Game Night

It’d be fair to say that comedy is the most disparate genre. Easy, cynical cash-ins sit next to finely honed scripts and box office takings tend to be fairly even regardless of quality.

It’s particularly satisfying, then, when something comes along that looks for all the world like it should sit squarely in the former camp but is instead imbued with love, care and attention and leaves a lasting impression. Game Night is one such example.

Taking a fairly unique premise (bizarrely!) and leaving the usual cheese and schmaltz to the side Game Night is a self-contained comedy-thriller(?) which is perfectly honed.

Couple Max and Annie host a weekly ‘game night’ with their friends whilst trying to subtly exclude their odd neighbour Gary (Jesse Plemons’ stare-y, weirdly sinister and awkward portrayal steals every scene he’s in.) Max’s more successful brother Brooks shows up in town and hosts a murder mystery game night of his own with the gang and things take a turn as a real kidnapping affects proceedings.

It’s a top idea which feels shockingly fresh as it shakes up genres at will. It doesn’t pander to its audience, is not afraid to be rude and violent in parts and even throws in the odd jump scare for good measure.

It sets itself up in double quick time as well using a great opening montage and, as the plot is fairly streamlined and contained over the course of one evening, the gag rate is high and not just limited to the opening scenes before plot tends to take precedent over laughs in other films of this ilk.

The comedy’s fairly widespread as well with sharp scripting and some standout set pieces that will have you howling; an attempt to remove a bullet featuring a burger-shaped squeaky toy is a contender for comedy scene of the year.

It’s a fine cast with everyone on top form and even very minor characters being played by in-form stars (Jeffrey Wright pops up in a tiny role!) and it’s great to see Sharon Horgan get a fully deserved big screen role (albeit a smidge underused here.) However, it’s the co-bill toppers who are the MVP’s. Rachel McAdams is a perfect choice for Annie and Jason Bateman has to be the finest ‘everyman’ performer we have; capable of bringing humility, humour and likeability to everything he touches.

There’s some nice cinematography too with some establishing shots looking vaguely board game-esque, which we can safely assume is what they were going for, and, as aforementioned, the general lack of unnecessary schmaltziness and self-pitying character development for the sake of it is a breath of fresh air (although, of course, things tail off nicely at the end.)

Perhaps its climactic rug-pull is a little far-fetched but it’s a breeze to watch and very funny. A fine comedy and a pleasant surprise.

4 stars ****