Runner Runner: review and trailer
BEN Affleck enjoys some down time after the rigours of directing and starring in Oscar-winner Argo playing a louche villain in slick gambling thriller Runner Runner.
He is smoothly nefarious online gambling tycoon, Ivan Block, who is based in Costa Rica with all the accoutrements of a James Bond villain plus an easy-on-the-eye associate (Gemma Arterton).
Justin Timberlake is the pin-sharp Princeton graduate student, Richie, lured into becoming his apprentice after being cheated on one of his sites.
The estimable Anthony Mackie plays an FBI agent who wants to use Richie to bring down Ivan.
Mind games and high stakes manoeuvrings ensue. The cast are excellent but the script reveals its hand too soon. There isn’t surprise or suspense in the third act.
(15, 91mins)
Director: Brad Furman
Stars: Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Anthony Mackie
Verdict: 3/5
Follow Henry on Twitter@ FitzOnFlicks