PLAY THE GAME

Play the Game has a potentially worthwhile destination: David begins by treating sex as the pinnacle of life, then discovers that true love matters more. The movie also has its share of laughs and may entertain older viewers.

But the journey is unnecessarily crude. Numerous lewd situations, off-screen sexual encounters, overt sexual discussions, and foul language make this a poor choice for families and a questionable choice for younger viewers. The film may teach a perverse view of love and male-female relationships.

Because its quality is modest and its content is unsuitable for children and young teens, watch this only at home, if you are a discerning adult willing to navigate its material.

David Mitchell is a successful car salesman who can persuade customers and women to do what he wants. Hoping to bring happiness to his lonely widowed grandfather, Joe, David teaches him how to attract women.

Joe quickly becomes highly successful with women at his nursing home. Meanwhile, David meets Julie, the one woman who does not respond to his usual tricks. His frustration forces him to reconsider what he really wants from love.

Two stars means this is an uneven comedy with some laughs but limited distinction. The story has several twists and turns, most of which are predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.

The film struggles to balance its hoped-for young and old audiences. Its crude language and sexual situations undermine its footing, while the central movement from lust toward true love gives the movie some emotional direction. Andy Griffith’s character is such a stark departure from his beloved policeman in The Andy Griffith Show that the casting choice becomes distracting.

The film presents a strong humanist worldview. David initially treats sex as the highest goal, using manipulation and deception to attract women. Over time, he realizes that Julie is the only woman he has truly loved, and the movie ultimately presents true love as greater than sexual conquest.

That movement is positive, but the film surrounds it with lewd innuendo, promiscuity, sexual discussions, and dishonest behavior. Joe’s conduct after his wife’s death, along with the admiration of sexual promiscuity, distorts love and male-female relationships rather than presenting them as faithful and self-giving.

The movie also makes a striking casting choice in Andy Griffith’s crude and sexually deviant character, a sharp contrast to his well-known wholesome policeman from The Andy Griffith Show. That departure may distract viewers from the film’s intended message.

Scripture calls love to a higher standard: “Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). The film’s longing for genuine love points in that direction, even though its worldview and content frequently fall short.

Play the Game has a few laughs and a movement toward true love, but its crude language, sexual immorality, and distorted relationships make it unsuitable for younger viewers. For discerning adults, watch at home rather than with the family. The final answer is WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY. For cleaner alternatives, see.