When a peaceful Game Night turns into a nightmare|| Movie Review

Game Night (2018)

This is one film that stands out in the subgenre of action-comedies. The plot was well drafted and also really hilarious. It combined a perfect set of talented cast and not to mention the cleverness of the script. I remember watching this movie around my first year in school, that should be around 2018. The film tries its best to stay fresh and inventive even though at some points it was appearing to seem predictive.

The film revolves around Max, played by Jason Bateman and Annie, played by the iconic Rachel McAdams. They are a couple whose lives are organized around their regular and competitive game nights which they don't joke with. When I attend some events and I see some fun games played that have to do with thinking, it just reminds me of this film. Their normal and low-key existence is disrupted by the arrival of Max's brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler). Brooks is the cool brother, and quite successful also.

Brooks attempts to spice up the whole game routine. He offers to host the next game night, in a somewhat usual way like they have ever played before. He suggests a murder mystery in such a way that the actual actors are playing roles. Things surprisingly and unexpectedly get out of hand when Brooks is kidnapped right in front of the group by masked men. This leaves the players of the game and me watching the film wondering if this is all part of Brooks's staged game, or if he is genuinely in mortal danger?

One of the things I found really genius in the film is how they managed to blur this line and left us clueless as to what is actually going on. As the night unfolds and reveals more surprises, not the good ones, Max, Annie, and their group of friends – including Ryan (Billy Magnussen) who is the ridiculous and unserious one, along with his dates, the married couple Kevin (Lamorne Morris) and Michelle (Kylie Bunbury), and the guy who steals the scene, Gary (Jesse Plemons) who is their next-door neighbor– struggle to discern if it is all reality or a dream. This confusion was a huge pillar to the film's humor which led to misunderstanding countless times.

I literally had lots of laugh-out-loud moments, from physical comedy to clever dialogue and even dark humor. The film maintained the kind of that made the viewers at the edge of their seat and not too comfortable with, just right before another comedic set piece comes up. It's the kind of film that keeps you engaged and just keeps on guessing and trying to figure out what is actually happening. The perfect combination of the cast just can't be overemphasized. It's like the Expendables, only the ones are set to give a comic show.

An aspect I like about Jason Bateman is that he doesn't need to act ridiculous to make a good delivery that leaves you laughing. He also acts as the one trying to keep things together amidst the chaos. Annie who plays the role of his wife brings her own unique style while matching his energy. Each cast had their own special force and vibes which they displayed in the film. Directors John Francis Daley collaborated with each other in actualizing the amazing movie Game Night. The camera work was top notch coupled with the creative transitions that enhance the comedic and action sequences.

The action sides of the film, while comedic, are also surprisingly well-staged and contribute to the overall excitement. While Game Night is considered a comedy movie, it can also be said to fit perfectly as a thriller, with genuine moments of suspense and danger. This blend of genres is well executed, preventing the film from becoming just another silly comedy.

I would totally recommend this film any time and any day, especially if one is looking for a night of laughter and unexpected thrills. The film possesses smart writing, strong performances, and energetic direction, helping it attain its position as one of the best action-comedies. I give Game Night a 9 out of 10 rating.

Images source: IMDb

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