Free Guy is the latest blockbuster to hit the summer movie season, and refreshingly, it’s not based on any pre-existing intellectual property. Written by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn, the film follows Guy (Ryan Reynolds), an affable bank teller who lives in Free City, which we quickly find out is a video game, think Fortnite meets GTA Online with a sprinkle of Saints Row, that is played by many around the world. He has a familiar routine, one that never varies from day-to-day, including the constant robbery, and he seems to be fine staying in his role. At least, up to a point.
One day, he seemingly finds the woman of his dreams, and he becomes inspired to not go along the routine. He ends up stopping a robbery, and by looking through a pair of sunglasses, he sees the world as players do, although this somehow doesn’t make him realize his world is fake. Still, he takes his new attitude in stride, becoming the hero of his own story, and connecting with the girl, a player with the username Molotov Girl, who is actually Millie (Jodie Comer), a programmer trying to find a key piece of data that could prove the head of Free City’s publisher, Antwan (Taika Waititi), stole code to an indie game by her and Keys (Joe Keery), who currently works under Antwan.
While the idea of a video game character becoming self-aware might not be the most groundbreaking idea, and seemingly one that kind of writes itself, Free Guy shows how far just a little bit of effort and cleverness can go with a solid premise. The writers take a huge advantage of the world, and the possibilities as well as its limitations, tapping into some of the experiences of playing games that we can all relate to, especially when it comes to some of the overly aggressive play styles. And it’s all fairly tight in its construction, with effective setups and payoffs.
The film is directed by Shawn Levy, who can safely be described as a very workmanlike director, a safe and reliable hand used to the mechanics and politics of the studio system. I don’t say this as a negative, this isn’t the kind of film that needed an auteur’s eye behind the camera. Levy knows when to rein it in, when to indulge, when to focus on character, and when to let the spectacle shine. The film strikes a good balance under his direction, and a lot of compliments are also deserved for the VFX teams, who did a terrific job seamlessly integrating countless effects.
Of course, if there is one distinct creative vision behind this, it is undoubtedly its co-producer and star, Ryan Reynolds. His sense of humor is so distinct and so overpowering that it takes over any project he’s involved with, not unlike how Jim Carrey became a recognizable comedy powerhouse in the 90s. This is a Ryan Reynolds movie through and through, which means it’s snarky, it’s meta, it plays with some genre conventions while indulging in others, and it still manages to bring in an earnest core that becomes hard to resist. Obviously, if you aren’t a fan of his style, I’d suggest approaching the film with caution, but consider that it still might win you over because it’s still very well constructed.
The supporting players also do well in grounding the story outside of fantastical and sci-fi-ish touches. Jodie Comer handles herself well, both in the action beats as well as in creating a charming rapport with Reynolds. Keery doesn’t have a ton to do aside from moving the plot along, same with Utkarsh Ambudkar, who plays a co-worker, but add enough likability and personality to the proceedings. Lil Rel Howery of course has the best friend role down to a science, and his banter with Guy is often really funny. Plus, you have a ton of background actors doing good work as other NPCs (non-playable character) in the game.
I don’t know if I would call Free Guy an amazing movie, or one that I would revisit again and again. However, it is one of those movies that I can see myself randomly thinking about one day, and remembering it fondly. It’s a very easy film to recommend. It’s funny, it’s clever, it’s got heart, and a message about following your heart that I think anyone can get behind. It really is everything you would want in a four-quadrant blockbuster, and it comes across like a breath of fresh air compared to most of the franchise stuff that comes out nowadays. It doesn’t make it some kind of masterpiece, but it’s just nice to see one of these big movies that doesn’t come with any kind of baggage. The film’s only real concern is to keep its audience entertained and feeling good, and that certainly was the case for me, I had a wonderful time.
Free Guy is now out in theaters.