Review of The Game (1997) by Matroycem — 13 May 2013

Having read the book first I was hopeful for this movie. Michael Douglas seemed a good selection for the main role and I thought his performance was solid. The book unfortunately did not seem to cross over to the film enough. that is not to say that key bits were missed or the film was not true to the text. It was just that I did not feel that the film fleshed out the book enough. Some of the key moments where people are brought into the story seemed to be better paced in the book and a bit rushed in the film.

The plot of the book is an intriguiging one and it is kept whole by the film. Douglas plays a rich business man, very self obsessed and not really caring for anyone around him. His kind of unstable/wacky/do anything once brother gives him a random birthday present. A Game... I won't explain too much incase I spoil the film but its an interesting tale.

The film just did not add any real tension for me. I can't put my finger on why. I think it was maybe a character portrayal thing or the pacing of the film. In the book I genuinely felt for the character and the way the Game affected those involved. You may say knowing the plot may spoil it but sometimes knowing what is coming can Add tension and it just felt flat.

I would say its worth a watch but I would not say to seek it out.