“Game Night (2018)” Review

They didn’t have rubbing alcohol so I brought you this lovely chard.

Why did I watch it?

I liked the trailer.

Did it meet expectations?

I was expecting a black comedy, but compared to the likes of Three Billboards this is positively light. It’s sharp, though. A sharp screwball comedy – the kind of thing that, as @joenicholls observed, might have starred Steve Martin 30 years ago. The timing is crisp, the choreography impeccable.

It has some very funny set-pieces, most of which would be spoiled by the trailer if it weren’t for the fact that knowing the context and characters makes them even better. Bateman and McAdams are very likeable despite their competitiveness. There’s not a weak performance among the supporting characters. The plot twists repeatedly, yet (more or less) retains its internal logic, treading the line deftly between the nonsense that’s part of the storyline and the nonsense that is the storyline. It’s fast-moving, and doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Excellent fun.

You should watch it if…

  • Crisply made crazy comedy appeals to you

You shouldn’t watch it if…

  • You’re not keen on silly

Next up: I, Tonya (2018)

About Simon Wood

Lecturer in medical education, lapsed mathematician, Doctor Who fan and garden railway builder. See simonwood.info for more...

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