On the game leader boards are: Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. They star as the married couple of the friend group. Bateman's character envies his ultra successful brother (In turn really isn't as successful as once claimed.) On the other hand, McAdams plays Bateman's wife. She hasn't really been in anything funny since "Mean Girls", but this film pales in comparison to her comedic efforts in that film.
The film is directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. Goldstein and Daley create a film that is complex and unique in its narrative and the approach in humor. They had something exciting at every point in the film.
The video game, I mean movie's score is crafted by Cliff Martinez. Martinez crafts a score that emulates the sounds of classic 1980's video games. It has a Junkie XL (Mad Max: Fury Road) vibe.
This film had action and camera work that was undeniably creative. The action was funny because the story played a role into the action sequences. The camera however, was full throttle immense and the techniques used like: Zooming in and using the images of games in the movie was very interesting to see/
Who's ready to roll? If I had known anything, I'd say this is no ordinary game night. If I was to get caught up in the middle of a murder mystery senario, I would probably freak. This film never ceased to entertain. And if you're looking for a unique and different comedic film, with a hint of action, this film is for you!
Rate: B+
Director(s): Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley
Starring: Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams
MPAA Rating: R (for language, sexual references and some violence)
Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes
Synopsis:
Max and Annie's weekly game night gets kicked up a notch when Max's brother Brooks arranges a murder mystery party -- complete with fake thugs and federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it's all supposed to be part of the game. As the competitors set out to solve the case, they start to learn that neither the game nor Brooks are what they seem to be. The friends soon find themselves in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn over the course of one chaotic night.
Malawski’s Movie Rating System
A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.
