, but the movie proceeds to diffuse it, turning it into nothing. Coincidences -- such as a very convenient gambling expo taking place -- substitute for twists, and dumb action scenes are sloppily inserted. None of these actors can make anything out of what they're given, not even the reliable Anthony Mackie as the FBI guy. Somebody took a gamble on this thin material and lost.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it means to "make a deal with the devil." Would you be able to resist such a deal? Why are tales with this kind of plot known as "Faustian stories"?

  • Does the world of gambling seem like a violent one? How does Runner Runner present the violence and danger? Is it scary or thrilling?

  • How does the movie portray drinking? Do the characters drink too much? What would some realistic consequences of their behavior be?

  • How does this movie view women? Are they stereotypes? Are any of the women in the movie valued for anything other than their looks?

  • What messages does the movie have regarding online privacy? How can you keep your personal information safe online?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

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    age 13+
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    Violent story of vice and virtue not for kids.

    age 18+
  • Casino Royale (2006) Poster Image

    Casino Royale (2006)

    Darker than usual Bond; too violent for tweens.

    age 14+

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