The Game
In Theaters NOW
Rating: R
Review Date: September 12, 1997
Studio site: The Game
Stars: Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger, James
Rebhorn
Michael Douglas stars in the psychological thriller, The Game from
David Fincher the director of Seven. The Game introduces
us to Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) an investment banker whose life
does not consist of "fun". So his brother Conrad (Sean Penn) decides to
give him the gift for someone who has everything. What is this gift? A
company called Consumer Recreation Services will provides Nicholas, and
all its clients, with a game specifically designed to the individual's
lifestyle and traits. Sound intriguing? It does to Nicholas and he decides
to take the tests and set his brother's unique birthday gift into action.
The only question is, what is a game and what isn't?
This film is a fantastic psychological thriller that kept me guessing at
every turn. While sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for every little
plot twist, I kept marveling at the acting talent of Michael Douglas. Douglas
gives a fantastic performance of the greedy and ruthless Van Orton that
reminds me of his classic performance in Wall Street. He proves
that his acting talent is virtually second to none as he is onscreen for
the majority of this 2+ hour thriller.
His supporting cast is filled with a variety of bit players that excellently
portray the bit players of the game. Sean Penn is just paranoid enough
as Conrad Van Orton. Deborah Kara Unger is fantastic as Christine, the
waitress that plays an integral part in Nicholas' game. The mix of the
characters that Nicholas encounters runs the gamut with most of them being
almost as paranoid as he is.
The Game is a fantastic film that deserves a watch from anyone who
enjoys a good psychological thriller. I highly recommend The Game
as an intense thrill ride that concentrates its effort on development of
the plot over huge special effects. Special effects are fun, but a good
plot will win me over anytime. And any film that can pull me into it such
as this one did deserves high praise.
Grade: A
Parents Guide: The Game is rated R for some intense language and
disturbing psychological mind games. There are shots of a woman with only
a bra on, but that is the extent of the "nudity" in this film. There is
very little in the regards of adult situations in this film either. But
there are scenes of extreme violence. Parental caution is advised though
older children who can handle the mind games will enjoy this film. Be advised,
the twists and turns of the psychological nature in the game might bother
some children.