A Decent Thriller from Fincher. Are You Game?

Rating: 6/10 (10 February 2010)

In "The Game," Michael Douglas plays Nicholas, a cold and unlikeable investment banker who is in desperate need of a life-lesson. Enter his brother, Conrad, played by Sean Penn. As a birthday present, Conrad sets Nicholas up with a mysterious company that intends to play a high-concept, high-risk game with his life. The end results promise a life-changing experience, but when things get too real too quick and as it gets harder and harder to tell where the game ends and where it begins, Nicholas begins to lose his grip on reality and on himself.
The film, directed by David Fincher ("Se7en") is a stylish and moody piece, with the director's strong visual sense in full-form. Although the film never quite nails a specific tone (thanks, in part, to its flawed script) it is anchored greatly by Michael Douglas, who keeps us attached to a character who is rather unpleasant on the whole. Along the way, he makes acquaintances with a beautiful waitress (Deborah Kara Unger) and survives gun-fights, car crashes, a trip to Mexico and a fall from a very tall building. Is his life falling apart, or is this just all part of the elaborate game he entered? You can't help but shout at the screen because it is so blatantly obvious where the film is manipulating us. Thus, the film's biggest flaw: It doesn't leave much to the imagination.
Those seeking a well-made thriller will at least find some goodies with "The Game." Even if you reach its conclusion before its running time is over, you'll at least remain engaged in watching Nicholas' redemption while Fincher's style makes for an impressive looking film regardless of plot-points. Could it have been better? Sure. Is it an okay way to pass two hours? Definitely.