Runner Runner – Directed by Brad Furman

 

The title of this film refers to a couple of cards that will make or break a wining hand of poker

In this movie Ben Affleck is Ivan Block – the head honcho of an online gaming enterprise making megabucks and he needs a fall guy in the form of Justin Timberlake.

JT plays the struggling Richie Furst. He needs $ to pay his college fees.

Trying to win money through online poker, he gets ripped off, so makes his way to Costa Rica to confront Ivan the mastermind of the business.

If the three main leads, including Bond Girl Gemma Arterton weren’t so watchable this movie would be painful.

As it turns out it’s the plot providing the pain as I struggled to follow what was happening.

Urban Cinefile’s Andrew urban put it best when he summed this up as a con movie that doesn’t work because the audience can’t follow the con.

Ultimately it’s pacey and racy and on the whole enjoyable to watch. A little bit like watching the reels spin on a poker machine for a couple of hours and when the money runs out you’re not left with much.

If anything go for the eye candy and a taste of what Ben Affleck may offer us when he dons the bat cape. An excuse for a vacation.

2 out of 5 stars.