Parents' Guide to

Runner Runner

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

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

Movie R 2013 91 minutes
Runner Runner Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 16+
some violence a sexual content with brief nudity a some strong language

This title has:

Too much consumerism
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

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate