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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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 (Twentieth Century Fox)

“Pick a yacht, any yacht.”
(Twentieth Century Fox)

Runner Runner may be written by the team behind the under-appreciated Rounders, but it’s more like Robert Luketic’s 21 in terms of quality.  Taking its name from an extremely difficult poker flush, a term that’s referenced just once, the latest from Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer) moves well enough, but is ultimately middling and predictable.  A hybrid of The Firm and modern technology, a combination that didn’t work so well for Paranoia two months back, it ups the ante with a promising cast and filmmakers known for decent entertainment.  Never quite clicking, the separate parts do little beyond the minimum in getting the film to its expected finish and, due to extreme sluggishness from its two stars, neuters a potentially appealing dramatic showdown.

 (Twentieth Century Fox)

Arterton: a graduate of the Jessica Rabbit School of Walking.
(Twentieth Century Fox)

Screenwriters Brian Koppelman and David Levien use cool, cocksure narration similar to that delivered by Matt Damon 15 years ago, but funneled through Justin Timberlake, the lines lose much of their edge.  As Princeton grad student Richie Furst, Timberlake is placed in a strong yet standard hero role, and the balance of charm and daring seems a strong fit for him.  Convinced that an online poker site cheated him out of $17,000 (he has the logarithms to prove it), he heads down to Costa Rica to confront the Internet company’s CEO, Ivan Block (Ben Affleck), a brash move that hints at the film’s true wonky nature.  Down in paradise, captured by Furman in all its lush glory, the two men form a partnership, but when troubling revelations about his new boss come to light, Richie finds himself in a more literal interpretation of the title.  Throw in a love interest (Gemma Arterton), U.S. government agents, and threats against Richie’s father (John Heard), and a toddler can connect the dots.

 (Twentieth Century Fox)

If you can’t have fun here, will you in Gotham?
(Twentieth Century Fox)

Even with the so-so story, Runner Runner is ripe for a little overacting, but neither lead performance has a trace of gusto.  Instead, Timberlake and Affleck appear locked in an unspoken competition to see who can deliver the most lines the flattest, and for a while the race is neck-and-neck.  Affleck loses ground whenever he’s around crocodiles, who tend to bring out a hint of the crazies, but quickly regains his bland composure, further dialing back for a photo finish.  Having somewhat hidden his limitations behind marquee projects and a rising directorial star in recent years, the lack of charisma bodes problematic for his upcoming turn as Bruce Wayne in Batman vs. Superman, a film in which he’s unlikely to receive much aid from its director, Zack Snyder.  As for Timberlake?  Well, his new album was released last week, so he should be fine.

 (Twentieth Century Fox)

Your presence is greatly appreciated.
(Twentieth Century Fox)

Thank goodness for Anthony Mackie.  As is usually the case when he’s cast in a film, he delivers.  Apparently the only performer given coffee on set, his FBI Agent Shavers brings some much-needed energy, despite totaling perhaps five minutes of screen time.  Aware of the fun one could (and should) have with parts like these in a popcorn flick like Runner Runner, he’s a rare bright spot in an otherwise dim affair.

Grade: C-

Rated R for language and some sexual content.

Runner Runner is currently playing at the Carolina Cinemas on Hendersonville Rd.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFPqyNvNzvU]

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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4 Comments

  1. Runner Runner December 22, 2013

    As mentioned in a previous review, this film is a bit too familiar to be an exciting watch. Having said that, the performances, particularly Affleck, were of good quality and each leading actor portrayed their characters well. This is not an intelligent nor original film, but the location and storyline do add a sense of refreshment to the formulaic ‘good guy trumps’ action/thriller plot. I enjoyed the film. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat, nor was I glued to the screen, but the fact that we had the whole screening room to ourselves meant that we could quip freely about what was going on, and this naturally added to my enjoyment. There were a few unintentionally funny moments, mostly near the end, but that may be more of a personal observation and many viewers may have a different view on that. Affleck was convincing and strong as the shady, ruthless business tycoon and delivered his lines with appealing finesse. Timberlake was a good choice for the role as an initially thin-skinned Prinston student, and his development as a character was well-timed throughout. Overall, I enjoyed the film, but it’s not one I would rave about to friends. ‘Prisoners’ was showing at the same time and while I haven’t seen it yet, I can say with a relative degree of certainty that it would be a more compelling and rewarding watch.

    Reply
  2. Sarah October 7, 2013

    Why is it that these movie reviews only list the movie as currently playing at Carolina Cinemas? Runner Runner and Gravity can be found at other locations as well.

    Reply
    1. Edwin Arnaudin October 7, 2013

      When a film is at the Fine Arts Theatre, I list it, too.

      I’ve been focusing on the independently owned theaters, but am not opposed to listing the Biltmore Grande, Carmike, and Beaucatcher. Would that be more helpful?

      Reply
      1. Sarah October 8, 2013

        Your listing is fine.

        Reply

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