Free Guy
(20th Century Studios)
By Lucas Allen
Video games have become a cultural behemoth that go way beyond the games themselves, with live streaming, competitions and online trolling. The new action/comedy “Free Guy” not only takes us through the video game world through the eyes of an NPC (non-playable character), but also takes a broad satirical look at the gaming industry as a whole. It’s directed by Shawn Levy, who’s no stranger to crowd-pleasing entertainment having previously directed both the “Night at the Museum” trilogy and the 2006 “Pink Panther” remake.
The world of the popular video game Free City is an average one for Guy (Ryan Reynolds), who goes through the same daily routine of getting up, getting dressed, getting coffee and going to work as a bank teller while gamer avatars are doing missions like robbing banks and causing mass destruction. Guy starts to feel there has to be more to it than living the same doldrum day after day, much to the annoyance to his security guard friend Buddy (Lil’ Rel Howery). After Guy sees a gamer named Molotov Girl (Jodie Comer) passing by, he takes another gamer’s glasses and discovering his existence inside a video game world. With the glasses on, it gives him the ability to go beyond being an NPC and actually participate in the game.
Back in the world, the girl behind the Molotov Girl avatar, Millie (also Comer), is searching through the game’s code to expose ruthless CEO Antwone (Taika Waititi) of stealing her source code. Her ex-partner Keyes (Joe Keery) is working at Antwone’s company to oversee any activity going on in the game. But when he discovers what Guy is doing that’s making him a sensation, he and Millie re-team to discover the mystery before Antwone also does something ruthless.
The story has a “Truman Show”-meets-“Wreck It Ralph” feeling to it, while its setup will remind everybody more of “The LEGO Movie” than “Ready, Player One.” However, the actual execution achieves a careful balance for both non-gamers and gamers alike with a fun story and moments of belly laughs. There are also some interesting cameos including some well-known gamers including Ninja that the younger gaming generation will recognize more. Its best moments involve the main character’s interactions within the game including gaining abilities and helping other NPCs on his own missions.
But underneath all that hilarity and CG-filled action, the story also provides satire on the nature of gamers and the industry alike. In this movie, the pride of the industry is to rely on the popularity and monetary value rather than the quality of the games themselves. The underlying nature of game designing versus greed adds to the overall plot. As for the rest of the humor, it’s merely all “Deadpool” level of comical references that fits more acutely rather than feeling annoying much of the time.
Speaking of which, Reynolds is the absolute master of snarky likability, along with a great sense of timing he brings to his performance. There’re so many lines of dialogue with his physical pratfalls that you’ll find yourself laughing the whole way through. Howery and Waititi each bring an obnoxious side of the comedy with plenty of good laughs to boot. With Comer and Keery, they do provide some heart as well as the British actress’ romantic chemistry with Reynolds in some of the scenes.
It may be no masterpiece, but “Free Guy” offers lots of fun and entertainment with a good dose of satire. No matter if you’re a gamer, a parent of one, or know someone who is; this movie has something for everybody.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for strong fantasy violence throughout, language, and crude/suggestive references)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)
