Game Night

              If you're looking for some mindless escapist fun, then this new comedy is for you. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star as Max and and Annie, a competitive, game obsessed, couple who enjoy having their friends over for game night.

              When Brooks, Max's super successful older brother, played by Kyle Chandler, invites everyone to his house for a live mystery night game, a real kidnapping changes the rules and suddenly everyone is not sure what's real and what's part of the game. It's a fun premise that has plenty of potential and makes good on a great number of laughs and twists.

        Max's and Annie's friends are played by Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, and Kylie Bunbury. Jesse Plemons plays a strange next door neighbor and Danny Huston, Michael C. Hall, and Jeffrey Wright have small but important roles.

             Most of the best laughs come during the first half of the film.  The second half dissolves into a typical crime comedy "wrap it up with the bad guys" to get to the end plot but still throws a few curve balls. Mr. Bateman and Ms. McAdams have great chemistry between them and it's fun to see Kyle Chandler having a good time since he usually plays more serious parts.

               Besides lots of physical comedy,  the script is filled with great one-liners and puns. You can't lose with this game. And stay past the credits for a quick but key sequence.