Highlights
- Paul Walker's role as Joey Gazelle in the underrated film Running Scared showcased his talent and versatility as an actor.
- Running Scared features a gripping and dark storyline, with Joey torn between loyalty to his boss and his desire to protect his family.
- The film has a memorable and unexpected plot twist at the end, giving audiences a happier conclusion than expected in an underrated crime thriller.
Before Paul Walker's tragic death in 2013, the talented and popular actor was known for a variety of movies ranging from teen comedies to one of the biggest action franchises. He had memorable roles in the 1998 movie Varsity Blues, the 1999 rom-com She's All That, and the 2000 thriller The Skulls before being cast in the first The Fast and the Furious movie in 2001. He played Brian O'Conner in six The Fast and the Furious movies before his death.
Walker also starred in the 2006 thriller Running Scared, although this movie unfortunately didn't get as much attention as his other films. There are many reasons why Running Scared is one of the greatest, yet most underrated, Paul Walker movies. It also features a strong performance from the actor that is a reminder of the talent that he had before his untimely passing.
What Is Running Scared About?
Running Scared is about a man who works for the mob but who has a family who he wants to protect. These two things are at odds with each other and he ends up in a dangerous situation. The villain in the story is Tommy Perello (Johnny Messner), a mobster who the main character, Joey Gazelle works for. While there are many underrated true crime movies, there are many crime thrillers that haven't gotten as much praise as they could have. Running Scared is definitely in that category. Joey is a very likable character and audiences will find his story gripping.
At the beginning of Running Scared, a gang and members of the mob from New Jersey get into a fight, and someone shoots and kills two cops. Joey is supposed to get rid of the guns so no one will know what happened. As audiences can guess, that doesn't go so well, and he is in a fight for his life. Like a great horror movie main character, Joey is a caring person who seems to have gotten wrapped up in the wrong life. Audiences will want to keep watching to see how he uses his intelligence and wit to get through this situation.
Who Does Paul Walker Play In Running Scared?
Paul Walker got a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, which was fitting given his acting talents. He played Joey Gazelle in Running Scared, a husband and father who also works for the mob. He is terrified of being killed because of it, and he wants nothing more than to keep his family safe. If he didn't have a family, the movie wouldn't feel as emotionally gripping. His wife and son were a smart inclusion since now, it's clear that Joey has people worth fighting for.
Vera Farmiga gave an equally great performance as Joey's wife Teresa. Both Joey and Teresa are caring parents to their son Nicky (Alex Neuberger) and while it seems like they have accepted their dangerous life, now things are terrifying. There are many impressive movies and TV shows starring Vera Farmiga, including Orphan and The Conjuring. It's cool to see the actor in a darker and edgier kind of movie.
Paul Walker was flawless as Joey Gazelle, a character torn between two worlds. On the one hand, he feels loyalty to his boss. But on the other hand, he wants to be there for his family. This tension makes him an interesting character and keeps audiences invested the whole time.
How Does Running Scared End?
The ending of Running Scared makes it one of the most memorable Paul Walker movies. It's definitely the darkest ending of any of the movies that he starred in. When Oleg Yugorsky (Cameron Bright) and Joey go to their regular diner, they find Lester (David Warshofsky) with the gun, making it clear that they haven't been as careful as they assumed. Joey kills Lester in self-defense and uses a switchblade on him. Oleg's mother Mila Yugorsky (Ivana Miličević) takes her own life because she thought that Oleg died, which is another tough moment to watch. But as with underrated mafia movies, these violent scenes are a given.
Joey dies when he gets into a brutal car accident. His son Nicky and his wife Teresa watch it happen, which is heartbreaking. The last moments of Running Scared focus on the funeral for Joey. Audiences also find out that Teresa has adopted Oleg and will now take care of him.
However, while Running Scared is underrated, it features one of the best plot twists in a movie: Joey walks out of a farmhouse and tells his family that he pretended to die. Now it seems that he, his wife, and son can live a happy, peaceful life without worrying about people continuing to come after Joey. It's a happier ending than many underrated movies about heists or other crimes.