Whenever I sit down to watch Running Scared today, I think back to the day my grandmother introduced me to this film. I went over to visit one day, and she was watching this cop drama that was shot in such dark tones. The story had a lot of guns and violence, which made it so much fun to watch. After catching about two-thirds of the movie, I just had to see it from start to finish to get the full story. What a story it is!
Paul Walker is a guy (Joey) with a lot of problems. He has his next-door neighbours kid with him, and he spends the entirety of the movie looking for a gun. This particular gun has a long history, and if it ends up in the wrong hands (the police), it could force his bosses’ hand and end his life.
Running Scared is filmed at a fast pace with many extracurricular activities thrown into the main story to keep you on the edge of your seat. To be honest, we don’t need all of those extra storylines, but they are entertaining and distributing on so many levels, you can’t help but be entertained.
The story is jammed pack with violence, blood, and guns that you would think these events take place in a major US city instead of taking place in New Jersey. There is also a lot of misdirection on who the good guys are and how bad the thought guys are. Everything builds up to an epic finale, leaving you wondering who will survive and who will pay the price.
The gritty format the movie is presented in help set the stage for the events as they unfold. Some people could guess the ending as they watch it or can be surprised when you find out the surprise twist at the end.
Outside of the Fast and Furious franchise, I consider Running Scared to be one of Walker’s best performances. This film also introduced me to Vera Farmiga. Anytime I see her in anything else, say The Conjuring, I think back to her fanatic scene with the kidnappers. Chazz Palminteri is another actor I always enjoy, so it is no surprise that I like his mobster role in this one.
I am not a Guy Ritchie fan by any means, yet at first glance, some would say that Running Scared is his type of movie. Thankfully it is not; however, this film would appeal to those people who admire his work. I know I am not the only one who thinks this movie is the bomb since it holds a 7.4 rating on IMDb. The people at RottenTomatoes are a little off their rocker on this one with their 41% rating, since I will give this movie top marks. 9/10
Ten Stars or Less 