SMALLS PLAYS THE GAME

This is going to be one of my shorter reviews, because I really don't want to spoil the incredibly fun experience to be had here.

In The Game we follow rich investment broker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas), who receives an invitation to a mysterious company called CRS (Consumer Recreation Services) from his brother Conrad (Sean Penn). Intrigued but skeptical, Nicholas takes his brother up on his offer and completes an application to partake in one of CRS' "games". Soon Nicholas is plunged head first into CRS' world, where they are in control and nothing is ever as it seems. Now, Nicholas must find a way to escape his game and save his now crumbling world.

Michael Douglas plays a real bastard of a character here. I honestly wasn't sure if I could root for his character. Part of the fun of the film is watching how CRS goes about screwing with Nicholas' world. It feels good to see him taken down a few pegs every now and then. The film asks a lot of Michale Douglas, and he pulls off his role here beautifully.

Deborah Kara Unger plays a waitress named Christine who Nicholas ropes into his game. She is another fantastic character in the film, and definitely leaves a lasting impression. The film has her do a difficult balancing act but she pulls it off with poise and ease. She is another beautiful addition to the cast here and she helps elevate the film a good degree.

Sean Penn plays Conrad Van Unger, brother to Nicholas. He's not in the film much, appearing in only three scenes but his character is what sets the game in motion and thus is crucial to the plot. Sean Penn is a great character actor and he proves that once again here as he makes his few scenes stand out.

David Fincher directs this twisty masterpiece, proving once again that he is one of the best directors out there today. I can honestly say that The Game is the only film to ever truly break me, it had me giggling madly by it's conclusion (I mean this as the best compliment possible). Only David Fincher folks.

The Game is a true tour de force cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing till it's insane ending. While the film may not make much real world sense by the end, damn is it still fun and engaging. Without a doubt in my mind, this is, in my personal opinion, the best twist film I have ever seen. Do yourself a favor, play the game and enjoy the madness.

5 STARS- BETTER THAN SEX