The Game

Rating:
Summary: I was astounded and pleased with the plot and characters.
Review: Being long time fans of Sean and Douglas, this movie was a thrill to watch and showed real wit in getting me involved with the plot and characters. It focused on the self-destructing pressures of outside magnitude that not even a rich man can withstand, wrapped around a silly game that was well intended. Sean and Douglas masters at best! I loved it!

Rating:
Summary: The initiation of a millionaire
Review: Nicholas Van Orton (Douglas) thinks that he has everything - this is true only is we consider material possessions (a vast house, millions of dollars, an enviable reputation, etc.). What he is lacking is the access to the sacred and to his true Self. CRS is there to help, courtesy of his brother Conrad (Penn). But Van Orton will have to get rid of all that he previously stood for and accept to lose himself in the unknown. While some viewers have objected to the film's outrageous events and progression, this is precisely what draws me to it: its willingness to dispense with 'believable' developments makes Van Orton's quest all the more powerful. The movie could have been subtitled 'The initiation of a millionaire', because Van Orton undergoes numerous archetypal trials: he is stuck in a car underwater (in the belly of the monster); he is buried alive; his descensus ad infernos is such that he (literally) has to make a death-defying jump in a garbage dump; he has to find his way through mazes and use secret keys; most scenes take place in darkness. By the time he becomes a new man late in the movie, he has already died three or four times! Perceptive viewers will discover far more than a strandard thriller here, if they allow themselves to dig under the surface... a remarkable film.

Rating:
Summary: Deadly Entertainment
Review: The Game: rated R, 1 hour and 28 minutes

The incredible Douglas and Penn combo, along with the thrillingly unpredictable action sequences, are what make The Game such a great, 'edge of your seat' experience.
Nicholas Van Ortan (Michael Douglas) is a millionaire tycoon who resides in San Francisco. Soon it becomes obvious that Nick is not the perpetually contented man that the ideal millionaire is thought to be. He is in fact very dissatisfied and bored by life.
On his birthday, he meets with one of his only remaining relatives, Conrad Van Ortan (Sean Penn), at a fancy restaurant. Conrad, Nick's brother, convinces him to spice up his life by calling the latest new corporation, known as Consumer Recreation Services (CRS). Nick makes an appointment, in which an odd series of tests are conducted on him, taking up a total of 24 hours.
CRS takes Douglas on a wild thrill ride of implausible, yet fantastic events, as the movie will for you. The Game's lack of realism does not lower its status in any way, as Nick finds himself in deserted hospitals, talking to inanimate objects, driving off piers, jumping off buildings, and much more, with the frequent, brief, and mysterious appearances of Conrad. The Game is sheer fun and excitement as well as a must-see movie for all action/adventure lovers.

Rating:
Summary: Edge of your seat type movie!
Review: This is your typical Michael Douglas style movie. One that you cannot take a bathroom break, because the plot is constantly changing.Truly an "Edge of your seat movie". Five stars... without a doubt.

Rating:
Summary: A Movie You Can Only See Once
Review: David Fincher's 1997 suspense-thriller regarding an obsessive man's (Michael Douglas) efforts at escaping the threats of an out-of-control entertainment/service firm. The film's momentum is based entirely on mystery; the suspense building up with each of the main character's unexplainable predicaments which seem to have no rhyme or reason. Although the story is well crafted with plenty of mystery, this is the sort of film you can only see once because the mystery is completely resolved in the end and leaves no surprises.

Michael Douglas is a wealthy executive whose life is plagued by the vivid memories of his father's suicide. The tragedy has left him a control freak whose relations with his family and friends are strained at best. His brother (Sean Penn) invites him to play an undefined game offered by Consumer Recreation Services, a service firm. Michael Douglas' character soon finds himself entangled in a bizzare criminal scheme that he cannot fathom. How will he get out of this nightmare?

Again, this is a great suspense-thriller to watch only once. All of the dangling questions are resolved at the end of the film thereby removing any suspense upon the second viewing. A great movie to rent but it would be a waste of money to own it.

Rating:
Summary: Birthday that you'll never forget
Review: Can you imagen a movie with no victims and yet it's one of the best thrillers ever made?! When I heard that director is David Fincher who is responsible for hits such as Seven or Fight Club and that Michael Douglas has leading role, that was more than enough for me to buy it. And I didn't regret it: This film is one wild ride through every aspect of your mind. Just in the moment you think - It's all clear now, next one will leave you with your mouths open. Every scene is one big surprice for you and for main character Nicholas, who is cold rich businessman, who cutted all bonds between him and his family and friends just for power and more money. But his brother's present for his birthday will change everything. One moment, he's on the top of the world, next one he is down in rags, fearing for his life; confused and with no confidence in anyone. That is the price when you are in The Game. Michael prooved that he worths dozen Oscars and Sean Penn is also very good. If you like fast, confusing and surpricing thrillers, this is a movie for you. Note: Ending is unforgetable!!!