A Fun Game!

Rating: 9/10 (8 October 2015)

The Game (1997): Dir: David Fincher / Cast: Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger, James Rebhorn, Armin Mueller-Stahl: Jigsaw puzzle thriller that exercises the mind with extreme implausibility. Title refers to mind play as well as an operation called C.R.S (Consumer Recreation Services). Michael Douglas reluctantly joins but instead of a relaxing vacation he is faced with a night of pure mayhem. C.R.S appears to be watching him but their building is vacant upon his return. His home has been bugged and mysterious strangers enter his life all of whom carry a piece of the puzzle. Douglas discovers that he cannot trust anyone. Stylish directing by David Fincher who previously scored big with Seven, another film about manipulation and accepting fate as is. Douglas is excellent as a wealthy man brought down only to learn a huge lesson in a surprise twist ending. Sean Penn is fine as his brother who ends up becoming involved in this scheme. Deborah Kara Unger plays a waitress whom Douglas is instructed to follow. James Rebhorn has a bit part as a C.R.S head whom Douglas will face down before revelations are met. Armin Mueller-Stahl plays a business associate whom Douglas suspects is behind the whole charade. Spectacular film about letting go with a vacation that is too good to be true and too horrifying to be ignored. It simply must be complied with. Score: 9 / 10