Movie review: Running Scared (2006)

When he is entrusted with disposing of a gun used to kill corrupt cops Joey hopes it will gain him favor with his crime boss. Instead holding onto the gun turns out to be a comedy of errors compounded as every cop and criminal is also looking for Joey and the gun.

Paul Walker (Joey), Cameron Bright (Oleg), Vera Farmiga (Teresa), Alex Neuberger (Nicky), Chazz Palminteri (Det. Rydell), Johnny Messner (Tommy), Arthur Nascarella (Frankie), John Noble (Ivan).

Running Scared begins well enough, jumping right to the storyline even as character introductions continue. Once the main plot shows up the film settles into a pretty good pace with Joey repeatedly coming close to finding the gun and fixing things. No matter what he does though, it seems like Joey can never quite fix things and they just get worse with every turn. The story finally wraps up with the typical action packed ending and a few twists to prep for a sequel we hope never comes.

Acting was okay here, but probably should have been better considering the cast. Walker gave us his usual with the exception of a strange drawl that just didn't work. Bright was creepily good as always. Farmiga was enjoyable in what, for her, was a more traditional role. And of course Palminteri delivered his usual in a role he was made for.

Camera work was interesting with some odd color choices and an almost CGI feel at times. Sets and backgrounds seemed solid and realistic. Action scenes were numerous, non-stop, and enjoyable throughout. The hockey rink scene was particularly intense. Dialogue was okay but more depth, and possibly a reality check, would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

When the running stops, Running Scared turns out to be a decent, entry-level crime action flick. Though it doesn't bring anything new to the genre, the film has a good pace and plenty of action. Even so, it hardly justifies the 2 hour run time.

With plenty of graphic and persistent violence, sexuality, foul language, and drug use save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 3.9.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thriller, Crime Action, Crime, Gangsters

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel