Jason Bateman has seen a sustainable success rate throughout a television and movie career that has spanned four decades. Bateman’s youthful presence has been a constant throughout, although it’s been his sarcastic side that has been in the forefront in this last decade or so. It’s the rated R works such as Horrible Bosses (2011), Bad Words (2013) and Office Christmas Party (2016) that have allowed him to thrive in his natural element. Two of the writing minds behind arguably his most successful movie, Horrible Bosses, have teamed up again to co-direct Bateman in his attempt to laugh all the way to the bank. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein aim to show once again that crime can be funny in the new comedy, Game Night.
Annie (Rachel McAdams) and Max (Jason Bateman) hit if off instantly as soon as the pair discovered that they shared a common bond over good competition and, more importantly, WINNING. They are still married but still partake in the activities that brought them together, games. They get together with friends on a regular basis but things get complicated when Max’s older brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) returns to town and upsets the whole balance of their leisurely fun. Things escalate when fun and games turns into a kidnapping and mystery. Is this new wrinkle part of a much larger game or is this a case of wrong place, wrong time. Good luck guessing what’s what as this zany crime comedy plays itself out.
John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein came up with some hilarious scenarios when working with Jason Bateman in the past. Now with their hands firmly on the pulse of Game Night, they hope to repeat some of that “Horrible” magic. Bateman has good chemistry with his onscreen spouse, played by Rachel McAdams, and keeps up with the things that have allowed him to remain relevant for so many years. Kylie Bunbury and Lamorne Morris win, if there was a competition, for the best comedic couple. They were just hilarious in every scene they shared. Jesse Plemons, who plays the somewhat creepy next door neighbor, also elicits a few good laughs with his awkwardness. Overall, this is a very entertaining ensemble who helps make the most basic of ideas fun and enjoyable.
Game Night isn’t really an original idea, but it’s fun in its overall execution and the way it plays out. Jason Bateman is the cog that keeps everything going smoothly throughout. Sticking with the R rating and limiting the overall runtime (100 minutes), gives this comedy helpful nudge in all of the key areas. There’s nothing earth-shattering in what fans will experience but you should get a decent dosage of entertainment for your dollar. Let the games begin in theaters this weekend.
