READY OR NOT

READY OR NOT: B+

While the film did have some noticeable weaknesses that deserve to examined, it was full of strengths that overall give this combination of THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME & CLUE a favorable review.

The sociological and psychological in depth study of each character, as to their motivations, reasoning and justification was as fascinating as it was thought provoking. There was enough there to capture interest and make one question, yet too much missing to give a satisfying answer.

From the setup alone, it was clear that Alex was going to make a turn. There was nothing shocking about his final decision. Yet the transition seemed sudden and indecisive. There was nothing clear within his own consciousness as to why he made the decision. Of course their was his Aunt's foreshadowing speech,but that alone is at best two hydrogen atoms. Still need the oxygen in their to make water. One might conclude that Grace's killing of his mother was the pivotal moment of change, but prior dialog gives different suggestion.

More backstory was needed as to Daniel's reasoning as well. It was difficult to tell whether he was acting out of a moral objection or if he was simply fed up with what he believed to be traditional nonsense.

The undertones of this film at the examination of the superficiality, shallowness, insincerity, disingenuous, fake and phony demeanor of the ultra-wealthy was incredibly strong and clever. Even more so in that each character gave off a different level of likability. Some deaths were certainly more satisfying than others.

The performances in this film were very strong. Samara Weaving absolutely killed it as the lead. While others transitions were left with holes, her's were given the full attention they deserved. It was shocking to see Andie MacDowell in such a role, considering her criticism of Hollywood violence in the past. One can't help but wonder if her death scene prior to the family's worship chant of "Hail Satan" might have been written in for the "hard to be a Christian in Hollywood" actor on purpose.

The ending would have been stronger and more compelling had nothing happened. Had the family found out what they believed was a bunch of rubbish. Where it would have gone at that moment, a multitude of possibilities. Seeing that the curse was real, gave them a sense of justification they didn't deserve. It would have been better had they had to face the consequence and realization that there was no devil or evil spirit of Mr. Le Bail, and the real monster, the real evil was themselves.

A film that deserves another viewing, if not many more viewings to further examine the characters.

Watch this film, the sense or urgency begins about 15 minutes into the film and keeps you hooked up to the very end.