Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Don't bet on dumb gambling thriller; some language, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Runner Runner
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
- In theaters : October 4, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : January 7, 2014
- Cast : Ben Affleck , Gemma Arterton , Justin Timberlake
- Director : Brad Furman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual content
- Last updated : August 23, 2022
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