Game Night (2018) [4K UHD Review]

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Game Night is a movie that caught on with certain groups of people more than others. Those being childless white couples. That’s not to knock the new age Yuppies or their bewildering love of Cards Against Humanity. But, they certainly have a love of board games and similar stuff. It’s bordering on loner children in a TB ward back in the 1950s. But, at least they’re not Disney Adults.

It’s like The Game for people who really care about Taylor Swift

Game Night is a 2018 action-comedy film directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The film stars Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams as a competitive couple whose regular game night with friends takes a dangerous turn when they are unknowingly pulled into a real-life kidnapping. Blending comedy, action, and suspense, Game Night quickly became a favorite for fans of smart, fast-paced comedies.

Game Night follows Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams), a married couple who thrive on competition and regularly host game nights with their friends. The plot thickens when Max’s successful and charismatic brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler), proposes a more intense game night involving a staged kidnapping. However, things take a serious turn when Brooks is actually kidnapped by real criminals due to his shady dealings. Max, Annie, and their friends find themselves in a series of dangerous and hilarious situations as they try to rescue Brooks, all the while thinking it’s part of the game.

The ensemble cast includes Sharon Horgan, Billy Magnussen, Lamorne Morris, and Jesse Plemons, each bringing their own flair to the film. Plemons, in particular, stands out as the creepy yet oddly endearing neighbor, Gary, whose deadpan delivery and awkward demeanor add a unique element to the film’s comedy.

Why would Frito Lay do that?

Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams have excellent chemistry, driving much of the film’s humor and emotional beats. Bateman’s portrayal of the neurotic and competitive Max is well within his comfort zone, but it’s McAdams who shines as Annie, showcasing her rarely seen comedic chops. Their dynamic anchors the film, making the absurd situations they find themselves in all the more entertaining.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Kyle Chandler brings charm and a bit of menace to Brooks, while Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, and Kylie Bunbury contribute significantly to the film’s humor. Jesse Plemons, however, steals many scenes as the socially awkward and unsettling neighbor, Gary. His performance adds a layer of dark humor that complements the film’s tone.

Rachel McAdams is the best, but what about the technical merits?

Directors Daley and Goldstein, known for their work on Horrible Bosses, balance the comedic and action elements well, creating a film that is both entertaining and visually engaging. The film’s visual style, including a memorable “one-take” chase sequence, is complemented by Cliff Martinez’s score, which adds a distinctive energy to the film.

Let’s talk about that 4K disc

The recent 4K UHD release of Game Night has been lauded for its improved visual and audio quality. The 2160p high-definition transfer enhances the film’s visual style, with sharp details and impressive black levels, though some reviewers mentioned that the dark lighting in certain scenes doesn’t showcase as much brilliance in colors as one might expect from a 4K release. However, the upgrade is still noticeable compared to previous Blu-ray editions, making it the best way to experience the film visually.

The audio quality has also seen a significant improvement. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is particularly praised for its robust delivery, ensuring that dialogue, sound effects, and Martinez’s score all come through clearly and effectively. The bass levels add depth to the action scenes, making the viewing experience more immersive.

Despite these technical improvements, the 4K UHD release is somewhat lacking in special features. It includes only a short featurette and a gag reel, which might disappoint fans hoping for more in-depth behind-the-scenes content or commentary.

Final thoughts

Game Night is a fun little programmer. The kind of movies that used to have a home on premium cable during weekday afternoons. Now, it would either go straight to a streamer or be forgotten about entirely. What’s insane is that this film came out 6 years ago and that is how much the film world has changed. Still, I’d recommend it.

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What was good about Game Night?

Rachel McAdams and Jesse Plemons overperformed

What was bad?

Very generic

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