Game Night
By Gregory McLinden - Guest Contributor
Game Night is in my opinion one of the best action comedies ever released - and I don't make that claim lightly. Game Night so effortlessly blends action and comedy to create a true masterpiece in comedy, with incredible action scenes that immerse you in to every aspect of the film, with twists and turns to equally keep you on the edge of your seat. There is something about watching these normal people who just wanted to play some board games, or charades (which features heavily throughout the film), take part in car chases, stand offs, heists and removing a bullet. Now you would be forgiven for thinking this sounds like the plot to a super serious action film (most likely starring Nicholas Cage), but Game Night never takes itself seriously and it is all the better for it, two particular running jokes throughout the film involve one of the friends hooking up with Denzel Washington, as well as the composition of glass tables. This film has some proper laugh out loud moments, great action moments and set pieces, as well as a solid plot, something most action comedies seem to neglect. The film is also exquisitely made. Game Night makes for perfect repeat viewing, I myself have watched Game Night at least 5 times, each time the jokes are just as funny as the first and you get drawn in and entranced by the story and characters. It also makes for perfect family viewing (maybe not with younger children as there is lots of swearing and some bloody scenes), the perfect date night/movie night film to snuggle up to at the end of the day, or dare I say it, once everyone is allowed to be with their friends and in groups again, it would make the perfect game night viewing.
logline: A group of friends hold weekly game nights, but then when a family member returns home and agrees to host the next game night, things take an unexpected turn: a kidnapping. But is this just part of a game?
My Favorite Characters:
Jason Bateman as Max - Jason Bateman continues to be one of the best comedy actors going. Any role he takes on he makes it his own and brings his signature comedic wit and nonchalant approach to his comedy roles that make everything he does even funnier. You can also tell that a lot of his lines in Game Night are from the mind of Bateman and are improvised. He truly is one of the best comedy actors out there today.
Rachel McAdams as Annie - The chemistry between her and Jason Bateman on screen, you'd be forgiven for thinking they're actually a couple, their charm and wit is that of an old married couple and Rachel McAdams has a lot to do with that. Rachel McAdams is someone who you may not necessarily associate with comedy but it feels so natural for her. It feels like comedy is her true calling, not only her sharpness on screen but also her physical comedy too. She is truly what makes this film as funny and special as it is.
This movie is rated R in the US or 15 in the UK. Here’s why:
Language
Mild Bloody Violence
Sexual References
Something I liked: Cinematography is never usually something that plays a large role in comedy films, however in Game Night it is done spectacularly. Part of me expects most of this cinematography is done so to make it feel as though you are playing a video game. However, the plot revolves around board games and, for example, during exposition shots showing where the next scene will take place this is often done to make the area look small and miniature to make it look like the Game of Life board game. The spectacular cinematography does not end there though, with the position of the camera and movement of the camera play a vital role in each scene. One particular scene of note is a tracking shot/one shot scene seeing the gang of friends steal an egg whilst trying to escape the house they are stealing it from, the scene itself is incredible and really shows of the beautiful cinematography of this film. During the film there is also constant references to childhood games, the video below being an example of the classic game hot potato, charades is also commonplace throughout. Simon Says, Guess Who, Jenga, Operation and Pictionary are also featured in the film, sometimes more subtly than others, so much so you might not even realise what they're referencing.
Fun Fact: Before filming on the film began the cast would meet up and have their own game nights to get to know each other before filming. Games they played included Clue and Joking Hazard.
Where to Watch:
Amazon Prime Video (UK)
Hulu
HBO Go
Google Play Store, Amazon Prime (US), Vudu, YouTube for rent and purchase
spoilers ahead - watch at your own risk!