The Runner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Nic Cage plays a politician who gets caught doing the no-no with someone he shouldn’t, and now has to decide if he wants to be a good guy or a senator, which are apparently mutually exclusive.

🍿 The Runner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The BP Oil Spill and Colin Pryce’s Rise

The film begins in the wake of the 2010 BP oil spill in Louisiana. Congressman Colin Pryce (Nicolas Cage) is portrayed as an idealistic politician fighting for the rights of the fishermen and communities affected by the disaster. His impassioned speeches and advocacy quickly elevate him to national prominence.

Scandal Erupts

Pryce’s rising star is abruptly dimmed when a sex scandal surfaces. A video emerges showing him in a compromising situation with a fisherman’s wife. The scandal threatens to derail his career and exposes the cracks in his personal life, including a strained marriage to his ambitious wife, Deborah (Connie Nielsen).

Fall from Grace and Redemption?

Forced to resign from Congress, Pryce attempts to rebuild his reputation by working pro bono for the victims of the oil spill. He grapples with the complexities of the situation, facing bureaucratic hurdles and corporate resistance. He battles his personal demons, including a relapse into alcoholism.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Colin Pryce (Nicolas Cage): An idealistic but flawed Louisiana congressman whose career is derailed by a sex scandal following the BP oil spill.
• Kate Haber (Sarah Paulson): A political consultant and friend to Colin, who advises him through his career crisis and offers support.
• Rayne Pryce (Peter Fonda): Colin’s father and a former politician, who provides cynical advice and struggles with his own demons.
• Deborah Pryce (Connie Nielsen): Colin’s ambitious wife and a lawyer, who is affected by his scandal and faces a failing marriage.
• Frank Legrand (Wendell Pierce): A representative of the affected fishermen and a key figure in Colin’s political and personal struggles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rayne Pryce: “Moulay Ismail, that Moroccan ruler, fathered 900 children with his concubines. 900 children. Genghis Khan, well, he made old Ismail look barren. One out of every 200 men on this planet has a direct line stretching back to that son of a bitch.” – This quote showcases the character’s cynical view on legacy and the expansive impact of power.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $23,398
• Worldwide Gross: $93,296

💥 The Runner Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting another wild Cage performance, but was surprised by the subdued tone. The movie does shed light on the BP oil spill’s aftermath, and I felt for the fishing communities affected. The relationships between the characters felt real, especially the strained one between Cage and Peter Fonda. Although the plot felt a bit slow at times, the movie’s emotional core resonated with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Nicolas Cage”
  • “Viewers interested in political dramas”
  • “Those seeking films exploring the complexities of morality”
  • “People with an interest in environmental issues and their political ramifications”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Alcohol abuse”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “The Runner attempts a serious tone, but ends up slow-paced and lacking spark. Cage dials down his usual intensity for a more grounded role, exploring the complexities of a politician caught in scandal. It’s a character study with relevant themes, if not always perfectly executed.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a topical premise and a committed performance from Nicolas Cage, ‘The Runner’ stumbles with a plodding narrative and uninspired direction, making it a forgettable entry in the political drama genre.
• IMDb: “Cage delivers a good performance for his role… Peter Fonda as Colin Price’s father , he was very good written character and his performance was very good… the problem with this picture is that when you have these elements and these characters you could have done much better scenario.

Audience Reactions

Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance was a pleasant surprise and fitting for the character’s internal struggles.: Viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to tackle relevant political issues and show the human side of politicians.

The movie serves as a reminder of the BP oil spill disaster and its continuing impact on communities.: Some viewers thought the film was underrated, praising Cage’s acting and the movie’s honest portrayal of life’s challenges.

Overall Consensus: Despite some slow pacing and mixed critical reception, ‘The Runner’ is viewed by some as an underrated political drama, with Nicolas Cage delivering a surprisingly grounded performance, exploring the complexities of a flawed politician in the wake of a major crisis.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie attempts to intertwine the fictional drama with the very real and devastating consequences of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.”
• “Nicolas Cage’s performance was noted by some reviewers as one of his better, more restrained roles in recent years, moving away from his more eccentric acting style.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Runner?

As of my last update, ‘The Runner’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as offerings may change. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can also be found through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Runner, you might like these similar films:

• All the King’s Men (2006): Both films explore the rise and fall of a Southern politician, grappling with corruption and personal failings.
• The Ides of March (2011): This movie delves into the dirty side of political campaigns and the compromises one must make to succeed, similar to the choices faced by Nicolas Cage’s character.
• Joe (2013): Nicolas Cage plays a more grounded and nuanced character also set in the south.

🛒 The Runner Related Products

• Nicolas Cage Uncaged: The Unofficial Oral History: An in-depth look at the career of Nicolas Cage, exploring his iconic roles and unique acting style, from his early days to his recent resurgence.
• House of Cards: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: A look at ruthlessness and power in Washington is an edge-of-your-seat show with amazing cinematography, strong acting and an excellent script. When Cage wants to play Frank Underwood, watch Frank Underwood.
• Dark Waters [Blu-ray]: The film tells the story of a lawyer who uncovers a dark secret behind a major corporation responsible for environmental pollution. Perfect for environmental and political drama lovers.
• Political Power: Nicolas Cage (Political Power): Nicolas Cage gets his own comic book biography that shows his life in politics.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Runner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Picture in a Frame” – performed by Tom Waits
• “Theme From the Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys)” – performed by Waylon Jennings

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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