The Game, a 1997 thriller by David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn, is a masterlass of tension, paranoia and intrigue. Join me as we get ready to play The Game.
Agreed, my father was pissed at this movie he generally knows the ending well before the movie ends normally and this movie had him going back and forth all the way until the end.
So I kind of see your point with an added criticism. I really wanted to like this film. I just watched again because I generally align with critical drinker on film and I respect his opinion. I watched this film in the 90s and had issues but I figured maybe I was a bit young (I was 17) and needed to see it as an adult who has experienced a bit more of life. However, my experience of the film was the same. I agree that the bulk of the film is quite entertaining with its twisted and turns but ultimately the payoff is so implausible that it feels like the film was time wasted. I'd even go as far as to say the film seems stupid, even five minutes after watching. Maybe it is a film just 'for the ride' but I would find it very difficult to recommend it and I would never choose to watch it a third time. Love the drinker, but disagree with him (and you it seems 🙂) on this one
The film has a lot of twists and turns in it, and has you questioning whether the game is real or not right up to the end, but I don't really get what you mean by this statement. What expectations did you have going in that were subverted during the film?
The concept of the end of the movie was fine on paper-- that CRS was able to plan out the participant's final position and time to a high degree of accuracy-- but the "it's just a prank bro" tone of the ending clashed awkwardly with the rest of the movie's serious tone. I'm actually willing to believe this scenario could in fact play out in a way that appears life-threatening but really isn't due to carefully controlled movie magic. I'm even willing to concede that such a series of events could appear random and the result of free choice but really isn't due to the use of psychological tricks and hypnotism like Darren Brown might use. What's beyond belief for me is that the protagonist would be "cured", in a mentally stable, non-suicidal state at the end, be in good spirits as he was, not mad at all at his brother for faking his death and making him jump off the roof in despair, and also willing to pay a fortune to be pranked in such a disturbing way.
My other half has a knack of sussing out every plot ending to every movie we watch. In 10 years, this is the only movie she has drawn a complete blank and left her with her mouth open in the finale. She finished the film and immediately called her relatives to get them to watch it. This movie is so good. I just wish I could experience it for the first time again....
My ex does the same, I found it annoying. It's like a fear of being misled, or trying to get the upper hand and state a victorious "I knew it!" at the end.
Fun fact: To promote the movie, the studio built a website that messed with people like in The Game. You entered your email address and phone number into a form to receive updates and promotion materials. But then they sent you weird emails from fake companies and left bizarre messages on your answering machine. There were naturally a lot of people angered about this so the pulled it.
Yeah, that was a little TOO meta. I still remember a CSI episode that was clearly inspired by The Game and how the whole concept can fly off the rails fast!
The Game is an excellent film, and unfortunately not overly well known of late. Douglas really delivers in his film roles, and this is no exception. I remember watching this for the first time and being genuinely surprised by the twist at the end.
Me too this movie shocked the first time. You are thrown with an emotional roller coaster with the protagonist trough the movie . It is a once in a life time movie you can not recreate the first time you see it
It was quite well known when it was younger. Somehow younger folks seem to forget about it, because it was for more mature audiences and doesn't have a franchise behind it.
On more than one occasion I have answered, "I provide what's lacking." when asked in a job interview what I could bring to a company. Totally got that line from this film. 🙃
The scene with "White Rabit" gave me goosebumps. This is one of my favorite movies. The movie is an allegory for an acid trip. The piano score is beautiful as well
Probably my favorite Michael Douglas film (and that's saying something, as much as I love Romancing the Stone and Falling Down). He just does such a great job starting with an unlikeable character that you really like by the ending.
ThE scene on the golf course in Falling Down is one of my favourites of all time (not least because I'm very, very, very crap at it and have experienced & witnessed countless a-holes who take it FAAAAAAR to seriously!). Now, "what's wrong with THAT picture?".
I have loved this movie for years. I found it on Netflix a few months back and convinced my wife to watch it, and her initial general disinterest quickly reversed as she got sucked deeper and deeper into the story. Watching her reaction to the ending was a joy, and is second only to the Red Wedding in terms of her shock & surprise in such moments. I will always recommend this as a great flick.
The Game was the best non-horror thriller. So so we’ll done. I’m tired of all the thrown in Gore now days because the director can’t pull it off without that cheap shock and awe.
This is one of my favorite movies, and I never realized the Fight Club director made it. No wonder I love it. It's an underrated movie, and as he so often does, Michael Douglas turns in a great performance.
David Fincher is one of my favorites directors. A man who truly knows how to make movies, even if they're not the hyperintellectual artistic pieces the critics love so much. Hell, I even have a soft spot for Alien 3, I like the oppressing atmosphere of that movie.
Hunt down the ‘assembly cut’ of Alien3, it’s supposedly close to or actually is Fincher’s version. COMPLETELY different film, absolutely brilliant end to Ripley’s trilogy arc. Worth finding. 👍🏼
@@adynat0n Enjoy! I’m excited for you knowing how I felt when I found it. You’ll know it’s Fincher’s cut from the opening / title sequence which is much longer as Ripley is found, you see more of the exterior world. You’re in for a treat!
Too right! This is only one of three movies that had such an effect for me - where you leave the theater with a lingering "everything feels utterly different". Groundhog Day, the Matrix and the Game. The Thing kinda did it to me too in the 80s, but my uncle who took us to see it pulled the plug halfway through saying it wasn't good for me as a kid (I wanted to stay, but he was looking quite pale. I reckon he dogged it).
Master class is a great call for this movie. It's one of those films that you wish you could take a pill and forget so you can rewatch it again without knowing the outcome. But it is also one of those movies I can watch anytime it is on and join in at most any point.
I saw it when it came out, saw it again ten years ago, and will watch it again this weekend because I don't remember "the twist" other than that he's being played.
I watch this movie every year on my Birthday. It gives me good insight to where I've come from, and where I'm going as the years progress. It's not for everyone, but the Game is very engaging and thought provoking. It makes you question your reality and the reality of the characters in a grounded and competent way, that culminates in a gripping conclusion. The film is worth a watch if you enjoy a thrilling puzzle. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Basic Instinct actually really disappointed me which was a shame. I love anything Michael Douglas (Falling Down is one of my favourite movies ever) and I'd listened to the soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith before watching which I loved. Sharon Stone is always great so me and my mate gave it a watch. I remember us really enjoying about the first 3rd but then it just went on for so long and was really contrived and messy. Didn't enjoy it overall and that was a shame. Maybe a good B movie to watch on a Saturday without much else to do?
I had to look it up. I thought for sure The Game came before Seven. But nope. Turns out he didn't a ton of music videos long before he moved onto films. Being a Madonna fan in the 90s he directed a number of her videos from that era. Who knew.....probably everyone but me.
Damn right!! Michael Douglas made two stellar films at around this time (97'-'98) that I believe were really his best over his long career of a fine actor. And yes, that includes Wall Street and Basic Instinct. Both this movie and A Perfect Murder took risks, as the latter was seemingly a horrible idea in remaking prime Hitchcock, but he pulled it off. If only we had more A-list celebs taking this kind of risk and making films of this nature along with true action movies, like Black Rain.
I remember seeing The Game in the theater and loving it. Seen it several times since and still love it. Great movie that is unfortunately largely forgotten.
Delighted to see this listed. I watched it for the first time in about 20 years and it still holds up really well. What's nice is that while modern, it was from a time before the technological advancements we have today such as far more internet and smart phones.
Oh Drinker, you continue to recommend films I love, and save me from watching absolute shite. You also explain why I didn't like certain films but couldn't understand why. I thank you, Sir.
His extra shots playlist is a combination of movies that I've seen and said "yeah, this one is amazing" and ones that I watch on his recommendation and say, he's right, that was amazing"
I remember seeing this when I was young. It made such an impression on me that I still think about it sometimes today. Thanks for recommending it Drinker, you have reminded me to give it another viewing.
So glad Drinker covered this film. IMO Fincher's best & among my all time faves. Talk about yer twists & turns culminating into one of the best endings in movie history.
An absolutely brilliant movie. Suspense thrillers are difficult to pull off well, but The Game does it perfectly. Even Sean Penn doesn't annoy me, but he does play the 'annoying younger brother' well. Another thriller I remember fondly is "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" (1967) a.k.a. Deadly Roulette. Maybe I remember it as better than it was, but I did enjoy it that one summer's day in 1975 (or 6, or 7...) when the cricket was rained out and it was broadcast instead.
The only issue I have with this film is I haven't been able to decide if this is my favorite Michael Douglas movie or if it's Falling Down. This film is nothing short of a master class on the psychological thriller genre.
@@nhmooytis7058 I don't think i've ever seen that one, seems it came out right before I was old enough to really start watching movies. I will check it out. This thread has had an unanticipated effect on me. I don't know that I was actually consciously aware of what a good actor he was until reflecting on his films i've seen after watching this video. It's always an adventure becoming aware of an opinion you've made unconsciously
I'd give the slight edge to Falling Down, if only for the sadly haunting line "I'm the bad guy? How did that happen? I did everything they told me to do."
Yep, I remember seeing this in theaters what an absolute blast it was. Sure when you get the final reveal it can feel like a bit of a ridiculous moment but the lead up is absolutely fantastic definitely a less about the destination more about the journey kind of movie. Excellent performances, excellent tension and just an extremely enjoyable movie all around. I totally forgotten this is David Fincher and it makes sense considering both se7en and fight club easily overshadowed it but it's still really worth a watch.
I LOVE the ending! I won't spoil it, but it is one of the best twists I've ever seen and it's virtually impossible to guess, yet doesn't feel the least bit contrived or random.
I both remember and don't remember this movie, think I've seen it like 20 years ago and already forgot, thanks for reminding me to watch this movie again
I recomend this movie anytime asks me for something dark and different from what they normally watch. Its a fantastic movie and leaves a mark on you after you watch it.
Very underrated movie and great choice for drinkers extra shots. Please an extra shot on Ronin. Probably the best best car chase scenes in cinema history. All done by actual cars and stunt drivers. A LOT OF THEM!!
Another superb film from one of my favourite director's.I've lost count how many times I've watched Se7en.Imagine David Fincher directing a Star Wars or James Bond film
@@URMyNewTV Star Wars going a bit darker in tone I think could be great for the franchise.I thought Rogue One was a great film and they should do more like it
@@garrywilliams8730 Dark or not, if the director actually respects the franchise it would be enough for me to have a new hope. If it's full of "disney politics" again I would rather rewatch the Episode IV.1 fanfic The Force Awakens and have fun with youtubers ripping it apart. At least we have that, no matter what. :)
The first time I saw this movie I was hooked. But it's a movie you have to forget to rewatch it. However sometimes all you need is once. This was lightning in a bottle. Brilliant acting directing and writting. Of the thousands of thrillers I've watched over the years this stands out among the best. Penn and Douglas were great on screen together. Thoroughly recommend this movie to anyone who has not had the opportunity to see it yet
This is one of my most recommended movies to others. Michael Douglas' acting is excellent, and I'll admit I might have developed a bit of a crush on Deborah Kara Unger after seeing this. I even like Sean Penn in this movie, and I HATE Sean Penn. Amazing flick, and one of the best endings I've ever seen.
@@geranball9678 He's a bit of a sanctimonious twat, and an out-of-touch celeb who thinks he's far more important than he is. I can't stand entertainers like him who like to lecture the public on politics and social issues from the front steps of their mansions.
@@_spacegoat_ so true about Penn. He was one of the early adopters of "THE MESSAGE." I almost (literally) ran into him at my work about 9 years ago and had to do an immediate about face for fears of what expletives I wanted to say to him at the time.
@@_spacegoat_ mansions? what does a house, bricks and cement have to really do with anything? Is he not allowed to share his opinions bcos he's got a nice pad?
Fan of Fincher, but it wasn’t until COVID when I finally sat down and watched The Game. Needless to say, it did not disappoint. A must watch for Fincher fans and those seeking out an above average thriller. An example of how to correctly subvert expectations…are you listening Rian Johnson???
I watched this in a tiny little art house theater when it first came out. My girlfriend and I were the only ones in a theater that usually seated fifty people. It was the last show of the night and when it was done, we walked through an almost completely empty lobby to the the street. Really messed with my head. One of my favorite films of all time.
One of those rare films you wish you could unsee, so you could watch it over and over again and always get that sense of totally-had-the-rug-pulled-from-under-you-surprise.
Holy poop on a stick, The Drinker heartily recommends The Game? Wonderful! More and more, I've found that I can trust his tastes to generally align with mine, in that I won't strongly deviate from enjoying or disliking a film that he enjoys/dislikes, but this has to be the clincher! Ever since I first watched The Game, simply because it sounded intriguing, and then found out that it was overlooked, I've liked to pitch it to others. I totally don't get why this isn't a cult classic at the very least, but at least I know The Drinker is on the case as usual. Cheers, mate!
"When men on the chessboard..." This movie is easily one of the best ever made. And I agree with Drinker--the movie had me me guessing every step of the way, and up until the big reveal, I waffled back and forth as to the true nature of The Game. And when it was all finally exposed, I did not for one second feel like they insulted my intelligence to get there.
I saw 5 minutes of this movie on late night TV. I was so blown away with the little bit that I watched that I knew I had to go out and buy it. Michael Douglas is one of my favourite actors and I like him in just about everything I see him in. I had seen a few Sean Penn movies, but this one really made me take notice of how good an actor he is. The rest of the cast is brilliant as well. It hooked me from minute one and I couldn't take my eyes off it. The Game is a fantastic movie.
This was an awesome film, I think it was David Finchers 3rd movie he directed, came out in between Seven and Fight Club. I have no idea how it flew so far under the radar.
This movie is one of my all-time favorites. My parents introduced me to it years & years ago, and I’ve been intrigued by it ever since. 👏🏼👏🏼💯 Big Ups Finch
This is a great movie that did very well in hyping the suspense when it came out. I think it must have been quite successful financially. But the reason it never stuck in the collective mind where Fight Club did is that the philosophical/life ethos themes weren’t at the forefront of this movie and you could even argue there was only a trace of them in the story anyway. The end reveal is also not that shocking or mind blowing that it sticks with you like the end of Seven.
No friggin' joke: I was literally watching this movie on my laptop this morning, and when it was finished and I shut my laptop down I reached over and checked my phone and immediately saw the notification for this video. Talk about a crazy coincidence! :D
Unfortunately, they just don't make movies like this anymore. Honestly I really need David Fincher to come back to film. The last great one like this was Gone Girl in 2014.
This is such a great movie. I didn’t know much about it when it came out but one night after work a friend dropped by with this on DVD from Blockbuster to show me. He watched it the night before and wanted to share. I am glad he did. Everyone I have suggested this movie to has loved it. Great video.
Loooooved this movie saw it on a small got midnight showing back upon release and I was edge of my seat the while time! Douglas smashes it almost every time!
That would be the 1 ding I have with this movie, The first time you watch it blew my mind, but after that you know what is happening and it doesn't have that same feeling. I will say I love watching people's reaction when they see it for the first time.
Honestly, I love David Fincher, but The Game is the one film of his that I really don't like. The premise is ridiculous and the ending was so farfetched, requiring you to ignore so much of reality that it came off as something the studio forced into the film. Twist endings were all the rage in the 90s (The Crying Game, Usual Suspects, Primal Fear), so it's not unlikely this was the case. It could have been an iconic film but ended up resembling a slew of other thriller mystery films churned out in the 90s, and it's mainly been forgotten because of it.
Damn, saw this one in the cinema, back in the 90's. It was one of the best movies I had seen back then. And I didn't know all those movies had the same director.
Saw this advertised on Netflix or Prime...something like that. Always love a bit of Michael Douglas. Going to give it a watch if the Drinker recommends.
Easily one of my favourite films. Not only was the concept great but the way the main character changes over the course of the film - starts out sleazy and uncaring but then gains some empathy and kindness as things build, starts to see how he's been to others in his life. Michael Douglas was superb.
One of my favourite movies - I actually caught this on TV in the late 90s when I was a teen, but I got called away to do something else and never got to finish it until deep into my adulthood. Totally worth it!
The Game was one of the first movies that kept me guessing until the end. I remember the ending was mind blowing at the time. Well acted, well casted, well written and well directed! If you haven't seen it yet, go watch it you won't be disappointed.
This is one movie I wish I could have the ending erased from my mind, so I could watch it again and be blown away. Brilliant movie, thanks for reviewing it Drinker.
One of my all-time top favourite movies, and one of the few that I actually bought in store in a physical form (VHS) back in the day. Nice to see the drinker recognizing it after all this time :)
I saw this movie when it came out. As many movies as I watch this was one of the few I simply could not figure out what was happening. The end blew me away. It still blows me away that this movie doesn't come up more often in conversations of great thrillers. Good call Drinker.
2 weeks past and not a single dislike, bravo, keep it up. Love how You narrate the whole thing and not spoiling the finale of 1997 cult classic psychological mystery thriller.
Masterclass of "subverting your expectations" done right. Great movie, great actors.
Agreed, my father was pissed at this movie he generally knows the ending well before the movie ends normally and this movie had him going back and forth all the way until the end.
@@christesterman 😂😉 nice!
So I kind of see your point with an added criticism. I really wanted to like this film. I just watched again because I generally align with critical drinker on film and I respect his opinion. I watched this film in the 90s and had issues but I figured maybe I was a bit young (I was 17) and needed to see it as an adult who has experienced a bit more of life. However, my experience of the film was the same. I agree that the bulk of the film is quite entertaining with its twisted and turns but ultimately the payoff is so implausible that it feels like the film was time wasted. I'd even go as far as to say the film seems stupid, even five minutes after watching. Maybe it is a film just 'for the ride' but I would find it very difficult to recommend it and I would never choose to watch it a third time. Love the drinker, but disagree with him (and you it seems 🙂) on this one
@@chrisbirch4150 no problem 😂😂
The film has a lot of twists and turns in it, and has you questioning whether the game is real or not right up to the end, but I don't really get what you mean by this statement. What expectations did you have going in that were subverted during the film?
The ending of The Game for me was one of the most satisfying finishes I’ve ever seen in cinema. A rare type of ending too
Far out, I thought the complete opposite.
@ecurb10 Yeah, it was a big let down. Even Fincher didn't like the way it turned out.
The concept of the end of the movie was fine on paper-- that CRS was able to plan out the participant's final position and time to a high degree of accuracy-- but the "it's just a prank bro" tone of the ending clashed awkwardly with the rest of the movie's serious tone. I'm actually willing to believe this scenario could in fact play out in a way that appears life-threatening but really isn't due to carefully controlled movie magic. I'm even willing to concede that such a series of events could appear random and the result of free choice but really isn't due to the use of psychological tricks and hypnotism like Darren Brown might use. What's beyond belief for me is that the protagonist would be "cured", in a mentally stable, non-suicidal state at the end, be in good spirits as he was, not mad at all at his brother for faking his death and making him jump off the roof in despair, and also willing to pay a fortune to be pranked in such a disturbing way.
@@DavidMcCoul Fair call, that’s probably how others who are critics of it analyse it too, or at least one way they could.
My other half has a knack of sussing out every plot ending to every movie we watch. In 10 years, this is the only movie she has drawn a complete blank and left her with her mouth open in the finale. She finished the film and immediately called her relatives to get them to watch it.
This movie is so good. I just wish I could experience it for the first time again....
The new Batman movie will probably do the same thing in keeping her guessing.
My ex does the same, I found it annoying. It's like a fear of being misled, or trying to get the upper hand and state a victorious "I knew it!" at the end.
Fun fact: To promote the movie, the studio built a website that messed with people like in The Game. You entered your email address and phone number into a form to receive updates and promotion materials. But then they sent you weird emails from fake companies and left bizarre messages on your answering machine. There were naturally a lot of people angered about this so the pulled it.
Yeah, that was a little TOO meta. I still remember a CSI episode that was clearly inspired by The Game and how the whole concept can fly off the rails fast!
We need this now because people do it for real.
SO The Game's idea of viral marketing is spam email and phone calls?
@@louisduarte8763 lmfao, I was just thinking about this..
...and that's how we got spam!
The Game is an excellent film, and unfortunately not overly well known of late. Douglas really delivers in his film roles, and this is no exception.
I remember watching this for the first time and being genuinely surprised by the twist at the end.
Me too this movie shocked the first time. You are thrown with an emotional roller coaster with the protagonist trough the movie . It is a once in a life time movie you can not recreate the first time you see it
Just when you think its over...Bango
one thing that has stayed with me is the chainsaw at the end...soooo intense
Thats how you SUBVERT EXPECTATIONS. Take a note "Hollywood"
@@myth86715 don't you mean the duck duck..chuck chuck seen. Ohh yeah. Scary shit.
I class this as the most underrated film I’ve ever seen. It’s a classic.
It was quite well known when it was younger. Somehow younger folks seem to forget about it, because it was for more mature audiences and doesn't have a franchise behind it.
@@miskatonic6210 truth is Douglas had a run when he could do no wrong wall st,game,the fall.
@@miskatonic6210 Honestly I think the genetic movie title doesn’t help.
Watched this about a million times. Was obsessed with it as a 10 year old!
Whoa. Are you ok? If I watched this at ten I probably would need (more) therapy right now!
Watched it as a kid, too. (With my parents.) And even as a kid you could appreciate how good it is. Watched it again a few years ago.
Yeah I watched this too at the same age. It is fucking awesome movie.
Same here. Always loved it too! (But I think I was 12 at least)
Ok, so I thought about it and I was actually 12 in 1997, so I must've been 12-13 when I saw this! So I wasn't quite as young as I said lol
On more than one occasion I have answered, "I provide what's lacking." when asked in a job interview what I could bring to a company. Totally got that line from this film. 🙃
How often has it worked?
@@wjzav1971 Ummmmm, I'm not at liberty to say. *looks away*
Did you bring some Chinese food into the interview too? Lol
That's a really good answer for an interview question that has no answer.
Since you had several interviews, they didnt go that well? Or did you accidentally misquote it and say "Im the one thats slacking?"
The scene with "White Rabit" gave me goosebumps. This is one of my favorite movies. The movie is an allegory for an acid trip. The piano score is beautiful as well
Probably my favorite Michael Douglas film (and that's saying something, as much as I love Romancing the Stone and Falling Down). He just does such a great job starting with an unlikeable character that you really like by the ending.
Not a fan of Jewel of The Nile? I joke! Haha!
Hmmm a toss up between those two indeed. For me, add in Black Rain and you have quite the conundrum.
@@bobcharlotte8724 I just absolutely love Falling Down. But 2nd for me is this. Never gets enough credit.
ThE scene on the golf course in Falling Down is one of my favourites of all time (not least because I'm very, very, very crap at it and have experienced & witnessed countless a-holes who take it FAAAAAAR to seriously!). Now, "what's wrong with THAT picture?".
Romancing the Stone and Falling Down? Excellent choices.
I have loved this movie for years. I found it on Netflix a few months back and convinced my wife to watch it, and her initial general disinterest quickly reversed as she got sucked deeper and deeper into the story. Watching her reaction to the ending was a joy, and is second only to the Red Wedding in terms of her shock & surprise in such moments.
I will always recommend this as a great flick.
The Game was the best non-horror thriller. So so we’ll done. I’m tired of all the thrown in Gore now days because the director can’t pull it off without that cheap shock and awe.
This is one of my favorite movies, and I never realized the Fight Club director made it. No wonder I love it. It's an underrated movie, and as he so often does, Michael Douglas turns in a great performance.
Also the writer of "Seven".. great team . They need to do another movie together
@@mcgilj1
It is not as good as Seven and not the best film of 1997 but it was still a well crafted movie that makes modern movies look amatuer.
David Fincher is one of my favorites directors. A man who truly knows how to make movies, even if they're not the hyperintellectual artistic pieces the critics love so much. Hell, I even have a soft spot for Alien 3, I like the oppressing atmosphere of that movie.
Hunt down the ‘assembly cut’ of Alien3, it’s supposedly close to or actually is Fincher’s version. COMPLETELY different film, absolutely brilliant end to Ripley’s trilogy arc. Worth finding. 👍🏼
@@tashvadj4914 Wow, that looks amazing. Time to sail the high seas again. Thank you.
@@adynat0n Enjoy! I’m excited for you knowing how I felt when I found it. You’ll know it’s Fincher’s cut from the opening / title sequence which is much longer as Ripley is found, you see more of the exterior world. You’re in for a treat!
You give critics too much credit. 🙂
I remember when I watched this movie that I left the theater feeling seriously paranoid, just goes to show how good this movie really is.
Too right! This is only one of three movies that had such an effect for me - where you leave the theater with a lingering "everything feels utterly different". Groundhog Day, the Matrix and the Game. The Thing kinda did it to me too in the 80s, but my uncle who took us to see it pulled the plug halfway through saying it wasn't good for me as a kid (I wanted to stay, but he was looking quite pale. I reckon he dogged it).
@@alaricgoldkuhl155 I take it you haven't watched They Live! in the theater then?
@@alaricgoldkuhl155 It had 'The Usual Suspects' level of oh shit factor.
Honestly, this is one of the most heartwarming "saving a loved one from suicide," stories ever...
Spot on!!
Whenever I discuss best movies with someone I bring this up and they’ve invariably never heard of it. Criminally underrated film
Glad someone finally covered this one. A genuinely great psychological thriller that's really overlooked. Nice one drinker. 👍
Yup. I thought it damn clever.
Master class is a great call for this movie. It's one of those films that you wish you could take a pill and forget so you can rewatch it again without knowing the outcome. But it is also one of those movies I can watch anytime it is on and join in at most any point.
I saw it when it came out, saw it again ten years ago, and will watch it again this weekend because I don't remember "the twist" other than that he's being played.
I watch this movie every year on my Birthday. It gives me good insight to where I've come from, and where I'm going as the years progress. It's not for everyone, but the Game is very engaging and thought provoking. It makes you question your reality and the reality of the characters in a grounded and competent way, that culminates in a gripping conclusion. The film is worth a watch if you enjoy a thrilling puzzle. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Recently rewatched The Game. Great movie, but truthfully I can’t think of a bad Michael Douglas movie I’ve seen.
he’s brilliant. have you seen kominsky method? you can see so clearly there all his gifts.
@@sayresrudy2644 Netflix is for chomos
i went to IMDB to prove you wrong, and your correct, i must say "i liked everything he's done"
Basic Instinct actually really disappointed me which was a shame. I love anything Michael Douglas (Falling Down is one of my favourite movies ever) and I'd listened to the soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith before watching which I loved. Sharon Stone is always great so me and my mate gave it a watch. I remember us really enjoying about the first 3rd but then it just went on for so long and was really contrived and messy. Didn't enjoy it overall and that was a shame. Maybe a good B movie to watch on a Saturday without much else to do?
@@user-nv2wt4hi8t Let's be honest, good or bad, no one is watching Basic Instinct for the acting.
One of my favourite movies ever. Coming after the director's success with Seven, no one could expect a masterpiece like this.
I had to look it up. I thought for sure The Game came before Seven. But nope. Turns out he didn't a ton of music videos long before he moved onto films. Being a Madonna fan in the 90s he directed a number of her videos from that era. Who knew.....probably everyone but me.
Damn right!! Michael Douglas made two stellar films at around this time (97'-'98) that I believe were really his best over his long career of a fine actor. And yes, that includes Wall Street and Basic Instinct. Both this movie and A Perfect Murder took risks, as the latter was seemingly a horrible idea in remaking prime Hitchcock, but he pulled it off. If only we had more A-list celebs taking this kind of risk and making films of this nature along with true action movies, like Black Rain.
I remember seeing The Game in the theater and loving it. Seen it several times since and still love it. Great movie that is unfortunately largely forgotten.
Delighted to see this listed. I watched it for the first time in about 20 years and it still holds up really well. What's nice is that while modern, it was from a time before the technological advancements we have today such as far more internet and smart phones.
Oh Drinker, you continue to recommend films I love, and save me from watching absolute shite. You also explain why I didn't like certain films but couldn't understand why. I thank you, Sir.
His extra shots playlist is a combination of movies that I've seen and said "yeah, this one is amazing" and ones that I watch on his recommendation and say, he's right, that was amazing"
I remember seeing this when I was young. It made such an impression on me that I still think about it sometimes today. Thanks for recommending it Drinker, you have reminded me to give it another viewing.
So glad Drinker covered this film. IMO Fincher's best & among my all time faves. Talk about yer twists & turns culminating into one of the best endings in movie history.
Agreed, great movie, and you are right to not spoil the ending, definitely wasn't expecting it.
Because it makes no sense and is absolutely absurd.
I think it makes sense, but that's just my opinion.
An absolutely brilliant movie. Suspense thrillers are difficult to pull off well, but The Game does it perfectly. Even Sean Penn doesn't annoy me, but he does play the 'annoying younger brother' well.
Another thriller I remember fondly is "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" (1967) a.k.a. Deadly Roulette. Maybe I remember it as better than it was, but I did enjoy it that one summer's day in 1975 (or 6, or 7...) when the cricket was rained out and it was broadcast instead.
I love this movie. I was really young when I saw it, so it blew my mind. Great flick.
The only issue I have with this film is I haven't been able to decide if this is my favorite Michael Douglas movie or if it's Falling Down. This film is nothing short of a master class on the psychological thriller genre.
They work really well as companion pieces. They'd make an excellent double bill
Falling Down is a masterpiece.
Both are great but my personal fave is probably Black Rain!
@@nhmooytis7058 I don't think i've ever seen that one, seems it came out right before I was old enough to really start watching movies. I will check it out. This thread has had an unanticipated effect on me. I don't know that I was actually consciously aware of what a good actor he was until reflecting on his films i've seen after watching this video. It's always an adventure becoming aware of an opinion you've made unconsciously
I'd give the slight edge to Falling Down, if only for the sadly haunting line "I'm the bad guy? How did that happen? I did everything they told me to do."
Yep, I remember seeing this in theaters what an absolute blast it was.
Sure when you get the final reveal it can feel like a bit of a ridiculous moment but the lead up is absolutely fantastic definitely a less about the destination more about the journey kind of movie. Excellent performances, excellent tension and just an extremely enjoyable movie all around. I totally forgotten this is David Fincher and it makes sense considering both se7en and fight club easily overshadowed it but it's still really worth a watch.
I LOVE the ending! I won't spoil it, but it is one of the best twists I've ever seen and it's virtually impossible to guess, yet doesn't feel the least bit contrived or random.
The ending makes the movie for me, while the absolute mind bending journey there is so great. it’s one of my favorite movies of all time.
Really though? Not a bit cliched?
This was a spectacular movie, I watched it in theatres way back when. Now that the drinker reminded me of it Imma watch it again.
Same, saw it in theatres and am going to re-watch it now. I re-watched it about 12-13 years ago so will be good to see it now
I would've LOVED to have seen this in the theater the first time!
I both remember and don't remember this movie, think I've seen it like 20 years ago and already forgot, thanks for reminding me to watch this movie again
I recomend this movie anytime asks me for something dark and different from what they normally watch. Its a fantastic movie and leaves a mark on you after you watch it.
One of my favorites. Excellent movie.. great ending!
Michael Douglas was perfect choice for this movie.
I can confirm the Game is an excellent movie that should have had more attention than it got.....another great review from the Drinker!, 👍
Very underrated movie and great choice for drinkers extra shots. Please an extra shot on Ronin. Probably the best best car chase scenes in cinema history. All done by actual cars and stunt drivers. A LOT OF THEM!!
Another superb film from one of my favourite director's.I've lost count how many times I've watched Se7en.Imagine David Fincher directing a Star Wars or James Bond film
Would love to see that. After watching Se7en i always wanted to see a Batman film made by him. The Batman just granted my wish.
The director of Se7en brings us Star Wars: Episode VII? Nice.
@@URMyNewTV
Superb!!!
@@URMyNewTV Star Wars going a bit darker in tone I think could be great for the franchise.I thought Rogue One was a great film and they should do more like it
@@garrywilliams8730 Dark or not, if the director actually respects the franchise it would be enough for me to have a new hope. If it's full of "disney politics" again I would rather rewatch the Episode IV.1 fanfic The Force Awakens and have fun with youtubers ripping it apart. At least we have that, no matter what. :)
The first time I saw this movie I was hooked. But it's a movie you have to forget to rewatch it. However sometimes all you need is once. This was lightning in a bottle. Brilliant acting directing and writting. Of the thousands of thrillers I've watched over the years this stands out among the best. Penn and Douglas were great on screen together. Thoroughly recommend this movie to anyone who has not had the opportunity to see it yet
This is one of my most recommended movies to others. Michael Douglas' acting is excellent, and I'll admit I might have developed a bit of a crush on Deborah Kara Unger after seeing this. I even like Sean Penn in this movie, and I HATE Sean Penn. Amazing flick, and one of the best endings I've ever seen.
I would have gladly traveled to follow her to her next assignment.
Can't say i even know who Sean Penn is haha why dyou hate him?
@@geranball9678 He's a bit of a sanctimonious twat, and an out-of-touch celeb who thinks he's far more important than he is. I can't stand entertainers like him who like to lecture the public on politics and social issues from the front steps of their mansions.
@@_spacegoat_ so true about Penn. He was one of the early adopters of "THE MESSAGE." I almost (literally) ran into him at my work about 9 years ago and had to do an immediate about face for fears of what expletives I wanted to say to him at the time.
@@_spacegoat_ mansions? what does a house, bricks and cement have to really do with anything? Is he not allowed to share his opinions bcos he's got a nice pad?
Such an underrated movie, one of my all time favourite thrillers ... People forget how good Micheal Douglas was....
Fan of Fincher, but it wasn’t until COVID when I finally sat down and watched The Game. Needless to say, it did not disappoint. A must watch for Fincher fans and those seeking out an above average thriller. An example of how to correctly subvert expectations…are you listening Rian Johnson???
My dad made me watch this movie when I was younger. Absolutely fantastic movie. Still holds up today
I watched this in a tiny little art house theater when it first came out.
My girlfriend and I were the only ones in a theater that usually seated fifty people.
It was the last show of the night and when it was done, we walked through an almost completely empty lobby to the the street. Really messed with my head. One of my favorite films of all time.
Dude it's one of the best experiences 🙌
One of those rare films you wish you could unsee, so you could watch it over and over again and always get that sense of totally-had-the-rug-pulled-from-under-you-surprise.
Holy poop on a stick, The Drinker heartily recommends The Game? Wonderful! More and more, I've found that I can trust his tastes to generally align with mine, in that I won't strongly deviate from enjoying or disliking a film that he enjoys/dislikes, but this has to be the clincher!
Ever since I first watched The Game, simply because it sounded intriguing, and then found out that it was overlooked, I've liked to pitch it to others. I totally don't get why this isn't a cult classic at the very least, but at least I know The Drinker is on the case as usual. Cheers, mate!
"poop on a stick" I though I was the only one who used that phrase; though i usually say, "runny poop on a stick".
"When men on the chessboard..."
This movie is easily one of the best ever made. And I agree with Drinker--the movie had me me guessing every step of the way, and up until the big reveal, I waffled back and forth as to the true nature of The Game. And when it was all finally exposed, I did not for one second feel like they insulted my intelligence to get there.
Easily one of the best films I've ever seen, and definitely one of the best of the modern age.
The Game is at the top of my list of movies I wish I could watch for the first time again.
absolutely love this movie! i remember walking out of the theater and just being stunned!
I saw 5 minutes of this movie on late night TV. I was so blown away with the little bit that I watched that I knew I had to go out and buy it. Michael Douglas is one of my favourite actors and I like him in just about everything I see him in. I had seen a few Sean Penn movies, but this one really made me take notice of how good an actor he is. The rest of the cast is brilliant as well. It hooked me from minute one and I couldn't take my eyes off it. The Game is a fantastic movie.
This was an awesome film, I think it was David Finchers 3rd movie he directed, came out in between Seven and Fight Club. I have no idea how it flew so far under the radar.
One of my all time favorite films. Really fun a cleverly written. Highly recommended!
I watched this one late night on Netflix. Wasn’t disappointed a really good thriller.
This movie is one of my all-time favorites.
My parents introduced me to it years & years ago, and I’ve been intrigued by it ever since.
👏🏼👏🏼💯 Big Ups Finch
This is a great movie that did very well in hyping the suspense when it came out. I think it must have been quite successful financially.
But the reason it never stuck in the collective mind where Fight Club did is that the philosophical/life ethos themes weren’t at the forefront of this movie and you could even argue there was only a trace of them in the story anyway.
The end reveal is also not that shocking or mind blowing that it sticks with you like the end of Seven.
No friggin' joke: I was literally watching this movie on my laptop this morning, and when it was finished and I shut my laptop down I reached over and checked my phone and immediately saw the notification for this video. Talk about a crazy coincidence! :D
Unfortunately, they just don't make movies like this anymore.
Honestly I really need David Fincher to come back to film.
The last great one like this was Gone Girl in 2014.
This is such a great movie. I didn’t know much about it when it came out but one night after work a friend dropped by with this on DVD from Blockbuster to show me. He watched it the night before and wanted to share. I am glad he did. Everyone I have suggested this movie to has loved it. Great video.
The Game reminds me of After Hours, when everything is going wrong despite the main character attempts to escape.
I wish I could see this movie for the first time again. It really kept me guessing right up until the end. It is a really good ride.
Great movie, great actors. Michael Douglas is excellent in everything he's in, and Sean Penn was still an actor and not a full blown lefty activist.
yeah helping after earthquakes and invasions is really radical left & a waste of time. bravo.
@@sayresrudy2644 you obviously know nothing about what Sean Penn preaches 🤦♂️🤷♂️
Lately Penn has had a couple of interesting opinions that go against the leftoid narrative.
I hate Sean Penn but the best acting I think I've ever seen is him in the movie "I am Sam"
@@charmingpeasant9834 one of his best friends is Jack Dorsey; don't worry he won't stray too far
Loooooved this movie saw it on a small got midnight showing back upon release and I was edge of my seat the while time! Douglas smashes it almost every time!
🤡
I seem to not get much after repeated watchings, but yes, this film was awesomely casted and well done. Definitely give it a watch
That would be the 1 ding I have with this movie, The first time you watch it blew my mind, but after that you know what is happening and it doesn't have that same feeling. I will say I love watching people's reaction when they see it for the first time.
The end of this movie is one of those times I can honestly say I never saw it coming.
Honestly, I love David Fincher, but The Game is the one film of his that I really don't like. The premise is ridiculous and the ending was so farfetched, requiring you to ignore so much of reality that it came off as something the studio forced into the film. Twist endings were all the rage in the 90s (The Crying Game, Usual Suspects, Primal Fear), so it's not unlikely this was the case.
It could have been an iconic film but ended up resembling a slew of other thriller mystery films churned out in the 90s, and it's mainly been forgotten because of it.
It's a good movie dude Cher up
Amazing movie, one of my favorites. I was hooked from beginning to end.
You just lost.
Damn, saw this one in the cinema, back in the 90's. It was one of the best movies I had seen back then. And I didn't know all those movies had the same director.
Saw this advertised on Netflix or Prime...something like that. Always love a bit of Michael Douglas. Going to give it a watch if the Drinker recommends.
Easily one of my favourite films. Not only was the concept great but the way the main character changes over the course of the film - starts out sleazy and uncaring but then gains some empathy and kindness as things build, starts to see how he's been to others in his life. Michael Douglas was superb.
One of my all-time favorites. I'm glad to see this get a thumbs up from The Drinker!
My neighbor who may as well have been my Uncle showed me this when i was about 10. Probably watched it with him a dozen times. What a fantastic movie
Forgot all about this movie. And now I shall watch it again. Thanks Drinker!
Truly an underrated movie and one of my favorites. Michael Douglas is fantastic. Hell, everyone is fantastic.
One of my favourite movies - I actually caught this on TV in the late 90s when I was a teen, but I got called away to do something else and never got to finish it until deep into my adulthood. Totally worth it!
This movie is in my top 5 of all time. Thank you for giving it the praise it deserves.
A great movie showing "subverting expectations" can be done right from start to end. Yeah, I miss those times.
The Game was one of the first movies that kept me guessing until the end. I remember the ending was mind blowing at the time. Well acted, well casted, well written and well directed! If you haven't seen it yet, go watch it you won't be disappointed.
I was a teenager when this came out and saw it twice back-to-back, so much fun to watch!
Absolutely one of my all time favorite films, I wish I could watch it for the first time again.
This is one movie I wish I could have the ending erased from my mind, so I could watch it again and be blown away. Brilliant movie, thanks for reviewing it Drinker.
I had the pleasure of seeing this wonderful film in the theater. Highly recommended viewing.
i love when they are talking about splitting the check for the service, it really makes it feel grounded in reality.
One of my all-time top favourite movies, and one of the few that I actually bought in store in a physical form (VHS) back in the day.
Nice to see the drinker recognizing it after all this time :)
This is one of those films I really wish I could unsee... because then I could watch it again for the first time.
I saw this movie when it came out. As many movies as I watch this was one of the few I simply could not figure out what was happening. The end blew me away. It still blows me away that this movie doesn't come up more often in conversations of great thrillers. Good call Drinker.
Thanks Drinker. Had forgotten about this gem of a film. Think I'll watch it again tonight.
Definitely an underrated gem, something I actually saw in theaters back in the day.
2 weeks past and not a single dislike, bravo, keep it up.
Love how You narrate the whole thing and not spoiling the finale of 1997 cult classic psychological mystery thriller.
Nobody talks about this movie. Thanks for this video, drinking man.
I absolutely love this movie. For sure a hidden classic that still stands up:
I had completely forgotten about this movie and seeing this brings it all back on how fantastic this movie was! Well Done, Drinker and Thank you!
Great movie. Great buildup. I miss movies like these.
Ive recommended this movie to people ever since my first time watching it - a masterpiece.
Absolutely gripping film and one of the best of the 1990's. Douglas is phenomenal.
I stumbled upon this on cable a few years ago, and boy did it hook me. An awesome, suspenseful film.