In John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s action comedy, Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star as Max and Annie, a couple devoted to playing—and winning—competitive games. They host a weekly game night with friends: married couple Kevin (Lamorne Morris) and Michelle (Kylie Bunbury), and goofy single guy (and would-be stud) Ryan (Billy Magnussen), who brings a new date each week. Max and Annie are also trying to get pregnant, but their efforts are hampered by Max’s stress, which is occasioned by the arrival of his older, cooler, fabulously successful brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler), who has always bested him and insists on taking over game night with a contest in which players will vie to solve a fake kidnapping. Naturally, things go awry as Brooks is snatched for real, and the players are forced into a search for a couple of nefarious international criminals. Many complications follow, not least the repeated intervention of a creepy neighbor cop (Jesse Plemons). Such an intricate caper needs to be constructed with consummate care in order to succeed, but the plot here is a ramshackle affair with many loose ends as it races towards a slam-bang finish. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include “An Unforgettable Evening” making-of featurette (4 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a gag reel (7 min.), and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for a mess of a film.] (F. Swietek)
Game Night
Warner, 100 min., R, DVD: $28.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $38.99, May 22 Volume 33, Issue 4
Game Night
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