Free Guy is the latest Ryan Renolds movie. In fact, in the age of Covid, it’s one of the few recent movie releases only being shown at theaters. Given my kids and I are vaccinated, we opted to take the plunge to return to the in-person experience. We arrived at the cinema with no expectations other than preferring to watch a Ryan Reynolds movie over the other latest film release, Paw Patrol.
How’s the Story?
Free Guy is everything Ready Player One should have been. Both draw heavily on video game culture. Ready Player One tells the story of a human being’s experience as an avatar in a video game. Free Guy follows the journey of an open-world video game’s Non-playable Character (NPC) who becomes sentient. In addition, the Free Guy narrative uses live action characters rather than computer generated ones. Ryan Reynolds gives a compelling performance that emotionally pulls you in. Other standout performances include Joe Keery (Stranger Things) and Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) as exceptional video game coders. Taika Waititi (Thor:Ragnarok) shines as the self-aggrandizing, money-driven, owner of a game development company.
How are the Special Effects?
There’s an inordinate amount of stunt work and CGI throughout the movie. The result is over-the-top yet seamless on-screen action. You will be thrilled and amused by the glorious excess of visual candy.
The movie has a PG-13 rating. Can I take my kids?
The intense video game violence, albeit absent of gore, occurs throughout the movie. Kids accustomed to games such as Fortnite as well as viewing Marvel films will feel right at home with the tone of the movie. I would recommend ages 12 and up with the aforementioned experience.
Are there any ideal moments for Bathroom Breaks?
This is a fast-paced movie. If nature calls, wait until Guy begins his Ground Hog Day type training to level up.
Final Thoughts
Free Guy, a Ryan Reynolds produced movie, aims to entertain and hits the mark. The film even manages to squeeze in a few life lessons. Not too shabby.
Overall Grade: B+
Pros: Ryan Reynolds delivers the action comedy you didn’t know you needed.
Cons: There’s a lot of pop culture references that won’t connect with audience members who aren’t gamers or super hero movie fans.
Official Movie Trailer
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