Trying to find reasons why one should watch this movie, is like trying to find lessons in spirituality in a “Psy” music video. You can try, you will fail miserably.
Directed by Brad Furman, Runner Runner is the story of college grad Richie Furst (played by Justin Timberlake) who loses money while gambling online. He goes to confront the online site’s owner Ivan Block (played by Ben Affleck) who in turn offers him a job in his company in exchange for his complete loyalty. Furst soon finds out that the site is a ponzi scheme used to launder money from online gamblers. He seeks to get out but it is tough to get away from all the sex, lies and deception of this glamorous world. Oh and btw, bond girl Gemma Arterton is thrown in for good measure.
It is fairly obvious that the idea and script was written by 2 drunken college friends in a bar on a weekend. The plot is at constant loggerheads with logic. The director tries to give the movie a stylized suave feel but in vain. Even the beautiful locals of Puerto Rico feel embarrassed to be a part of this movie. There is unnecessary cussing with F-bombs being dropped in every second line to make it sound gritty but its just plain laughable when Justin Timberlake swears to appear tough.
What is the most shocking that Leonardo DiCaprio produced this venture. This movie has some sort of strange allergy towards common sense. So there are scenes where Justin Timberlake is kidnapped and thrown in a car with an open back and police find it perfectly normal to chase a taxiing flight using cars. The plot is too predictable with plot holes that will make the roads of Bangalore in monsoon seem like a F1 race track. This movie was made with the sole intention of showing off Justin Timberlake’s multifaceted career.
What do I say about the cast? Ben Affleck sleepwalks his way through the role, showing a total disconnect to his character. If he was pretending to be cool and suave, it didn’t show. This is definitely going to hurt his public acceptance as the next Batman. Justin Timberlake ties to play the doe eyed boy in wonderland with sincerity, but ends up looking lost. Gemma Arterton is just plain bleh!!
I give “Runner Runner” 1 Golden Ticket out of 5.
There are far more important things to spend your time on. That’s just money down the drain.
Cine Tikka Masala 