Movie Reviews for House of Games

House of Games

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Movie Reviews of House of Games

Movie Review: great the first time, but can't be re-viewed once you know the secret
Summary: 4 Stars

The first time I viewed this film, I was utterly wowed by the intricacy of the plot and the absolutely first rate acting. There is no doubt that that experience is worth the price of admission. You get the obsessively self-controlled psychiatrist, Crouse, who enters an alien underworld with indeciferable intentions. Then you have the mysterious and charming "gambler", Mantegna, who acts as her guide. The two of them enter what appears to be a wonderfully seductive and fascinating relationship that only grows more complicated and unpredictable as the film progresses - I do not want to play the spoiler here.

Unfortunately, once you "get it", there is little pleasure in watching it again for nuance and additional meaning, which I can only conclude are not there. As such, I would not recommend buying the film: it is far better to rent it, however excellent it is on first viewing.

Movie Review: Enter a world of games
Summary: 4 Stars

A psychologist (Lindsay Crouse) becomes seduced by the shadowy world of con artists when she meets a charismatic grifter (Joe Mantegna) who recognizes the almost sexual charge she gets from transgressive behavior.

David Mamet's film holds easily holds its own against the plot twists of classic con films such as "The Sting" and "Nine Queens." However, he does them one better by extending the arena of duplicity and doubt into the subtle, murky depths of character motivations so that the surface maneuverings of a confidence game pale beside their psychological implications. I enjoyed this film for the richly detailed portrayal of its world, filled with the nuts and bolts of running a con, but I was also fascinated by its bleak, nuanced take on human nature.

Movie Review: CORRECTION to mistake in earlier review
Summary: 4 Stars

In my earlier review of this film I mistakenly wrote that Mamet's wife Rebecca Pidgeon appears early in the film as an autograph seeker. The autograph seeker is Willo Hausman, daughter of the film's producer, Michael Hausman. And I should have known better. I had a "senior moment" on that one. Apologies to Ms. Hausman and Ms. Pidgeon.

Movie Review: Very Good film!!
Summary: 4 Stars

If you like films like "The Game", films that you don't know where the lies end and the truth starts, films that keep you on your seat, THEN you should absolutely buy this one.

It's a really good thriller!