Reacher takes his big action guy bona fides on the run in the otherwise forgettable Runner

Alan Ritchson, a fan favorite action star, brings his big-guy bona fides to the screen in the otherwise forgettable "Runner." Ritchson not only produced but also stars in this buddy movie, where his beefcake courier Hank must escort nervous talker Ben to a hospital to deliver a spare liver to a dying girl. The conventional but durable setup might seem like a no-brainer for genre fans, and Ritchson's star charisma does help keep the movie afloat.

However, without Ritchson on screen, the film loses all steam. Wilson's experience as a comic relief sidekick provides some assistance, but his character's anxiety and garrulousness don't add much to the otherwise staid programmer. The movie begins in Brisbane, Australia, with Hank's jam-packed day of deliveries, starting with a pet canary that ends up with Hank instead of the pet's ex-wife.

Hank soon loses control when he picks up Ben from the airport. Ben's organ is wanted by cartel boss Damián, leading to a series of chase and fight scenes. While stuntman-turned-director Scott Waugh keeps the focus on fun chase and fight scenes, most of the action sequences look unremarkable. The car stunts, however, look better than most, thanks to Waugh's creative use of a camera rig.

The fight scenes, while choreographed well, don't look as striking due to subpar direction. The most satisfying stunt-heavy scenes are grounded by Ritchson's massive form, which stands out whenever the threats Hank faces either match or threaten to dwarf him. Unfortunately, the script by Miles Hubley and Tommy White doesn't really stand out, and the characters don't shine, even Damián, a tediously rote psychopath.

Ben's character is supposed to be unlovable, but most of his dialogue evaporates soon after he says it. Despite its simple, straight-ahead appeal, Runner's shortcomings are frustrating. While Ritchson's collaborators know enough to treat his physical presence as the main attraction, the movie still feels like a watery sketch for a leaner, or more focused, stunt showcase.

At least Ritchson knows enough to let his star power shine through, making the movie more enjoyable than it might have been otherwise.