My quick rating - 6.7/10. Runner starts with a nice-looking oceanside shot of Brisbane, Australia, which immediately gives us the impression we're about to watch an everyday Australian thriller. Naturally, this lasts approximately five minutes.
We meet Hank Malone, played by Alan Ritchson, sitting on a boat and attempting to learn French on his phone. Because apparently even action heroes have Duolingo streaks to maintain. He then hops into his truck and heads to an AA meeting to collect his one-year coin. Gotta give the main character some backstory.
After another nagging call from Iggy, Hank gets his latest assignment and, most importantly, permission to "kick ass if necessary." He seems to specialize in odd delivery jobs, so I'm not entirely sure how much ass-kicking will actually be required. That changes pretty quickly when an urgent medical package comes his way with some serious money attached.
Meanwhile, we meet Ben Bishop, played by Owen Wilson, relaxing on a private jet. We also meet Kate (Leila George), who is at the hospital with her daughter and discovers that a desperately needed organ is finally on the way.
I think you see where this is going. Ben is the organ delivery guy. Hank is his delivery driver. Congratulations, you've got a buddy movie.
Of course, transporting a liver across Australia couldn't possibly remain a simple delivery. Before long, we're dealing with cartel goons, a suspicious number of guns for a country where the biggest threat normally seems to be a kangaroo, and a surprising amount of foreign-language dialogue without subtitles. Then there are the Australian criminals, including bikers, which Aussies hilariously call bikies. Yes, bikies. Apparently even Australian organized crime gets its own adorable local terminology.
The result is a pretty damn fun ride. Ritchson moves through every environment like the entire planet was specifically designed as a collection of weapons. A bike? Weapon. Car? Weapon. Wall? Probably weapon. Someone else's furniture? Give him thirty seconds.
Owen Wilson brings his usual humor and recognizable mannerisms, which works well alongside Ritchson's increasingly violent delivery-service routine. I especially like how the movie treats transporting a liver through a criminal-infested Australia as though this is a perfectly reasonable Tuesday afternoon.
There are no awards being handed out here, but action fans will get a damn good car chase through the Gold Coast and a violent-ass last fight. I thoroughly enjoyed Mayday, and Runner is right there with it for me. It's ridiculous, occasionally heartfelt, and just self-aware enough to make the whole thing work.
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