Let down only by its ending.

Rating: Null/10 (30 August 2011)

The Game is another one of those very fine examples of style over substance. There are great action set pieces, some slick dialogue, some sparkling acting and some fantastic direction from David Fincher. But, in the end, where does it really lead? Not really anywhere. Fortunately for this film, because there is so much going on, you can afford to forgive the ending.
Nicholas Van Orten (Michael Douglas) is a cynical, detached banker. He has an ex wife he takes no notice of. He has a brother who is clearly disturbed and he has to live with the knowledge that his father committed suicide in front of him. He lives only to make business deals and cares only for money.
That is, until his brother gives him a birthday present - a ticket for something known as 'The Game'. Reluctantly, Van Orten signs up to this game, little realising that he's opening up a total nightmare. Soon, he is apparently the victim of fraud, his house is broken into, there are attempts to kill him and his brother is apparently committed. Van Orten is left to try and solve everything himself, using only his wits and whatever sense is left in him.
Make no mistake that this film is worth watching. For several exceptional reasons. Firstly, the script and in particular the dialogue is pretty sharp with some cracking action and some good dark humour. Secondly, David Fincher directs this with his usual talent for dark atmosphere and slick action. There are some exceptionally good action scenes and some carefully crafted talk scenes that always move the film forward at breathtaking pace. Finally, the acting it absolutely outstanding. Every part in this film is cast as perfectly as possible. Michael Douglas shines in a role that he is always so well suited to. Sean Penn, someone I'm not usually keen on, adds real paranoia and depth to his scenes, and the two leads are then supported by several very talented character actors that give more than the film gives them in return.
The problem here is the ending. It's not all that believable, and feels more like a last minute cop-out because they were either nor sure how to end it, or were too afraid to make it even darker. The ending isn't just unbelievable - realistically it's not possible. After suffering all that he does throughout the film, there's little chance that Van Orten could take that one final twist. He'd either be insane, or a broken man. Instead what we get is something a little too happy, and not dark enough for the rest of the film.
However, ending aside, this film is very, very good. I'd still recommend it, even if just for everything up until the ending, the first rate acting and the atmospheric and slick directing.