Funny Games

Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Boyd Gaines

Two psychotic young men take a family hostage in their cabin.

Flixster Users

55% liked it

Critics

51% liked it

R, 1 hr. 48 min.

Directed by: Michael Haneke

Released: December 31, 2007

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DVD Released: June 10, 2008

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Top Flixster Reviews


  • May 3, 2009
    What if I told you that you could see a modern horror film blatantly defy all typical Hollywood conventions, ignore the use of jump scares in favor of classical suspense, and use gore only sparingly and therefore more effectively? That sounds wonderful, doesn't it? There's only o... ...( read more )
  • April 24, 2009
    A strange film with not very much plot or explanation as to what is going on, although some might like this more because of that. It's a very gritty, raw, rather bleak film as a couple of psycho's decide to play games with a family in the holiday home. Just need to watch a comedy... ...( read more )
  • April 23, 2009
    I had hoped to watch the original first, however, this was certainly a a much enjoyed re-make.

    Some great performances here particularly Naomi Watts and Devon Gearhart (who took the part of the son), who certainly in one scene did a great job. Michael Pitt as always plays sin... ...( read more )
  • March 12, 2009
    [talking to the viewers, breaking the fourth wall]
    Paul: What do you think? Think they stand a chance?

    A fun romp involving two young men performing wacky shenanigans in order to get arise out of the lovable family next door...

    Oh wait, no this was a disturbing film involving ... ...( read more )
  • February 13, 2009
    Not as good as the Austrian version, but everyone's acting is superb. The direction is worth mentioning as well, since it's Michael Haneke we're talking about. The soundtrack is scarce and the little there is is just pure annoyance. It's original and it surely is level best than ... ...( read more )
  • July 3, 2009
    Very different it was a good thriller movie! Although Tim Roths character really annoyed the crap out of me! All he did was cry the whole time.weak

Critic Reviews


View more Funny Game... reviews at RottenTomatoes.com
March 17, 2008
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

Haneke's assault on our fantasy lives is shallow, unimaginative, and glacially unengaged -- a sucker punch without the redeeming passion of punk. full review

March 14, 2008
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

In addition to being borderline unendurable, Funny Games is inexplicable, and I don't mean in any philosophical sense. Who thought the world needed a shot-for-shot English-language version of Mr. Hane... full review

March 14, 2008
Claudia Puig, USA Today

While Haneke is attacking our culture for being drawn to violent fare, he is also relishing in presenting it to us, in prolonged and detailed fashion. full review

March 14, 2008
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

There's no denying Austrian director Michael Haneke's skill as a filmmaker, but Funny Games is just a vile cinematic exercise. full review

March 14, 2008
Kurt Loder, MTV

...brilliant and terrifying and borderline-unwatchable... full review

March 14, 2008
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

The worst of the violence occurs off-screen, but Funny Games is still a vicious, vicious movie. full review

March 13, 2008
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Even if you're already aware that violence is sickening, thank you very much, Haneke's confrontational film stirs up distressing emotions and leaves you to resolve them as best you can. Good luck. You... full review

March 13, 2008
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Funny Games, Michael Haneke's first English-language film -- and a compulsively faithful replica of his notorious 1997 German-language feature of the same title -- subjects its viewers to a long spect... full review

March 12, 2008
Armond White, The New York Press

The only ambiguity in Funny Games lies in who's most abused here, the characters or the audience? full review

March 10, 2008
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker

I would absolutely defend Haneke's right to relaunch his broadside on our voyeuristic vices, but he's not keeping up with the times; he's behind them. full review

Comments


  • rbevanx
    September 17, 2008
    Rubbish. The opening was 20 mins for starters. Another self obessed filmmaker, just what the world needs.
  • shaypunkrock
    August 27, 2008
    im happy the made a remake of it because english is the only language i know and i hate subtittles
  • Realman208
    August 19, 2008
    Sick games, if u r not freak you won't like it
  • FidelioRoo
    July 7, 2008
    Ten years later, Michael Haneke revisits an old film, and does it again.
    It is exactly the same.
    But the thing is, what would you change? When I say "does it again", I don't just mean remade it, I mean he made a great remake. What's more, considering the content of the film, doing it again, exactly the same way, is rather appropriate, considering the metafictional tone.
    I generally really really hate remakes, but something about this one gives a feeling of honesty and verve, whereas 99% of remakes today are just lazily produced fluff.
  • rby421
    March 27, 2008
    the film addresses the filmmaker/audience relationship, that was the main thesis of the film. The film is meant to "play a game" with the audience, and break the rules of traditional hollywood cinematic grammar. Thereby interupting you're expecation of what is SUPPOSED to happen. This point is blatantly spelled out at the end of the film during the conversation on the boat, that is if you did'nt get it already. Filmicly, it was brilliant. The plot line was fragmented, and intentionally done that way. I have never seen a widely distributed, feature length film that critiques film making so aggressively. Though it has been done countless times in the art film world (by art film i don't mean indie movies btw). One of the best big budget features I've seen in a long time.
  • lovecyn4ever
    March 18, 2008
    Is a frame for frame of Michael Haneke original film from '98 but in English language.It starts getting funny with the psychos playing these silly & mind games but after awhile this perverse tale of sadism gets boring.The film could've been interesting if there was more to the story instead of seeing the reaction of people being tortured & potential to see few effective scenes if it wasn't off screen.As the film progresses it feels like is taking too long to get to the point besides can't help thinking of "A clockwork Orange" which is more violent & perverse than this one.
  • TessaKeAna
    March 16, 2008
    gonna see it sunday
  • lostty
    March 12, 2008
    I haven't seen the original, but this movie looks really good. :) Can't wait to see it this friday. The movie poster is so pretty!
  • Crow912ar
    September 17, 2007
    I hear the remake is going to be exactly like the original... check out the trailer on youtube, the scenes match up perfectly and it looks really good.
  • rayalight
    July 22, 2007
    Why can't Hollywood leave 'world cinema' alone. Please.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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