Runner Runner (2013)

Runner Runner is about the dirty underbelly of the online gaming community. It's entertaining and you don't have to be familiar with poker to understand what's going on; however, it helps to be familiar with it to grasp its entirety. I happen to find the evolution of online gaming fascinating, so I found many more redeeming qualities about this movie than it probably deserves.

The bones are there, but Runner Runner misses by a few feet. It's categorized as an "American crime thriller," and it almost is. There isn't enough suspense for me to call it a "thriller." This could have been the new generation The Firm (1993) ala Tom Cruise, but the writing and editing butcher it. The storyline is sloppily put together, there's weak cohesion, and most of all a lack of character and relationship development.

Ben Affleck as Ivan Block is surprisingly good, but it's toward the end of the movie where he shines. The one time he raises his voice and the crocodile scenes are ones to watch. This Affleck kid is growing on me.

Justin Timberlake as Richie Furst, is like the movie...almost good. He's getting there, but his timing and energy still needs some polishing. The hardest thing about this film is that Timberlake doesn't let you sympathize with Richie, so there's really no one you're rooting for.

Gemma Arterton plays Rebecca Shafran. Unfortunately, her role is typical female support/love interest. Although, for this movie being so male dominated, she brings a great amount of sultry confidence. She does however dwarf Timberlake's abilities and it's unconvincing that she finds such a weak presence so endearing. This is only the second film I have seen Arterton, the first being Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013). I have to admit, I'm fangirling her a little and she will be a deciding factor in whether to watch any particular movie in the future.

The great version of this movie lives in my head. In the meantime, this one is decently entertaining.



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2364841/?ref_=rvi_tt



Extract (2009)

This is a movie I can watch multiple times! The cast is great! Its simply, cozy. Extract revolves around the owner of an extract company named Joel, played by Jason Bateman. Bateman is his usual sad sappy underdog. Everything in his life seems to be going wrong and you just want to give him a hug. Joel is not a departure from most of Bateman's other roles, but he's good at it and I'm not tired of it yet.

J.K. Simmons plays Brian. Its not clear if he's a minority business partner or a type of general manager; regardless, its of little significance. Recognizing J.K. Simmons from such serious roles in OZ and Law & Order, its hilarious to hear him call everyone "dinkus." Watching him make fun of people makes you feel so sentimental. It sounds strange and I suppose that connection is only there if you're familiar with his much more serious roles.

I'm not a big Mila Kunis fan. I just really want her to clear her throat. I know that may seem silly or superficial but its slightly irritating to listen to raspy voices for too long. The good thing is, she's not the main character. I don't want this to sound like she isn't good in the movie, because she is! In fact, she's perfect.

Ben Affleck as Dean the Bartender, Dustin Milligan as Brad the Gigolo, Clifton Collins Jr as Step, Kristin Wiig as Suzie, T.J. Miller as Rory, David Koechner as Nathan; there are so many dynamic roles and they are all played superbly. The weakest link in all of the acting is Gene Simmons as Joe Adler. He barely pulls it off. He just doesn't have the hutzpah required for such a sleazy part. It was a missed opportunity for an eccentric outlandish character; however, its not distracting.

Extract is written and directed by Mike Judge from Beavis and Butthead fame; so naturally there's sex, drugs, more drugs, and little bit of rock n roll. Throughout most of the film, it isn't a noticeable Mike Judge story; but I would consider Brad the Gigolo to be his signature. The movie, the cast, the story...everything about it is surprisingly comfortable.

On a scale of 1-10, I give Extract an 8.0
                 with distinction: underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Suzie and Brad the Gigolo poolside conversation.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1225822/