What do Board and Table Games Add to a Movie’s Appeal?

The addition of a board or table game that the characters play can seem random at times. But it’s often done with a clear idea in mind. What are some of the reasons that this is done and how does it affect the movies in question?

Bingo Is Used in Various Movies to Add Humour

The great thing about using bingo in a movie is that pretty much everyone in the world knows this game and how it works. It’s the kind of everyday activity that makes it seem to fit right into some movies but that looks out of place in others, so directors can play around with our idea of where and when bingo is played to add humor.

It should be added that the way we play has changed thanks to the emergence of online bingo games. A look at some of the current online versions reveals that the rules have changed very little, as you’re still looking to claim a winning line or a full house. Yet, by gathering the likes of 75 and 90 ball games together in themed rooms, these sites have helped to expand their appeal.

So far, the movies involving bingo scenes generally use it to add humor. This can be seen in Rampage, where the players are absorbed in crossing off their numbers to spot that a killer is walking among them. Big Momma’s House and Bad Grandpa also use the game to add some chaos and fun to their scripts.

Strategic Games Like Chess Show a Character’s Intelligence

Think of the characters you’ve seen playing chess in a movie and you may come up with Sherlock Holmes and Bond villains, among others. Just showing a chess board in their house or hinting that they’re playing a game is enough to subtly convince audiences that this is a smart, strategic thinker.

Then there are the chess-based movies like Searching for Bobby Fischer and Pawn Sacrifice. These movies often take liberties with the actual events when they’re based on real games, but the overall aim is to show us that the best players are cool, calculating, and in control at all times.

Invented Games Add to the Sci-Fi Feel

The addition of an invented game is a clever way to immerse us in a new world with a strong sci-fi feel. 3D chess in Star Trek is the perfect example, as saying that someone plays it has become shorthand for saying that this person is a deep thinker who is always one step ahead of everyone else.

Yet, the producers never went to much trouble with this game. The 3D chess rules were never explained in Stark Trek and the boards looked different from one movie or TV series to the next. In fact, they were quickly cobbled together using existing chess sets but fulfilled their role perfectly.

Board games and tables are sure to continue to be used in movies for the reasons mentioned above and for other reasons too. We all enjoy seeing our favorite games appear on the screen and it’s always worth taking a moment to consider exactly why it’s there.