Rudy Duncan, (Ben Affleck), befriends Nick, (James Frain), when they share a prison cell; Nick can`t wait to meet Ashley, the girl who`s been writing so affectionately to him. But Nick is killed in a fight, and Ben, who has become obsessed with his friend`s unseen girl, poses as Nick to start a relationship with Ashley, (Charlize Theron). At first, it`s all perfect - then Ashley`s deranged brother, Rudy, (Gary Sinise), and his gang show up... After a dry spell, John Frankenheimer bounced back a couple of years ago with the terrific Ronin. Reindeer Games is not a good follow up, because Ehren Kruger`s very old-fashioned screenplay is so inherently unbelievable - and with every twist and turn it becomes less and less plausible. A plot that might have passed muster in a 1940s film noir looks ridiculous today. That said, Frankenheimer`s muscular direction helps make this something of a guilty pleasure, despite the miscasting of both Affleck and Theron - they`re just too nice for their scrungy characters. There are some superbly staged action scenes, and lots to enjoy if you sit back and forget how dumb this snowbound adventure really is.
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