Game Night

Right now you can watch Game Night in Australia on Netflix and Stan, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 6,351 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Jason Bateman is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Start it on Netflix whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Game Night is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Game Night from the crowd. Max and Annie's weekly game night gets kicked up a notch when Max's brother Brooks arranges a murder mystery party -- complete with fake thugs and federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it's all supposed to be part of the game. As the competitors set out to solve the case, they start to learn that neither the game nor Brooks are what they seem to be. Between them, Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It was released in 2018. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Game Night holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Game Night is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Jason Bateman sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.