The Runner (1999)

the leading man is my tpye

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

As well as games is what wealthy, high roller "Deep Throat", Goodman, does. He chooses Joey Harrington, a down on his luck compulsive gambler for his latest foil. Harrington, well played by Ron Eldard, is a given a large salary to act as Goodman's "runner" with only three provisos. He is not allowed to personally gamble, he is never to touch Goodman's money and he is never allowed to tell anyone who or what Goodman is betting on.Along the way Harrington falls for casino waitress Katrina, nicely played by Cox/Arquette and sees the chance for a big score if he breaks one of his employment conditions. Well obviously he falls victim to the black jack table and breaks his deal with "Deep Throat" who has some unusual means of dealing with those who break their personal agreements with him.This is just another simple morality play but it is well paced and nice acted but Goodman is miscast and the ending is rather "hokey".Don't go out of your way for this one, but don't turn it off if you know what I mean.

Yes, there have been quite a number of films ranging from drama's to comedies on the subject of gambling. But, The Runner is a cut above the rest. Beautifully photographed and stylishly produced the films direction is fast paced from start to finish. John Goodman talents come through full force as Deep Throat, an unseen played who, with the help of many his runners, has a foot hold or should I say a throat hold on the entire gambling scene. The entire cast does an excellent job with their various characters. However, Courteney Cox shines through as the films brightest star. From one of the films eariler comedic moments " The runner has a serious problem of a gastric nature" on his first date with Cox to her near death- birth of their child. Courteney Cox's work in this film was indeed a treat for anyone who wishes to see a talented actress on screen.

I rented this movie the day it was available for rental, being the avid Courteney Cox Arquette fan that I am. This movie's first impression screams to the watcher to stop your VCR and ask for your money back. Fortunately it picks up about ten minutes into the beginning. The introductory credits made me wonder what exactly I had gotten myself into.The first real dialogue of the movie is mainly swearing, but this only gets worse.Fortunately, as soon as Karina(Courteney) enters the scene it definitely picks up.It's kind of like "enter perfect love obsession of geeky main character".After the initial introduction and conflict this movie gets much better. Everytime the character flubs up, I grimaced, waiting for the impending fate given by "Deepthroat" aka John Goodman. I was held to the ending, praying when the screen got dark each time that it was not the end of poor Edward. Luckily, each time I was once again greeted by the entrance of yet one more scene.I recommend this movie to anyone who has a long attention span. The first time I almost cried at the ending. Then I was compelled to watch it yet another time. The second viewing was much more entertaining. Maybe it was knowing the resolution or just being able to fast forward through the slow parts--I don't know. My advice: watch it twice.The camera angles of this movie were well chosen and styled. The flashes of scenes and the loud rock music accompanying it emphasized the action of Vegas, and also the danger of the character's position in his "game."The acting was yet another good thing. Courteney made the 'labor scene' extremely effective. She def did her homework. John Goodman also plays an excellent bad guy. Down to the way he lays on the couch to lighting up his ciggy at the end. While this movie is slow in some places and slightly low-budget, it deserved a little chance in the theatres.

Unsettling story of a loser addicted to gambling who is hired as a runner by a sadistic man well aware that his new hire will never be able to follow a single rule: no gambling.Ron Eldard does a wonderful job as Edward Carrington, making his character believable, sympathetic and infuriating all in a single breath. You root for the guy when he pulls himself out of a hole he's dug for himself and then feel like taking him aside and beating the crap out of him when he digs himself right back in. Never have I felt so helpless and uncomfortable watching a character's life fall to pieces on screen.John Goodman and Courtney Cox are also very good. John Goodman's sweet guy disposition is nowhere to be found here, tucked away to allow an intimidating brute of a man to surface. Courtney Cox shines and shows the kind of range that has only been hinted at on "Friends".Definitely worth seeing and not easily forgotten.Vegas and gambling have never looked less glamorous.