FUNNY GAMES REVIEW

I was disappointed with the last film I watched. However, I'm not entirely sure why.

The movie I watched was a psychological thriller featuring many "nana-nana-boo-boo-you-can't-touch-me," moments. I don't mean to be so vulgar but that was the first thought that came into my head and for two very specific reasons. The first is because one of the characters has the ability to break the forth wall, four times to be specific. Funny right. One of the villains in this film likes to repeatedly taunt the audience, begging anyone who's watching to yell at the screen. He asks the audience questions that have already risen in their own heads then knocks them down like an older sibling to a child. His sick sense of "funny," causes the blood to boil.

The second reason: We find out with twenty minutes left in the film that these villains have the ability to play God, reversing time and changing scenarios if they don't go according to their plan. What? If that's the case, what's the point in caring for the protagonists knowing they cannot possibly have any chance of survival? I was slightly disappointed in myself when the last person died because, at that point, I no longer cared.

Having said that there are indeed some very cool parts to this film.

The most positive thing about this movie is its originality. I have never seen anything quite like it. (Technically it's a remake but I say original because the person who made the first film, both writing and directing, did this version - American - as well). I don't care if you can point out another one that came before; no other movie is quite like this. Also, there were specific scenes that seemed to run for nearly eight or nine minutes - single frame - which is an eternity in film time. This was what really built up the suspense in the film. These were scenes that forced the audience to the edge of their seat with the overwhelming sense to scream, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, MOVE!"

This movie gets a three out of five stars. I haven't done a star rating before (I don't think) so I'm giving it a shot. The reason I haven't mentioned the title of this film is because, right after my viewing, I was trying to figure out a way to describe this movie to a friend without the cliche of, "oh, you just have to see it, I can't tell you anything." That description disappoints four out of five times. Unfortunately, I don't think any description works aside from that one. In my own writing I feel I've already said too much and I don't think anyone who reads this would pay money to see this film. So, Funny Games, three stars. Cheers!