In 2000,Reindeer Gamesseemed to have the makings of a new action-oriented holiday blockbuster likeDie Hard.

What Is the Holiday Heist Thriller ‘Reindeer Games’ About?

Reitman took on a far darker character study with his underrated 2011 film starring Charlize Theron.

Charlize Theron Considers This Ben Affleck Christmas Thriller Her Worst Movie (Reindeer Games)

Custom Image by Zanda Rice

Even the terrifying torture scene with Gabriel throwing darts at a tied-up Rudy feels more redundant than captivating.

Yet, the constant switching from reluctant co-conspirator to heroically outsmarting the villains lacks character consistency.

Such humor causes an inconsistent tone in an otherwise brutal crime thriller.

Ben Affleck returning home with a sack of money in Reindeer Games

Image via Miramax

WhereReindeer Gamesfails the most is itsselling point of multiple twists within the story.

Such excessive twists turn out to be a detriment to Therons performance.

But even though the movie might suck, I got to work with John Frankenheimer.

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I wasn’t lying to myself – that’s why I did it.

I mean, he directedThe Manchurian Candidate,which is like the movie of all movies.

Just fuck it."

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Reindeer Gameswas ultimately a minor setback in Affleck’s and Therons early careers.

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Ben Affleck

Charlize Theron