The Bateman Factor
The Change-Up, Identity Thief, and Office Christmas Party are three films that have one thing in common. It’s not that they range from being bland to downright awful. It’s the fact that they all star Jason Bateman.
Despite rising to prominence on television with the hilarious, Arrested Development, Bateman’s big screen comedies have left a lot to be desired. In each film he plays the same generic character quipping his way through one over the top, outrageous scenario to the next, constantly mugging it for the camera. When faced with a film titled Game Night, one fears that it will be business as usual for Mr Bateman.
As the film suggests, Game Night tells the story of three middle-aged couples that regularly engage in a game night at Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie’s (Rachel McAdam’s) home. When Max’s smarmy, successful brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) arrives in town, the group decide to have their weekly game night at his place where things are kicked up a notch. What starts as a simple staged murder mystery game involving Brooks’ supposed kidnapping, things soon appear to be more than they originally appear as their night descends into chaotic hijinks.
On the surface, Game Night appears to be a run of the mill comedy vehicle for Jason Bateman and for the most part it is, but the film has some elements that elevate it above that brand (but not too many).
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Comedic Surface, but Very little Depth
Directors, Johnn Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein (whose previous work include the National Lampoons reboot Vacation) take a basic premise and try to have some fun with it by implementing some great shots and camera techniques. One standout sequence involves the group tossing around a Faberge egg to each other in a mansion in a single take. Another surprisingly well-shot sequence is a car chase that not only stands out but excels the likes of Marvel’s most recent offering, Black Panther.
However, for all of these great stylistic touches, the pair fail to maintain a balance between comedy and thriller as the comedy (or lack of it) overwhelms the thriller aspects of the film. Even as a comedy the film still doesn’t work as jokes miss more than they hit (especially in opening twenty minutes which drags like a funeral march). A solid score by Cliff Martinez (synonymous with thrillers like Drive) tries to highlight the thriller aspects of the film, but it ultimately feels like it belongs in a different film due to the handling of the film’s tone.
With the comedy in general, writer Mark Perez should be commended for not relying on too much on vulgar toilet humour but it seems like he merely replaces these kinds of jokes with ones that over-rely on film references (most of which get old after a while). Beneath this though, the story is well planned out with just the right amount of twists and turns that holds the audience’s attention.
Same Shtick/Different Movie
In the leading role of Max, Bateman plays the role with his usual shtick of one-liners but it is not as irritating as previous efforts due to the relationship he has with his brother Brooks. With this air of familiarity, it makes the audience yearn for Bateman to branch out beyond this type of comedy in favor of serious fares such as the underrated Joel Edgerton film, The Gift or his recent hit television show Ozark.
Playing opposite him is Rachel McAdams as his competitive wife, Annie. McAdams gives a lively and energetic performance which does it’s best to propel the film forward after its incredibly slow start.
In the role of dim-witted friend Ryan, Billy Magnussen is the highlight of the film as he provides most of the laughs through his sheer ineptitude. Another highlight is Jesse Plemons as Max and Annie’s creepy neighbour, Gary. His off kilt, intimidating presence coupled with his obsession with his ex-wife add to an awkward element of humour that really works.
Married couple Michelle (Kylie Bunbury) and Kevin (Lamorne Morris) who are a staple of Max and Annie’s game nights are given little to nothing to do as they follow a one-note joke whose pay off doesn’t really work. However Irish writer/actress Sharon Horgan rounds off the cast on a positive note with a small but funny role as Ryan’s date, Sarah.
Verdict
Overall Game Night attempts to be a remake of the David Fincher film The Game in the mould of an Edgar Wright film but it fails in maintaining a balance between two distinct tones dragging most elements of the film to an almost sub-par level. Although the cast tries to do their best with the material given, the film just doesn’t live up the potential of its premise.
Written by Joseph Mc Elroy