From the game pieces dropping in the opening titles, to the VERY unique ending credits, and everything in between Game Night is solid comedy. If you enjoyed ‘The Hangover’, then ‘Game Night’ is right up your alley. One thing that sticks out past the Ironman jokes, and anti Trump humor is the visual beauty in the movie. For a ‘Pineapple Express’-esque comedy, the visual style of the different neighborhoods, some of the car chases, and one particular scene involving an egg, are wildly innovative. Luckily those shots aren’t in the trailer, which leaves something to look forward to.
What IS in the trailers are most of the best jokes in the film. From time to time theres a small quip, or a lengthy joke that offers up some respite from the old jokes that got you into the theater to begin with. Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman are a believable couple, and work quite well, while Billy Magnussen’s character is just a baffoon that doesn’t seem like he would be friends with the rest of the group in real life. Lamorene Morris (Winston Bishop from the show ‘New Girl’) is essentially the exact same character as Winston, so you know what to expect in terms of humor.
But the stand out character is by far “Gary”, played by Jessie Plemons, a creepy cop who just wants to be invited to game night. Unfortunately only one character seems to be funny at a time, and with a cast this diverse it seems like they should be able to play off one another a bit better. There are a few surprise cameos that are used to good effect, and the themes of sibling rivalry create an unexpected depth.
With the random knowledge that some of the main characters have, their knowledge of trivia should have played a larger role in the film, and with the Hangover style jokes, the movie has very little re-watch value. Although the plot ranges from a little predictable to having too many twists, ’Game Night’ is a film you’ll enjoy, although it is a very funny film but after you see it once, there’s not too much reason to see it again for a while.