El juego

Un excelente thriller de David Fincher con una adecuada dosis de paranoia. Pero el final, que es la clave de toda la historia, es algo contradictorio. Por un lado me sorprendió mucho, pero por otro me decepcionó un poco. (11.04.2002)

I certainly have a long-built fondness for the great Michael Douglas films of the 80s and 90s, and Fincher's The Game is one of the highlights of that great era. Who can resist suspense thrillers in which Michael practically never leaves the screen? He's partnered with Sean Penn and Deborah Kara Unger, the subject matter is period-appropriate in many ways and it's all very enjoyable. Such an indulgence is irresistible. (10.09.2022)

The excellently written character of Michael Douglas and an interesting topic are undeniable advantages, but the uneven pace and slightly disjointed sequence of scenes are clear shortcomings of this peculiar film. The fact is, though, that David Fincher avoids any thematic clichés and each of his films is original and different. Douglas is outstanding again, and this time he is aptly supported by Sean Penn. The plot is nicely unconventional and full of captivating scenes. The question is, how much are you willing to embrace Fincher's game. (11.05.2004)

I like Dave Fincher for his talent to "create" a great atmosphere and imprint a specific style on each film. Nevertheless, he has a problem with The Game, because this screenwriting mystification seems to me to be a disposable film. It’s not that I didn't enjoy watching the way the whole game with the viewer played out, and it’s not that Fincher didn't give the film his typical directing style. It's just that it’s missing that the vague, sparkling thing that, for example, Seven has. On the other hand, this is a pure and very straightforward thriller, so blaming it for the lack of depth is unfair. It’s good enough film material to entertain. (28.03.2006)

For me, it's David Fincher's weakest film, not so much because of the direction, where the director maintains his usual standard, but because of the overly contrived screenplay, where it's better not to think too much about many parts, otherwise the viewer will realize that it simply can't work. However, in terms of acting, it's an interestingly cast film and, above all, excellently acted - Michael Douglas and Sean Penn belong to the top tier of actors, and I have a soft spot for Deborah Kara Unger, who manages to imbue her female characters with an erotic charge. But the screenplay with plenty of seemingly effective twists really bothered me. Overall impression: 45%. (18.06.2006)