absorbing thriller

Rating: Null/10 (26 July 2001)

Like many viewers, the first time I saw THE GAME I didn't care for the ending -- it felt false. But on subsequent viewings, the whole endeavor can be seen as one big suicide prevention scheme. One can only wonder what the "game" is like for other participants.
Sure, there are a few contrivances in this movie, but overall it's very well thought out (if anything, the writers didn't go far enough exploring certain ideas, like the keys from CRS -- we're told Douglas's character will receive a few along the way -- he only receives one).
If you liked THE GAME, check out THE PARALLAX VIEW directed by Alan Pakula, another great paranoia thriller from the '70s (the psych exam sequence in THE GAME pays homage to that film).
SPOILER:::::::::
By jumping off the building and surviving at the end, Douglas's character gets to vicariously experience death and be reborn (explains why so many people like extreme sports like bungy jumping/sky diving). Plus, all the obstacles in his way as he tries to discover the true nature of his game have forced him to be more humble and appreciate life -- I loved the scene in the truck stop restaurant when he has to beg for a ride to San Francisco! (His character started off pretty much dead/indifferent to the world -- by the end, he's a changed man).
Along with SEVEN and ARLINGTON ROAD, THE GAME is one of the best thrillers Hollywood produced in the '90s. We certainly don't get a lot of them these days....