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| Speed Racer | 8/10 |
| The Fall | 8/10 |
| Then She Found Me | 7/10 |
| Speed Racer | 8/10 |
Sundance Review: Funny Games
January 24, 2008
by Alex Billington
- US Release Date: March 14, 2008
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- MPAA: Rated R (for terror, violence and some language)
- Running Time: 107 minutes
- Directed by: Michael Haneke
- Funny Games on IMDb
8/10
Let's just get right into this. Funny Games is a remake of a 1997 film of the same name that's directed by the same filmmaker, Michael Haneke. The only change is that it's in English, not in German. I'm not going to be shy on my thoughts. People are going to HATE this movie, absolutely hate it (in fact, I think I even know one). There are more than a few reasons why, most of which I'm not going to mention for spoilers sake, but be warned. Funny Games twists your heart and screws with your emotions, and that's not even all that it does either.
In Funny Games, a family comprised of husband and wife George (Tim Roth) and Anna (Naomi Watts) and their son Georgie (Devon Gearhart) travel to their gated vacation home for a relaxing week. Nearly moments after they arrive, two presumably nice gentleman in white summer wear and white gloves show up at their door claiming to be friends of their neighbor. But alas it turns out these aren't the people you think they are, and before long they start to play some nasty "games", including betting that in 12 hours, none of them will be left alive.
This film is brutally relentless and devastating. If you can't handle horror movies or experimental independent cinema, don't even think of seeing this. It will rip your heart out and play with it all while you sit in awe, unable to move. It's brilliant but at the same time annoying. It breaks every rule of filmmaking and doesn't even come close to adhering to typical conventions - but that's why I love it so much. It's so damn unique, so damn entertaining, and will piss off so many people, that I've got to commend Michael Haneke for creating it.
While I wouldn't call it perfection or wouldn't even call it something I'd watch again, it gave me one hell of a thrill. I wouldn't say that I had that feeling in my stomach like some crazy shit was about to go down, but some crazy shit did go down. It's made to make you feel uncomfortable and to question everything, from the "no way" conclusion to the rule that it breaks as a movie. I would admit that I was left with almost a disgusted and "what the hell just happened" response, with thoughts of "these guys are insane" once the credits started rolling. But I'm sure that's what Michael Haneke was going for. And if that gets you excited, then maybe you should go see this. But watch out, it will probably piss you off, too.
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Reader Feedback - 11 Comments »
1
the only change is that it's in english and not in GERMAN!!!
horseloverFAt on Jan 24, 2008
2
I loved the original and cannot wait to see the remake. Whether people adore it or hate it, this film will stick with them for years to come. BTW, is there a higher resolution image of that poster available? I love it.
Bill on Jan 24, 2008
3
After reading the plot on the wiki of the German version, I won't be seeing this. To me it isn't just that it is unconventional… it is like the plot is derived of unconventional. Meaning "Hey what 10 things could we do in a movie that would just make people uncomfortable and hate it? Got those written down? Now make the plot of a movie around that, while I go get the puppies, kittens, infants, and the meat grinder, we've got a film to make!" (No nothing quite that bad happens… I made that up.) I'd comment on bits that I don't like, but that would be spoiler up-the-wazoo. Basically, no thanks.
d on Jan 25, 2008
4
god, that new poster is TERRIBLE.. why would they stop using the one with naomi watts crying D:
jacobk on Jan 25, 2008
5
It is crap. Naomi Watts character blows away one of the killers..then the other killer gets a remote control and reverses it so they can both get away scot free. Yeah..that is a huge spoiler. BUT I WANT TO SPOIL THIS CRAP FILM. It is tripe. Pure torture porn. Go see a snuff film if that gets your jollies.
Heckle on Jan 25, 2008
6
Maybe this Heckle person hasn't seen the original, or just doesn't really get the point of the film. Either way, your loss.
Nick on Jan 25, 2008
8
Yo, Heckle, that's a real asshole thing to do for people that HAVEN'T seen the German one.
Ryan on Jan 25, 2008
9
love or hate at least you FEEL SOMETHING. I'm so sick of everything being the 'same old thing' or a remake (yes, i realize this is a remake but at least it is by the same director and from what i hear just the language changes)
Personally, I dont care if I even like a movie I'm proud if the director/actor/cinematographer took some chances or tried something different. think a little. put a little effort into it.
Renee on Jan 25, 2008
10
And we wonder why there are so many people engaging in random violent acts. Movies like this one essentially encourage emotionally unstable people to act out in ways they imagine will get them acclaim.
S on Jan 27, 2008
11
Really looking forward to Haneke's reamke of his 1997 crime thriller Funny Games. Such a great movie, and I think it should be interesting to see the differnces between the two…Here's a link to a spoof trailer that someone made for Kubrick's The Shining using the official trailer for the new Funny Games trailer as it premise. Very cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GktNzXAQuCY
Bradd on Feb 11, 2008