Runner Runner Review
RYAN: Runner Runner is a gambling crime drama starring Justin Timberlake and I’d like to start there because one, Justin is not a great actor and two, what business does Ben Affleck have playing second fiddle to JT?
CAROLINE: [laughs’ Oh totally! It’s kind of a joke.
RYAN: Ben’s a good actor but horribly miscast in this film. The role should have been, like, Jack Nicholson or Gene Hackman.
CAROLINE: But they’re so much older.
RYAN: They’re the better type though. Ben just didn’t pull off this role at all. I didn’t buy him for a second but I still believe in him and love him anyway.
CAROLINE: Why is JT so bad?
RYAN: He’s wooden. He’s self aware and fake. You can tell he’s trying to act the whole time. It’s not natural and it sucks because he’s so good as a performer and a comedian on SNL that this is just annoying. Stop trying to be a serious actor; not that this is a serious film, but even in this B-movie, he’s not good.
CAROLINE: He was pretty decent in The Social Network though.
RYAN: True. He was good there. But that was a small part with a brilliant script and director, LBH.
CAROLINE: Point taken.
RYAN: This movie has the same theme and tone of The Firm or some gambling movies but it lacks suspense and intensity. Even though the stakes are obviously high for the characters, you feel no investment in them. It comes down to a weak script, editing and performances. It feels very recycled and unoriginal.
CAROLINE: How annoying. Was it long too?
RYAN: Thankfully it’s just 90 minutes so that was good.
CAROLINE: What about Gemma Arterton?
RYAN: She was the best thing about the film – not good enough to save it though. She’s gorgeous and her dresses are beautiful. I like her. Anthony Mackie was also very good as an FBI agent but it doesn’t matter how many good actors you put around JT. He cannot carry a movie.
CAROLINE: Yeah he should really stick to supporting and character roles.
RYAN: I get it. He’s a charismatic guy. But he’s just not a strong actor; ruined the movie.
