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We thought this atrocious excuse for a film was behind us, straight to DVD and out of our memories for good but “Runner, Runner” is the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season apparently. For Costa Ricans, this cinematic disaster has sparked outrage with both the police and Minister of Public Security.
The film follows actors Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake portraying individuals tied up with the world of online gambling, an industry that has flourished in Costa Rica over the past 17 years.
Timothy Williams of InsideCostaRica.com writes:
Despite being released in the United States in October 2013, it seems Costa Rican officials have only now taken notice that the film portrays Costa Rican police officers, and the country in general, in a less-than-flattering light.
The film’s storyline, starring Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake, follows Princeton grad student and online poker player, “Richie,” who travels to Costa Rica to confront an online gambling tycoon who he believes has swindled him.
In the film, Costa Rica is depicted as a haven for gamblers and drug addicts, a den of prostitution and the home of corrupt police and security officials.
But it’s the scene that depicts Costa Rican police as less-than-ethical that has sparked the most outrage. One scene has officers smoking cigars and romping around with prostitutes.
Costa Rica’s Minister of Public Security tells Inside Costa Rica that the filmmakers were unauthorized to use the police uniforms or insignia:
“Instead of drawing attention to our country for its flora and fauna, they tarnish the image of our civilian police,” Gamboa told reporters.
“It is a way of telling criminals and drug addicts that Costa Rica is perfect [for such behavior]. We want this regulated because you don’t play with our country.”
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
