Reindeer Games (2000, Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron)

Published

5 years ago

October 22, 2018

In crime thriller Reindeer Games, car thief Rudy Duncan (Ben Affleck) shares his penitentiary cell with Nick (James Frain), a quiet prisoner who survives his ordeal by thinking of his pen pal Ashley (Charlize Theron), who he is set to meet when released. But after a riot in which Nick helps defend his cellmate, the youngster gets his wish and leaves jail – in a body bag, giving Rudy the chance to assume his identity and begin a passionate affair with Ashley.

But her brother Gabriel (Gary Sinise) is interested in Nick’s former occupation at a Michigan casino, and plans to rob the establishment using the insider’s knowledge. Rudy owns up to his deception but, realising he will be killed, decides to continue with his alias. However, with the heist imminent, Rudy realises he’s not the only one with a secret, and bides his time knowing that Ashley and Gabriel have plans for him, unaware that someone else will soon determine the future for all of them…

Affleck demonstrated there was life beyond Kevin Smith or Matt Damon, showing unexpected menace and, when denouncing Ashley, thriving with lines like ‘I had better sex in prison’. Sinise gives another superior performance and Theron shows genuine depth (hinting at what was to come in her Oscar-winning performance as serial killer Aileen Wournos in Monster ) in a difficult role.

UK Title: Deception

production details
USA | 124 minutes | 2000

Director: John Frankenheimer
Writer: Ehren Kruger

cast
Danny Trejo as Jumpy
Tom Heaton as Ugly Staffer
Ashton Kutcher as College Kid
Ben Affleck as Rudy Duncan
James Frain as Nick Cassidy
Donal Logue as Pug
Gary Sinise as Gabriel Mercer
Charlize Theron as Ashley Mercer
Dennis Farina as Jack Banks
Isaac Hayes as Zock
Dana Stubblefield as The Alamo
Mark Acheson as Mean Guard
Michael Sunczyk as Distant Inmate #1
Douglas Arthurs as Distant Inmate #2
Dean Wray as Guard #1
Ron Sauvé as Guard #2
Ron Jeremy as Prisoner #1
Hrothgar Mathews as Exit Guard
Clarence Williams III as Merlin

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Alastair James

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.