Too Much Fun on Game Night
(mini spoiler alert)
John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s 2018 film, Game Night, will keep you on the edge of your seat--whether it’s because you’re laughing or because you’re anticipating the next move-- for the entire 100 minutes it is on screen. Warner Bros. Pictures recently released the film on February 23, 2018 and it has since grossed $69 million worldwide.
Viewers are immediately indulged into the story of Max and Annie, portrayed by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams respectively, who are competitive gamers that host game night with their friends every weekend. When Max’s more successful brother Brooks, played by Kyle Chandler, comes to visit their game night comes to life and becomes so intense that it is impossible to tell what is real, what is part of the game, and what is a result of Brooks’ illegal business. Max, Annie, and their friends must work with the clues given to them in order to find Brooks who has been kidnapped, to win the game, and to bail Brooks out of the hole he has dug himself in.
Having seen the previews beforehand, the movie was not quite what I expected. The severity of the storyline itself--which was way more intense than I had originally anticipated-- is juxtaposed by the humor that is laced within every scene and is truly an unique structure to the film itself. In between the car chases, hostage situations, and the home chases, viewers are able to witness the development of Max and Annie’s relationship regarding the topic of children, the improvement of the relationship between Max and Brooks, as well as the development between their friends Max and Sarah and Kevin and Michelle. The film, which is told chronologically beginning when Annie and Max first meet, comes full circle and ends with their long-awaited pregnancy reveal during a game night at Brooks’ house.
In the midst of all of the chaos surrounding the game night and Brooks’ legal situation, viewers are indulged in the different relationships that each character has (or no longer) has with their loved ones, as well as Max and Annie’s fertility journey. These relationships create a theme regarding family and the importance of positive relationships between loved ones. Although masked by the “mature” comedy and chaotic plot, the development of the individual relationships and their levels of communication are what ultimately allow the group to succeed in saving Brooks, as well as themselves. The comedic aspect of the movie is what keeps the audience indulged throughout the entire film so that they are able to see the ending and the importance of strong, healthy relationships between family members and loved ones. It is a creative approach that the writers and directors used to their advantage, and one that I believe worked out in their favor. It allowed them to further develop the film thematically while still being able to keep it appealing to the audience through the comedic lens.
Overall, I think that the film is one that can relate to many people in today’s world and may even serve as a revelation for them. The movie takes the idea of something that is boring, a game night, and implements a thrill-seeking adventure with the idea of it coming to life--a plot that is driven by the main characters’ competitiveness. Today, I find that many people are constantly seeking more in their competitive journey (in whatever their respective activity may be). Travel and club sports are taking over kids’ lives and are often taking time away from things like family, school, and faith. In many cases, the kids, and sometimes the families as well, become lost in the midst of trying to be the best that they forget what matters most--family. I think that this film, along with the fact that it is enjoyable, can show people that in the end, what really matters most is the relationships you have with your family and friends.
Based off of my interest in comedy:
The Heat (good, good)
Mean Girls (good, good)
School of Rock (good, good)
White Chicks (good,good)
Mall Cop (good, good)
Be Reel Rating: good, good
Trailers can be found on: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/game_night_2018/
x
No comments:
Post a Comment