Runner Runner

Runner Runner is listless. There are loads of similar genre movies that are more captivating and ingenious and I usually give them three stars, because even though they might not be ambitious, they at least provide me with sufficient entertainment for two hours. Runner Runner failed to do that. It has a weak script and non-existent chemistry between the actors, who were not good casting decisions. (04/10/2013)

You expect a boring mess with two action figures in the lead and suddenly you get a surprisingly mature thriller without exploding cars and the other instant thriller attractions. With two action figures in the lead. Admittedly, it doesn't quite know if it wants to be a poker movie (up to the first 20 minutes or so), a mafia movie (everything with Affleck), or a corruption crime drama against exotic backdrops, but on the other hand the timing of the dialogue, the pace of the individual scenes, the subtle camera magic, and the directorial confidence is something that isn't a complete given these days. The problem with the film is precisely its ceaselessness, where none of the things one would expect from a crime, thriller, or poker movie are actually present, and it's barely saved by the hideous redneck lumber of Arterton, a farmer’s daughter who finally makes me understand why the whole of Quantum of Solace cost about as much as a minor colony on Pluto – you could even touch her there. And tenderly. (05/01/2014)

I’m no expert on online internet games, I don’t even know how to play that dumb, online poker, so I didn’t get any of the references (but I know they were there), the action at places didn’t make sense, and mainly it’s too slow. I didn’t enjoy it and the fact that Ben enjoyed playing this motherfucker simply doesn’t make it for me. (18/01/2014)

Once again, I have the feeling about Ben Affleck that he really is not the person who was meant to become an actor. He has the face for it, sure, but the talent... When he speaks Spanish, he has to sit down to keep from moving and focus solely on not stumbling over words. Otherwise, this is an incredibly ordinary movie about how being black doesn't pay off and how some people are truly terrible. Even the cast and the beautiful Gemma Arterton with her accent don't make it something exceptional. (07/02/2014)

A film without higher ambitions. Visually, it is traditionally clean, in an interesting and luxurious setting, with attractive people (Gemma Arterton). One cannot fail to notice the recurring spontaneity of Justin Timberlake – that man has acting talent – and Ben Affleck, who is becoming better the older he gets. It is a run-of-the-mill genre film, but at least it wasn't too long, and occasionally entertaining. (29/12/2013)