Survive the Game

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 8, 2021

Genre
Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Bruce Willis as David
• Chad Michael Murray as Eric
• Swen Temmel as Cal
• Zack Ward as Travis
• Michael Sirow as Frank
• Kate Katzman as Hannah

Director
James Cullen Bressack

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Beyond the Law (2019)
• Blood Craft (2019)
• Bethany (2017)

Producer
Randall Emmett
George Furla
Chad A. Verdi

Writer
Ross Peacock
James Cullen Bressack

Budget
N/A (Independent Film)

Production Company
Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films
Verdi Productions

Running Time
97 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language
• Drug use

Movie Story
“Survive the Game” is a high-stakes action thriller that revolves around the intense confrontation between a retired cop and a group of criminals on a remote farm. The film centers on Eric (Chad Michael Murray), a man who is trying to live a peaceful life on his secluded farm after suffering a tragic loss. His quiet life is upended when David (Bruce Willis), a veteran detective, shows up on his property, pursued by a gang of ruthless drug dealers led by Travis (Zack Ward) and Cal (Swen Temmel).

David has been tracking the criminals for years, and when a drug deal goes wrong, he finds himself wounded and on the run. Eric, initially reluctant to get involved, is forced to team up with David when the criminals descend on his farm, turning it into a battleground. The two men must rely on each other to survive the night, protect Eric’s home, and bring down the violent gang.

As the situation escalates, Eric’s skills as a former military man come to the forefront, and he proves to be more than a match for the invaders. The film is filled with tense standoffs, brutal combat, and explosive action sequences as Eric and David fight to survive and take down the criminals one by one. Amidst the chaos, the film also touches on themes of redemption, as both men confront their pasts and fight for a chance at a better future.

The action is relentless, with the majority of the film taking place over a single, adrenaline-fueled night. Bruce Willis brings his signature stoic presence to the role of David, while Chad Michael Murray delivers a strong performance as a man pushed to his limits in order to protect his home and his life.

Special Effects
“Survive the Game” relies heavily on practical effects, including gunfights, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat. The action sequences are well-executed, with a focus on gritty, realistic violence that heightens the film’s tension and intensity.

Box Office Performance
As an independent action film, “Survive the Game” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through digital and on-demand platforms. It received mixed reviews, with praise for the action sequences but criticism for its formulaic plot and pacing.

Filming Locations

• Puerto Rico

Notable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a hero. Just survive.” – David
• “This is my home, and I’m not letting anyone take it from me.” – Eric
• “You picked the wrong farm, buddy.” – Eric

Behind-the-Scenes

• “Survive the Game” is one of several action films Bruce Willis has made in collaboration with director James Cullen Bressack and producers Randall Emmett and George Furla. The film was shot on a tight schedule with an emphasis on practical stunts and effects.
• Chad Michael Murray, known for his work in TV dramas, took on a more physically demanding role in this film, embracing the action hero persona.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Survive the Game” is a straightforward action thriller that delivers on its promise of intense, high-octane entertainment. While the plot may be predictable and the character development limited, the film offers plenty of action and suspense to keep fans of the genre engaged. Bruce Willis and Chad Michael Murray make a solid duo, and the film’s gritty atmosphere and relentless pace make it a decent choice for a night of adrenaline-pumping thrills.

IMDb Rating
3.4/10