This Ain't Parker Bros.
Douglas Plays The Game Well

Initially, I had no desire to see The Game. The early theatrical previews were uninspired, and the fact that David Fincher had also directed Seven made me squeamish. (Truth be told, Seven is one of the disturbing films I have ever seen. Right up there with The Exorcist.) So, what made me change my mind? I'm a big Michael Douglas fan (ever since Wall Street), and I couldn't let the opportunity go by.

The Game is not as emotionally draining as Fincher's previous work. Nevertheless, it is a gripping story of paranoia and conspiracy which will have the audience questioning everything they see and hear for two hours.

Douglas plays Nicholas Van Orton, a business tycoon who grew up in a wealthy -- but uncaring -- family. In flashbacks we see that his father was cold and unloving. His father, for no discernable reason, committed suicide on his 48th birthday. Now, guess who's turning 48?

Despite his wealth and power, there is no love in Van Orton's life. When a pretty secretary wishes him a happy birthday, it is his assistant who thanks her. Van Orton's only comment, "I don't like her." What a sweet guy! When his brother, Conrad, calls from out of the blue, Van Orton consents to have lunch, although he is clearly not moved by the gesture. Conrad (played by Sean Penn) gives him his birthday present, an all-expense paid visit to Consumer Recreational Services, a company specializing in fulfilling fantasies for the ultra-rich.

Van Orton is intrigued by the offer and seeks out the company. Once the game begins, Van Orton is still unsure what he has gotten himself into. His trepidation turns into fear when the game starts to progress beyond the boundaries of recreation and become life-threatening. In a game with no rules, anything could happen.

There are, however, a couple of rules for the audience. First, don't ask yourself how CRS could pull this off. Just accept that it is possible (for the next couple of hours, at least). Second, don't think too hard about the fact that Van Orton is a type-A bastard. You may find yourself unable to sympathize for his character, in which case his dilemma becomes moot.

Although The Game is an interesting experience, with many great plot twists, it lacks something. Certainly, when discussing a film such as this, one may blame the director for not having vision. I don't think that is the case. Fincher dips this world in shadow, giving the audience plenty of dark corners to peer into. For me, the problem goes back to the actors.

First, Penn is not a great actor. I suppose he does an adequate job of playing a loser brother, but I think even his small part could have been enhanced by a better actor. Second, I sensed no terror in Douglas' performance. In fact, Van Orton seemed to be in control even when he was not. I would have preferred to see him teeter a little closer to the abyss. Perhaps in seeing Van Orton on the edge of his sanity, we could have been more involved ourselves.

MY RATING: 6 out of 10.

RATED: R
RUN TIME: 128 min.