REVIEW: Life is just a game, isn't it? This film proves that point, and what a fun, adventurous, thrilling game it is. From the very onset of the movie we are transported into the world of games and this particular game night is going to be quite memorable. Actually, this Game Night is better than a game night. As mentioned, it is fun, adventurous, and thrilling plus it is very funny and very different. I found myself laughing out loud a few times. What makes this movie different is that it is not your typical comedy. We get a heavy dose of action and thrills that you wouldn't normally find with a comedy of this nature. It brings the game to life and the game is pretty intense. So this combination of laughs, thrills, and game play all rolled up into a well presented film is what makes this one stand out.

It is rare to purposely mention good cinematography in a comedy. Well, yeah, in this movie, it is worth mentioning. When you see it you will know what I mean, but let's just say that the movie makers did a great job of giving the viewer the sensation of being in the game. I also need to mention, much to Priscilla's chagrin, the presence of a very awesome car owned by the lead characters in this film (I happen to drive that very same car and it was really, really special to see it on the big screen . . . sorry). Speaking of the lead characters, Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, I mean wow, I don't want to say that they carried the movie because the movie is pretty darn good regardless, but they do make it extra special. They were fantastic and a joy to watch together. Kyle Chandler as Brooks, Bateman's brother in the film, is not your Friday Night Lights coach/dad/family guy. He does his character right and from various angles too. Priscilla was excited to see Michael C. Hall (of the TV show Dexter fame) playing an appropriate role in this movie. And then there's Jesse Plemons in the role of Gary, the next door neighbor to Bateman and McAdams' characters Max and Annie. I first saw him in Battleship and I most recently saw him in an episode of Black Mirror that a buddy of mine highly recommended I watch and I'm glad he did, it was pretty good. He was the main character of that episode and he was chilling, bizarre, and very creepy. Let's just say that having said that, he totally, totally nails his role in this movie. He is easily the most memorable character in the film. The dialogue in the movie and between these characters is clever and appropriate and especially funny. The banter between the various couples will keep you in stitches. If you have followed Jason Bateman's career you'll know that he is a master of line delivery and his banter with Rachel is a treat to watch.

Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein don't have a lot of big screen direction under their belts which makes the job they did on this one that much more impressive. I'm not playing when I tell you that this movie is a lot of fun, with twists and turns, and everybody wins (puns intended).

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