Game Night

A studio comedy wrapped and ready to serve with enough laughs, twists and action to satiate.

Game on: Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams

Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams head a likeable cast with genuine rapport and comedic talent. In particular, McAdams’ sparkling comedic chops stand out, leaving us wishing that she had better material to shine in. In the tradition of films like Date Night and Rough Night, the characters of Game Night find themselves drawn into extraordinary circumstances that provide the opportunity for both action and violence. The dark comedy produces laughs primarily through its premise, rather than relying on gross-out humour, a welcome change from so many contemporary comedies of late.

The self-aware script by Mark Perez has plenty of genuine laughs, but often feels more like an action-thriller, especially after the couples realise that the murder mystery game they're playing is for real. The overall direction from John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein is sleek. It's easy to appreciate their extra efforts to make this a good-looking film. Highlights include Jesse Plemons as the deadpan neighbour Gary and a rousing Fabergé egg tossing sequence.

To sum up, Game Night is a somewhat forgettable popcorn comedy that still makes for an entertaining night out.

CHAD KENNERK

Cast: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury, Jesse Plemons, Michael C. Hall, Kyle Chandler, Danny Huston, Camille Chen, Natasha Hall, Malcolm Hughes, Jeffrey Wright (uncredited).

Dir John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, Pro John Davis, Jason Bateman, John Fox and James Garavente, Screenplay Mark Perez, Ph Barry Peterson, Pro Des Michael Corenblith, Ed Jamie Gross, Gregory Plotkin and David Egan, Music Cliff Martinez, Costumes Debra McGuire.

Davis Entertainment/Aggregate Films/New Line Cinema-Warner Brothers.
99 mins. USA. 2018. Rel: 2 March 2018. Cert. 15.