The Runner (1999)

what is this movie about anyway? thousands of hollywood movies were made about gamblers, western gamblers, futuristic gamblers, betting money, horse racing, foot-ball games,...and what is the new thing about this one? nothing.this is a nothing-movie, about nothing.

My friends and I being huge Courteney Cox Arquette fans bought (it was actually cheeper to buy than to rent) this movie just because it had her in it and cause David Arquette had a cameo. But after watching it I was glad I had bought The Runner so I could watch it over and over again. This movie is very suspenseful, dramatic, and even has some laughs mixed in. While the movie was playing we found ourselves yelling at the screen and even crying near the end when there is fear of a death(for you who have seen the movie know which scene I'm talking about). Also when the movie is over it seems to haunt you and makes you think. Not very many movies have had that effect on me. The actors in the movie made it what it is. Really great performances by all. Ron Eldard(who I remember from ER)did a great job of portraying a hopeless gambler who just wants to fix his life. John Goodman who is normally a hilarious guy(such as in Roseanne) took a turn to the dark side in this movie and creeped me out! If I saw him today on the street I would probably say "You scare me". But that just means he is an actor who can play any character very well. Lastly, Courteney Cox Arquette I think steals the whole movie. This isn't just because she is my favorite actress. More than likely anyone who will see this will think "wow she's good in this". That's because most people only know her from Friends and don't know that sitcom actors can act dramatic,and well at that. So to sum it up, if you havent seen this movie you should.

I never intended to be swept up in The Runner, but for some reason I was. The dictionary defines gambling as games of chance for money at high risk, risking much for great gain, a risky undertaking. This movie really does make the gambling definition true. In fact it turns me off the thought of putting on a quick pick at the local lotto agent.Of all the big time gambler's who've ever played Las Vegas, no one has ever laid eyes on anyone like Deepthroat, and no one ever will. For he works secretly, powerfully and he's just found the perfect man to 'run' his action: a young compulsive gambler named Edward. It's an offer Edward can't refuse. It's temptation he can't resist. And it's a gamble he's about to risk everything for, including the woman he loves. The Runner is taut thriller about breaking the rules, beating the odds and realising the only game being played is you. This film clearly proves that people are pawns, especially in the gambling industry. The temptation to have just one more bet is just too great, and in Runner following the main character Edward, we see how bad you can get. To define the title of the film, a Runner is someone who gambles with someone else's money to help them win big. The runner goes on a certain 'run' and places bids at each booking place. They are instructed on what to bid on by the big boss. A very cut-throat environment to work, and from this movie, one decision, right or wrong, can have a life or death tag with it. This movie contains some great scenes where Ed is trying to win, firstly for his boss, then in the end for himself. He does leave himself open to be caught doing the wrong. While on the job he does make some game choices when to bet and not to bet. I love the scene in the car as he is driving along, the pressure of his job just too great for him to handle. Also the end of the film is great to see exactly what someone will do to try and gain everything back, but taking the chance that they can lose everything as well. The cast of this film is quite a good one. Playing Edward is young star Ron Eldard, who takes us on a scary ride of the effect gambling can have on a person. Eldard has appeared on another film which I enjoyed, Deep Impact. Probably the most well-known star in Runner is Courtney Cox. She stars as Karina, the woman who cares a lot for Ed, but stands to lose as much as anyone. Cox has had a good career in the last five years. Starring on Friends, one of the most successful TV shows in history has been great for her, plus appearing in the Scream trilogy has made her quite a good name. I liked her role in this movie very much. It is no coincidence that David Arquette has a cameo role in this movie. I feel for Cox and Arquette who have recently split after a very short marriage. I also respected the role of Deepthroat played by John Goodman. Goodman is a genius and can turn his hand to any role that is asked of him. He plays this harsh gambling boss role to perfection. If you haven't seen his role in Coyote Ugly yet, do yourself a favour and see it asap!In this country (Australia), gambling is big business. We can take a bet on any sport we want, including Horse racing, Greyhounds and Football (of any code) just to name a few. Yet the greatest scandal to rock our shores is that of beating on the game of cricket. Some of the players in the Australian cricket team have been interrogated for taking bribes and fixing matches, and it has taken the spotlight off one of our country's favourite sports. I believe that gambling takes the shine off our favourite sports and sporting heroes. Another point this movie is saying, is that family is more important than any gambling, money or possessions. Gambling will make your life at one stage seem to good to be true and then rip the seat out from under you. In Australia, we have had an upsurge in poker machines and Casinos, good for our economy, but terrible for the general public. Many Australians are getting help for 'Gambling addictions', which is a great shame in my view. This movie is a true representation that gambling is bad for our community. I know first hand that it can sweep you in. My grandfather is a small time gambler and has never really won it big, but lost his fair share of money trying to get that one 'lucky break'. I feel it is more important to work for your money and save it, to further yourself and your family if you have one. This film is good to show anyone who has a gambling problem or is thinking about taking up the gambling habit, cause it might just stop you from doing so. Rating: 4 stars or 9/10

I got this movie for free from a clerk at Blockbuster who had more than he could handle. After about two months i remembered i had it and popped it on. What a great surprise of a film. It held my intrest from start to finish. The idea of this movie is nothing new but the story is very original, i think. There are moments of great suspense. The ending had me on the egde of my seat. ****Spoiler**** The scene where he goes to the black jack table to win back the money was simply fantastic. To win it all and have his life back only to lose in a matter of seconds makes you feel so bad for this guy while at the same time screaming at him to stop! This may not be a Grade-A Hollywood film but it proves to show you what can happen with a top cast and a great story to tell. Courtney Cox wasnt as translucent at she usually is which was nice. John Goodman was good as the evil one, well in a movie like this evil is all around. Ill give this movie an 9...great story.