Runner Runner

Justin Timberlake takes the lead in a thriller that's fast-moving but still manages to feel sluggish. He plays maths whizz Richie Furst, who uses gambling to pay his way through college in what we're assured is a growing trend in these economically troubled times. But director Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer) isn't honestly concerned with society's ills, and after Richie lands a job with online gambling mogul Ivan Block (Ben Affleck) any sense of topicality dwindles. What follows is a tired old story of a young achiever who gets in over his head - not that we care, as Richie has few ideals to compromise, or any meaningful bonds to sacrifice - in a reckless pursuit of cash. Affleck is on autopilot as the corrupt boss who tempts his young protégé with Costa Rica's party lifestyle, while Gemma Arterton is treated like set dressing as the two men's love interest. Far from anyone walking away a winner, all the players here seem to have been dealt an empty hand.