🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jason Cabell
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 40min
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Nicolas Cage and Laurence Fishburne take a really long road trip to figure out who’s stealing all the party favors, and someone gets a pizza the action.
🍿 Running with the Devil: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Cocaine Supply Chain Disruption
The film opens with a major disruption in a cocaine smuggling operation. A significant amount of cocaine is lost somewhere between Mexico and Canada, creating chaos within the drug cartel. The cartel’s leader demands answers and tasks two key figures to investigate.

The Cook and The Man Investigate
The Cook (Nicolas Cage) and The Man (Laurence Fishburne), two of the cartel’s enforcers, are assigned to uncover the source of the disruption. They begin tracing the cocaine’s path, encountering various players in the drug trade. Their investigation takes them across borders and through dangerous territories.

DEA Investigation and Personal Vendetta
Meanwhile, a DEA Agent in Charge (Leslie Bibb) launches her own investigation into the drug trafficking operation. Driven by a personal tragedy connected to the drug trade, she becomes determined to bring down the cartel. Her pursuit intensifies as she closes in on The Cook and The Man.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- The Cook (Nicolas Cage): A pizza cook and drug mule tasked with finding out who is cutting and stealing cocaine from the cartel’s supply chain.
- The Man (Laurence Fishburne): A cocaine-addicted middleman who is stealing from the cartel and trying to cover his tracks.
- Agent in Charge (Leslie Bibb): A determined federal agent investigating the drug trafficking operation and seeking revenge for her sister’s death.
- The Boss (Barry Pepper): The ruthless head of the drug cartel who orders an investigation into the missing cocaine shipments.
- The Snitch (Adam Goldberg): An informant who provides information to The Man, getting himself into a dangerous situation.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- The Cook: “You have gambled. You have lost. It’s over.” – Said by The Cook, delivering a final judgment on someone who betrayed the cartel.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $111,218
💥 Running with the Devil Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this movie expecting a wild Nicolas Cage performance, and while he’s more subdued than usual, the film still sucked me in. The gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug supply chain was surprisingly fascinating. I especially liked the scenes showing the different stages of the process, and it really gave me a sense of how complex and dangerous it all is. The ending was a bit predictable, but overall, I found it to be an entertaining watch. The cast was great.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in drug cartel stories”
- “Admirers of Nicolas Cage and Laurence Fishburne”
- “Those who enjoy gritty, realistic action films”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Despite a committed cast, ‘Running with the Devil’ drowns in its own murky ambitions. The procedural elements are occasionally engaging, but the film ultimately lacks the narrative punch to make a lasting impact. The movie experience is disappointing.
- Variety: “Jason Cabell’s direction is competent, but the script struggles to elevate beyond genre clichés. Laurence Fishburne’s performance offers some entertainment, while Nicolas Cage is surprisingly restrained. Despite the talent involved, the film falls short of its potential.
Audience Reactions
The cast did a good job bringing the messy script to life.: Fans generally agree the actors elevate the material, even if the plot is a bit convoluted.
The movie is fast-paced and engaging.: Many viewers enjoyed the movie for its pacing and constant story.
Overall Consensus: Mixed reception. The cast’s performances are praised, but the plot is criticized as convoluted and messy. Some viewers found it watchable, while others found it boring and predictable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Jason Cabell is a former Navy SEAL, and the story was inspired by true events he learned about during his service.”
- “Nicolas Cage’s name is misspelled as ‘Nicholas Cage’ in the credits, an unusual mistake for such a prominent actor.”
- “The film attempts to depict the complex logistics and supply chain management involved in international drug trafficking.”
🖥️ How to Watch Running with the Devil?
As of October 2024, ‘Running with the Devil’ is available for streaming on Tubi, offering a free viewing option with ads. It is also available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Running with the Devil, you might like these similar films:
- Sicario (2015): Both films explore the gritty realities of drug trafficking and the moral compromises made in the war on drugs.
- Traffic (2000): A multi-layered narrative focusing on various aspects of the drug trade, similar to ‘Running with the Devil’s’ attempt to showcase the supply chain.
- The Counselor (2013): Deals with the dangerous world of drug trafficking and the consequences of getting involved.
🛒 Running with the Devil Related Products
- Breaking Bad: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: Relive the thrilling saga of Walter White in this critically acclaimed series. Perfect for fans of crime dramas and suspenseful storytelling.
- Narcos: The Complete Series [DVD]: Immerse yourself in the gripping world of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin cartel. This series delivers intense action and compelling characters.
- Mafia Definitive Edition [PS4]: Experience the rise of a gangster in this remastered classic. Engage in thrilling missions and a compelling narrative.
- Sicario [4K UHD]: Delve into the dark world of drug cartels with this suspenseful thriller. Experience stunning visuals and a gripping storyline.
🎧 Soundtrack
Running with the Devil features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
You can stream ‘Running with the Devil’ on Tubi for free with ads. It is also available for rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play Movies.
‘Running with the Devil’ is a crime thriller about a drug cartel’s investigation into a disrupted cocaine supply chain. Two enforcers, The Cook and The Man, trace the drugs’ path while a DEA agent seeks revenge for a personal tragedy.
The film stars Nicolas Cage as The Cook, Laurence Fishburne as The Man, and Leslie Bibb as the Agent in Charge. Barry Pepper also appears as The Boss.
🔥 Bonus Content
Paris Paloma – labour [Official Video]
Ever feel like you’re doing all the work in a relationship? Paris Paloma’s ‘labour’ perfectly captures that frustration with powerful visuals and lyrics. Honestly, it’s a song everyone should hear!
Falling In Reverse – “Ronald” (feat. Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible)
Need something to get your blood pumping? Falling In Reverse’s ‘Ronald’ featuring Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible is pure adrenaline! The visuals are insane, and the energy is off the charts – definitely worth a watch.
Serial Killers Explaining Why They Killed😱
Have you ever wondered what serial killers were thinking before they committed the crime? This short clip compiles real serial killers explaining why they did it! Give it a watch for some truly scary insights.
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