Movie Review: Game Night (MA15+)

Movie Review: Game Night (MA15+) - Rating: 8/10

Made for comedy action fans, rollercoaster film Game Night delivers a sure-fire hit by cleverly making all the right moves at the right time.

The high-speed plot follows competitive couple Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) whose regular game night with friends takes an unexpected turn when Max’s brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) decides to host a murder mystery party.

The fine line between reality and fiction soon becomes blurred as the pretend game unravels in a more sinister fashion with relentless criminals and supercharged chases forcing the group to partake in hilarious rescue operations.

Apart from an ironed out plot that develops seamlessly with curve-balls thrown when least expected, the ensemble cast could not have been chosen to be better suited for the roles of ordinary people being launched head-first into extraordinary events.

Bateman and McAdams are a perfectly paired comedy duo who cause plenty of laughter with their relatable characteristics and amateur reactions as they attempt to mastermind their way through high crime trouble.

The character arc of the couple’s neighbour Gary (Jesse Plemons) also needs specific mention as his portrayal of an awkward policeman spins the tale to a whole new level of entertainment and unpredictability.

The inclusion of miniature camera angles to place the film itself on a game-board was another creative tactic used to add a sense of reality and transport the viewer to the movie’s world.

Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathon Goldstein have previously collaborated on other dark humour flicks like the popular Horrible Bosses franchise so it is no surprise that Game Night is also yet another shrewd roll of the dice and calculated move forward to laugh-out-loud success.

Like most game nights, this movie will have you in stitches over someone doing something hilariously ridiculous so don’t be surprised if you finish watching it with a sudden urge to host one.