New from directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, fresh off of Spider-Man:Homecoming, comes a fresh and well-done crime comedy which provides a much-needed break from studio’s constant onslaught of superhero movies. Surprisingly, even though this film could be seen as gimmicky, Adam Sandler-esqe comedy, the humor is generally a step above, and smart enough to break out of constant low-hanging shock value jokes.

Max, played by Jason Bateman, portrays a character extremely similar to his well known “Michael” from T.V. comedy Arrested Development, but this attribute immediately becomes a plus, not a negative, as he and Annie (Rachel McAdams) demonstrate organic and fluid chemistry which displays an ideal married life mixture of adoration and constant roasting. Meanwhile, side plots between Kevin (Lamorne Morris) and Michelle (Kylie Bunbury) provide real, but funny conflict which will help viewers relate to a wider range of characters.

Beyond character dynamics, Game Night’s plot is its greatest asset. Twist after twist keep the viewer heavily engaged without being overwhelmed, and help to mitigate against the traditionally predictable nature of crime comedies. The plot is clearly absurd but is supported through dialogue well enough to be believable, keeping the viewer from rolling their eyes at what could very easily be too unrealistic to be enjoyable.

The cinematography and dialogue are both masterful at times and flacid at others, which make them tie for being Game Night’s greatest weaknesses, but they are easy to overlook in order to find a completely otherwise enjoyable film. In honesty, Game Night has absolutely zero artistic merit, but it doesn’t need to, because it does not try to be an art film. It knows what it is: funny and exciting, and that is all it needs to try to be.