Running Scared (2006)

Powerful

Just perfect...

Good start, but then it gets ruined

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

To say the least, this controversial crime movie directed by Wayne Kramer did had some potential of being a good movie, but it kinda wasted it, on too much unlikeable characters, extreme violence, relies on a few too many coincidences, and overused tiresome fast cuts and zappy pans. Its reasons, like these, is why this movie got mixed reviews by critics and had some audiences running for the exits, due to how unsettling, it was. However, I have to disagree with those critics that say, it sorely lacks plot. That's one thing, the film didn't get wrong. I kinda like the story of a gun, used to kill a dirty cop, has gone missing, and a low-end mobster, Joey Gazelle (Paul Walker) has to find it, before things go way too soured. It made for an interesting pitch, however, the delivery of that gritty story really lacks any fun, or sophistical, making this film, a very unpleasant, depressing and awkward watch. I get that in the animated sequence in the credits, is actual there to tell the viewers, that the whole movie is supposed to be, a modern day scary fairy tale about a child who ran away in the night and met a numerous of monsters, but it's somewhat ruin, when the film focus on having Joey Gazelle, be the main character of the piece, rather than the child, Oleg Yugorsky (Cameron Bright). In many ways, Oleg, the character, just serves as a tool in the story to move the plot, along, rather than being flesh out. We barely get to understand the motives of the child running away, besides having abusive parents. Besides that, I thought, Cameron Bright did alright as the kid, however the film doesn't have him, much to do, besides looking confused and dumbfounded. His emotionless blankness is way too repetitive. Paul Walker is also meh for the most part, but the amount of cursing, coming out of his mouth was a bit too off-putting and somewhat awkward, due to his normal boy next door persona. It's a bit much. I get that he's trying to play a trouble criminal, but gees, he can't pull it off, at all. No wonder, why the movie had to write off, that he's an undercover cop in the end. His wholesome look was really distracting. Also, without spoiling the movie's ending, too much, the whole idea of Joey trying to leave the mob, by faking his death, by car crash is a little too real, seeing how that was the way, actor, Paul Walker, really died in 2013. Talk about awkward. Anyways, Paul Walker isn't the only big star in this film. It was really nice to see, actress Vera Farmiga given, some screen time, as Joey's wife, Teresa Gazelle. Her scene with the parents, Dez (Bruce Altman) and Edele Hansel (Elizabeth Mitchell), who turn out to be a pair of sadistic child molesting serial killers was very compelling. By far, the best and most shocking part of the film. It was roles like this, that got Vera Farmiga, the role of Norman Bates's mother, Norma Bates in 2013's 'Bates Motel'. She really does fit the strange, over protecting mother to the build. Another actor that was pretty cool to see here, was Chazz Palminteri as Det. Rydell. While, the role wasn't anything new for Chazz. It did help, establish more of Chazz's film cred. I also have to say, most of the supporting characters, also did well, in the roles, they were given. It was nice to see, both Michael Cudlitz as Sal 'Gummy Bear' Franzone & John Noble as Russian mob boss, Ivan Yugorsky, given some devilish good roles, here. Although, supporting actors like Karel Roden as Oleg's abusive father, Anzor Yugorsky and David Warshofsky as an abusive pimp named Lester kinda hurts the film, by their laughable cartoonish excess. Speaking of cartoony excess, the graphic violence in this film feels more like Grand Theft Auto than a realistic portrayal of vicious gangland. This movie makes it seem like every criminal and low-life is out at nights, rather than sleeping. Come on, movie. It's not that dangerous at nights. Wayne Kramer was even shocked to find out that the movie got the R rating on the first submission than NC-17, due to the over the top gory violence. It's even weirder, when the movie was shown on television, because all profanity was removed but none of the gore was. I guess, profanity is a no-no, but violence is alright. Although, the violence game on the movie's website wasn't so lucky, as it shown a scene of oral sex. Naturally, people in America got upset about this, so it was removed and yanked, before even, the movie flopped at the box office. It's weird, how American censorship works. The game was barely released. Anyways, while the movie might look cutting edge to normal viewers. It's a bit amateurism to anybody, who study films. All of the weird artistic shots, feel a bit disjointed. Way too many close ups scene, mixed with Steadicam, and crane shots, make cinematography Jim Whitaker's overly stylized camera tricks seem, like it they are attempting to make up for everything else which this movie lacks. Overall: despite negative reviews and being a Box Office Bomb, when it came out. It has since, gotten a cult following. In my opinion, while the crime-drama mystery is dirty and a loud film. It's still has some good twist and turns that will keep you in bay, if you're not easily offended. However, I can't say to myself, it was a good film. After all, it was one of the most-dreary films, I watch in recent times.

Joey Gazelle (Paul Walker) is a low level enforcer. Corrupt cops in ski masks try to rob them. They end up killing the cops in a shootout. Joey's son Nicky and next door neighbor kid Oleg Yugorsky (Cameron Bright) see him hiding a gun in the basement. Oleg steals that gun to shoot his abusive father. That gun turns out to be one used in the cop shootout. Joey must cover up the evidences and find Oleg with his gun.This is desperately gritty. It is a showy form of ugliness. It wears thin after awhile. It gets tiresome. Also I'm not invested in Joey getting back his gun. It would be more interesting to follow Oleg instead. He has the more compelling story. Paul Walker should be a supporting actor. It's more fascinating to see him play a villain chasing down little Oleg.

There aren't many people who know about 'Running Scared' or who rate it that highly, but after having watched it, this must be down to critics having watched so many mediocre thrillers, they can no longer recognise a gem. This film is frantic from start to finish, but despite an unrelenting pace, it still explores the characters deeply, enough for the viewer to become involved in their fears and struggles. The late Paul Walker is great and so is his female lead Vera Farmiga who is an exceptional actress. This film is different because it takes itself seriously, the gangsters are real people and the violence is brutal but has that comic book edge to it a la 'Pulp Fiction'. Vera Farmiga's character is the difference in this film because in many male orientated gangster thrillers, the female leads are always under used but not here. Vera is as good as Paul Walker and her character just as compelling. The two boys in the movie are also central to the plot and it seems every character is a piece to this very interesting puzzle. I think the name is abit weak and probably didn't help in selling this film, but anyone who appreciates true cinema must love what we have here.

RUNNING SCARED is a pretty interesting movie. It has its share of flaws, but it does offer something new, and is a lot different to the usual cops 'n' bad guys thriller that I was expecting. In many ways it's like a modern-day fairy tale, with lots of references to the classic stories of old (such as Hansel and Gretel) and a couple of characters facing bizarre and violent adventures during a single night.First off, the good stuff: the cast is pretty hot, particularly Paul Walker, who gives a MUCH better performance than he does in the films he's best known for, the Fast and the Furious series. Similarly, Vera Farmiga can be guaranteed to deliver some strong acting, and the cast of various goons and bad guys are well picked. In addition, the film has a real Tarantino vibe to it; the direction is edgy and the violence explicit. The script isn't bad. Some of the direction is a little over the top and distracting in places, but for the most part it works.The flaws are that it meanders slightly in places, and it also goes on for a little bit too long. The whole paedophile sub-plot, while being suspenseful, seems to belong in a different film altogether and really extends the running time. The ending is also rather predictable. But for the most part, this edgy and intriguing, and offers something different to the usual clichés we've come to expect from this genre.