GAME NIGHT

Why aren’t Jason Bateman & Rachel McAdams married in real life! Or at least have been in a movie together before now, they’ve got superb natural rhythm and chemistry together. Their shorthand feels like two characters on a long running hit TV series.

Another great pair are the co-directors of “Game Night” John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein who are also the writers of Spider-Man Homecoming and are in the process of developing The Flash with Ezra Miller for D.C. Movie Universe.

For Game Night john/jon serve up a perfectly paced 90 minute Comedy/Thriller/Mystery that keeps us all playing along.

Max (Bateman) and Annie (McAdams) are a happily competitive couple who host a regular game night with their friends. Max and Annie are also in the midst of trying to conceive a baby, but Max’s swimmers may not be hitting the target due to his inferiority complex about his brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) who happens back in town and hijacks the couples game night, which normally consists of your staples like Jenga, Pictionary, Trivia, instead he turns it into a murder mystery party with fake clues and fun mayhem or at least it starts out that way…

The other players Sara (Sharon Horgan) & Ryan (Billy Magnussen) are work friends, Ryan brings Sara along as a ringer, but could it be more than that? Kevin (Lamorne Morris) & Michelle (Kylie Bunbury) are a married couple who’ve been together since High School, so why does an “I Never” drinking game lead to an accidental disclosure Kevin knew nothing about? And the scene stealer Gary (Jesse Plemons) used to be a part of game night when he was married, but now the couples would rather not have his creepy, intense personality ruin their fun, despite the fact he’s hard to avoid living right next door.

I wouldn’t call GAME NIGHT a broad, laugh-out-loud comedy, it’s more like intense situations that are relieved by comedic moments. The twists and turns are well timed, but no genius reveal. However, if you’re wondering if you should take a chance an go see it. I’d say yes, Pass Go and head to the theaters.

Tinsel & Tine @large rating: 3.5 outta 5