The Runner (1999)

A compulsive gambler finds his new family's safety seriously threatened by a ruthless gambling boss.

Director:

Ron Moler

Writers:

Dustin Lee Abraham (story), Anthony E. Zuiker (screenplay),

Stars:

Ron Eldard, Courteney Cox, John Goodman

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ron Eldard	...	Edward
Courteney Cox	...	Karina
John Goodman	...	Deepthroat
Joe Mantegna	...	Rocco
Bokeem Woodbine	...	477
David Jensen	...	Nosey Bettor (as Dave Jensen)
John David Conti	...	Larry Chewcluck
Terrence Evans	...	Lefty (as Terrance Evans)
Gary Grossman	...	Jeweler
Steve Schirripa	...	Host
Lucy Lin	...	Chinese Dealer
Ai Wan	...	11 Card Chinese Dealer
John Buchanan	...	Black Jack Dealer
Joey Miyashima	...	Dr. Andrews
David Arquette	...	Bartender

Storyline

A young man with an addiction to gambling has managed to get himself into serious debt. In an effort to pay off the bookies, his uncle pulls a few strings and gets him a job working for a gangster who needs a "runner" to place bets with various bookies. The gangster keeps his new "runner" on a short leash, and for the most part the young gambler behaves himself. However, the temptation of walking around with large sums of cash proves too great, and the "runner" puts both his job and his survival on the line when he dips into his boss's funds to buy a ring for his girlfriend.

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Plot Keywords:

gambling | camera shot of feet | dog | las vegas nevada | human relationship | 

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Taglines:

Never make a bet you can't afford to lose.

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Genres:

Drama | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 September 1999 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Aposta Mortal

Filming Locations:

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aspect Ratio Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Quotes

Karina: Here I was, with a ring on my finger and this beautiful baby in my belly... and you lied to me. You might as well just dig a hole and crawl in it.

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Soundtracks

"Christmas Medley"
Traditional
Courtesy of Caledon Music

User Reviews

It drew me in.

Like many others, I came across The Runner by accident. In my case, I just happened to turn to the Mystery Channel on cable here in Tokyo as it started. I was intrigued enough by the title to see who was in it. Then the opening shot that draws the viewer into Las Vegas drew me into the movie. I had no idea what a "runner" is, but I soon learned a few things about Las Vegas I had never imagined. And then I got caught up in the story of the loser that keeps getting another chance. Of the many fine points about this movie, the one that stands out for me is the script. In particular, John Goodman's "insights" into the dilemma faced by fathers as their little girls grow up will probably stick with me the longest.