The Game

THE GAME (15)

D: David Fincher

Polygram/Propoganda (Steve Golin & Céan Chaffin)

USA 🇺🇸 1997

128 mins

Thriller

W: John Brancato & Michael Ferris

DP: Harris Savides

Ed: James Hayhood

Mus: Howard Shore

Michael Douglas (Nicholas Van Orton), Sean Penn (Conrad Van Orton), Deborah Kara Unger (Christine), James Rebhorn (Jim Feingold)

***SPOILER WARNING***

For me this was a massive disappointment, although many people who have watched it have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I can only, of course, review this from my own perspective and my reasons for not enjoying it includes a major spoiler, so if you've yet to watch it, it's best to not continue reading.

For the most part, David Fincher presents an intriguing thriller which sees Michael Douglas get dragged deeper and deeper into a conspiracy and lose complete control over his life, to the point of utter despair... then the twist comes and ruins everything, giving a giant finger to anyone who's immersed themselves in the plot so far. "Ha ha ha! The joke's on you... It was all a game! Happy Birthday old mucker... Was gonna get you a sweater, but thought this would be a much better gift!"

Considering the title of the film, it shouldn't really come as too much of a surprise, but it was delivered so unconvincingly that the film becomes nothing but a load of contrived nonsense!

5/10