Admit To Yourself That It Sounds Intriguing...

Rating: 10/10 (24 April 2005)

What do you get for the man who has everything? On his 48th birthday, repressed financier Nicholas Van Orton gets a gift from his brother... it's a "profound life experience" that "provides whatever's lacking," a "vacation that comes to you," a game... and so begins a suspense film so brilliant, so tricky, so beautifully conceived and executed that you will never forget it.
"The Game" is a classic on par with Hitchcock's best... not since Alfred's 60's masterpieces has a movie so thoroughly- and enjoyably- messed with your mind. Michael Douglas is born to play the isolated Van Orton, Sean Penn pitch-perfect as his dangerous younger brother. The movie, directed by the divine David Fincher, is shot so beautifully it may make you cry. Witness the depth of the darkness, the weight of the frame, the gravity of the actors... this is the work of a master at the top of his game. If a great director is a great storyteller than Fincher can tell tales like no one else... he is in absolute control from frame one to the final credit roll.
I won't give you the details of Nicholas' game... after all, figuring out the game is the point of the game. I will say that I'm glad I saw this in the theater on opening day but it's almost better on the small screen- letter-boxed of course. If you haven't seen "The Game" I suggest you buy the DVD and watch it right away... trust me when I say you'll want to own it. If you love movies you will LOVE this precision-crafted puzzle, a movie that will not only keep you guessing but be just as (or more) entertaining on repeated viewings. Don't read online reviews that will blow the story or color your opinion... you need to experience this firsthand... you owe it to yourself.
God bless David Fincher for messing with our minds, for creating a classic in the era of disposable film, for appreciating the intelligence of the audience while keeping three steps ahead. "The Game" rocks!
GRADE: A