Sad Affleck. Mad Affleck. Ice cold, chilly Affleck. Affleck in a cowboy hat (again). Affleck Butt. Santa Affleck. In “Reindeer Games,” Ben Affleck is many things, and it’s all totally baffling.
You’d be forgiven for forgetting all about “Reindeer Games,” the Christmas-set thriller that released in theaters in February (!) 2000. It’s directed by a legendary filmmaker, John Frankenheimer, at the tail-end of his life, written by a guy who would go on to write several “Transformers” movies, and co-starring a guy who replaced Vin Diesel early in the production so Diesel could go make the first “Fast and the Furious.” So, you know, “Reindeer Games,” didn’t exactly work out.
But… BUT! “Reindeer Games” is also one of the twistiest and most ridiculous movies of its generation, featuring Gary Sinise as a sleazy, greasy-haired gun runner who refers to Affleck’s character solely as “convict.” Charlize Theron plays an OG Catfish (sorta) who falls in love with Affleck’s prison cell mate. That guy gets shivved, so Affleck takes over his identity because… well, it’s Charlize f’in Theron.
Yes, Affleck, playing a guy named Rudy impersonating a guy named Nick (get it? GET IT?) is a pretty big sleazeball, but don’t worry. Everybody in this movie are bigger sleazeballs, making “Reindeer Games” the feel-good Christmas movie of 2000!
Reindeer Games podcast
In this Old Millennials Remember (Christmas) Movies podcast episode, Tyler and Angela discuss the baffling title (“Don’t play no reindeer games with me, convict!”), try to explain all the ridiculous hoops the bad guys must go through just to execute a poorly-planned casino heist and talk about the emotional resonance of a single Affleck tear rolling down Affleck cheek. Also, Angela defines a “director’s cut” in her own words on an impromptu game of America’s fastest growing podcast segment, “Angela Explains It All.”
Old Millennials are also watching:
- Dark Waters (2019)
- Marriage Story (2019)
- Noelle (2019)
- Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
- The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
Check out these other episodes of Old Millennials!
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