Review of The Runner

The Runner (1999)
5/10
A good plot and well-developed characters, but it ends up being too simplistic.
29 April 2000
It is never pleasant to watch someone dig himself deeper and deeper into a hole, despite others' attempts to save him. Or because of others' attempts to make the hole deeper. Edward (Ron Eldard) is a compulsive gambler, born and raised in Las Vegas, who finds a solution to his money woes: run numbers for Deep Throat, a big-time gambler and thug (John Goodman). For a while, it looks like he's doing well -- Edward falls in love with Karina (Courtney Cox Arquette), and makes a good sum of money for Deep Throat. He cannot resist the temptations of gambling, however, and slowly, yet inevitably, slips time and again. Goodman is fun to watch -- no Mr. Nice Guy here. Arquette also acts well, showing a depth not seen in Friends or the Scream movies. Still, the movie lacks something -- there are a few subplots going on in the background that are never explained, and the ending, after a good build-up, ends up being too simplistic for my liking.
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