FUNNY GAMES ISN'T FUNNY... AT ALLThis kind of movie rides like a high-class, upper crust horror movie. It's the cleverness in the set up, the well toned dialogue and the seemingly normal, happy life style that tricks us. Then comes the fury. This film is a remake of the 1997 film (by the same name) directed by Aussie, Michael Haneke. It seems a waste to me to do a remake in the exact same way, but if whatever reason, it was done well. A happy all American family (played by Aussie Naomi Watts and Brit Tim Roth- ha ha) who unsuspectingly walk right into the worst day/night of their lives. Their fatal flaw is to trust the two well dressed and mannered young men (see picture) who appear at the door asking to borrow the proverbial 'cup of sugar'. It's like Six Degrees of Separation with Will Smith. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, isn't it a duck? Right? The lethargic start of the film brings what comes after that much more of a jolt to the system. The violence is bloody and senseless; and that violence, in turn, takes a tale of suspense to a bloodbath on Quentin Tarantino's best day. This film has also been compared to a Clockwork Orange and for good reason. I can't say I enjoyed this movie, albeit compelling to watch. It was realistic, disturbing and thought provoking; something ever film should seek to be. PICK: Shocking and violent, the movie demands your attention; will you give in?
