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"Let
the 'Games' Begin"
by Scott Mantz
"Reindeer Games"
Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron
Directed by John Frankenheimer
There aren't
too many Hollywood directors who get a second chance at the big
time, but there is one who immediately comes to mind. At 70, John
Frankenheimer has managed to do the impossible. After solidifying
his "sure thing" status during the 60's and 70's with classic fare
like "The Manchurian Candidate", "The French Connection II", and
"Black Sunday", Frankenheimer sunk the lowest of lows with what
has to be one of the worst films of all time, the Marlon Brando-stinkfest
"The Island of Dr. Moreau". His credibility returned, thanks to
the award-winning cable miniseries "Andersonville" and the Robert
DeNiro feature film "Ronin" (how about that car chase, huh?). While
his latest robbery heist flick "Reindeer Games" doesn't match the
level of intelligent suspense that "Ronin" had to offer, it still
has enough going for it to signal that Frankenheimer is indeed here
to stay.
After serving
jail time for stealing cars, Rudy (Ben Affleck) has just two days
left to go until he is set free. His plans involve nothing more
than getting a cup of hot chocolate and some pecan pie before returning
home, but when his cell mate Nick (James Frain) is killed in a lunchroom
brawl, his plans change. Since Nick is not around to finally meet
his sexpot penpal Ashley (Charlize Theron), Rudy does what any hard-up
guy who's been around men too long would do--he assumes Nick's identity.
At first Rudy feels guilty, but after a quick romp with Ashley,
he's in heaven. When Ashley's psychopathic brother Gabriel (Gary
Sinise) shows up thinking Rudy is really Nick, he forces Rudy into
helping him rob the casino that Nick used to work at. Will Rudy
come clean about his true identity, or will he pull off the heist
in order to save his burgeoning relationship with Ashley?
One thing's
for sure--screenwriter Ehren Kruger sure loves a plot twist and
a good ending. His screenplay for "Arlington Road" contained what
had to be one of the best endings of 1999 (in third place behind
"The Sixth Sense" and "Fight Club"). He carried this approach over
into his next film, "Scream 3", with decent enough results, but
now with "Reindeer Games", the technique starts to wear a little
thin. While "Arlington Road" effortlessly pulled the rug right out
from under you, "Games" tries too hard to achieve the same effect.
The result leaves you feeling somewhat unsatisfied. Without giving
anything away, let's just say that the ending feels a little too
contrived to feel like a worthy enough payoff.
Flaws aside,
"Reindeer Games" still works as a wintertime popcorn flick and boasts
some fun performances. Playing an in-over-his-head anti-hero, Ben
Affleck utilizes his cool, cocky, and confident charm to full effect.
At times, he even resembles a young version of Steve McQueen from
"The Getaway". Charlize Theron is her usual sexy self, but then
again, she could play her role in a suit of armor and she'd still
be hot. Gary Sinise, who looks like he spent the last six months
at the gym, is obviously having some fun playing the psychopath.
It's too bad he and his goons are such a bunch of morons--their
casino heist becomes such a botched affair that it would have easily
fit right in as an episode of "America's Stupidest Criminals Caught
On Tape".
Between all
the Christmas references and Santa Claus outfits, it's obvious that
these "Games" came in a few months too late. That's OK. It probably
wouldn't have had a chance competing in such an overly crowded and
congested holiday marketplace. However, considering the dearth of
worthwhile films released during this time of the year, the timing
is perfect. There's little doubt that you'll be hanging around the
water cooler talking about this flick, but as far as a moviegoing
experience is concerned, this is one game that you'll want to sit
in on.
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