Reindeer Games (Miramax, R)
Starring Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron and Gary Sinise
Rating:
Two stars - The beautiful people, the beautiful people. Fun like watching the wedding of someone you don't know
You say Charlize Theron can be a pen pal? Don't you know that you can count me out...in.
This lyrical bastarization proves a point. With all of the escapist action fun in "Reindeer Games," it is impossible to ignore the falling of the other foot in the form of impossible plot twists and too many attempts at surprise.
Ben Affleck stars as Rudy Duncan, a convict in jail for hot-wiring cars. His cellmate Nick acts like the wussiest criminal ever, yearning for an unseen en pal, Ashley (Theron). Just as both are about to end their sentences, Nick is stabbed to death in a gross prison food fight.
As Rudy leaves, he sees Ashley waiting and pretends to be the deceased cellmate so the woman is not alone - and maybe for some action on the side. Hasn't he figured out LYING DOESN'T PAY? Hmph. Men.
Just as Rudy and Ashley get it on like rabbits, the faux twosome is greeted by Gabriel (Gary Sinise) and his gang of mangy hooligans. It turns out Gabriel is Ashley's brother, and he wants the fake Nick to help rob a casino the real Nick allegedly worked at. Even though Rudy knows nothing about the casino, he has to play along to ensure his heart remains beating. Cue the handguns to the head! (Whew.)
This mistaken/confused identity demands an equally convoluted plot. Eventually, after numerous escape attempts and a string of funny action movie one-liners, the motley crew decends upon the casino, clad in Santa Claus suits, bringing bags of machine-gun joy for every girl and boy.
Seem straightforward? Well, as soon as things begin to make sense, a dose of surprise is added to the mix. After roughly five of these dramatic surprises, the audience wishes they would stop explaining their actions and just get on with the show. Eventually, the final plot is so wacky, no one can claim to have "seen it coming." Then again, it's hard to believe the scriptwriter planned it, either.
Despite plot contrivances, the enjoyment never ceases to desist. A simple movie in its goal, some scenes and lines are downright entertaining. The good guy is handsome, the bad guys are rough and the female, of course, is beautiful either way. Escapist fun at its most basic.
Theron is especially pleasing with constant mood swings and attitudes. Affleck's latest on-screen partner outshines most of his previous cohorts, including Sandra Bullock and Liv Tyler (Affleck 3:16 says "I just kissed a hottie.")
Of course, the former Steppenwolf performer, Sinise, shines as well. He grew his hair long to add to the greasy character, not much else is demanded from the role. Despite the limitations, Sinise gives the sense that he and Affleck's characterare from completely different worlds that somehow intersected.
As for Affleck, well, the part seems tailor-made for him. He adds charm and a flair for the smirks, as well as allowing a shot of his bare behind. What a guy.
But, as the Santa myths continue to receive harsh treatment, those deep cinematic thinkers will frown and pout at the desecration of an art. For those looking for an enjoyable good time, after watching "Reindeer Games," they are gonna be...all right.
Originally published in the 3/2/00 edition of the Northern Star.
My home, sweet home page
The Northern Star Home Page
The Internet Movie Database
What other critics think - The Rotten Tomatoes Site