So Facebook’s little meltdown last night gave me an excuse to put my phone down and watch a film I’ve been looking forward to watching for a while.
Free Guy (2021)
I knew very little about this movie going in other than the fact it stars Ryan Reynolds and is about a guy (no pun intended) who lives in a video game. Whether or not my lack of expectations added to my enjoyment of it I can’t be sure but I absolutely loved it!!
If you haven’t seen it, it’s a sci-if/action/comedy starring (as previously mentioned) Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Joe Keery (Stranger Things), Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out) among others.
This is what it’s about according to the internet:
When a bank teller discovers he's actually a background character in an open-world video game, he decides to become the hero of his own story - one that he can rewrite himself.
In a world where there are no limits, he's determined to save the day his way before it's too late.
If you are, or ever have been a gamer you’ll appreciate this movie on a whole different level! If you’re not, don’t worry. You’ll still love it but some of the concept and references might be a little lost on you.
Ryan Reynolds once again brings his unique brand of humour to a film and is absolutely brilliant as the blissfully ignorant, yet lovable main character “Guy”.
I can’t help thinking he must’ve drawn inspiration from Will Ferrell’s character, “Buddy” in Elf (2003). Both characters have the same adorable innocence that makes it impossible not to like them (unless of course you’re one of those weirdos that doesn’t like Elf…)
Taika Waititi is hilarious as the film’s villain “Antwan”, and Lil Rel Howery who plays Guy’s best friend “Buddy” also provides some funny moments along the way.
It’s really good to see Stranger Things’ Joe Keery in a big budget film like this and he more than holds his own against some much bigger names. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him in a lot more movies off the back of this.
Other than her small role in The Rise of Skywalker I haven’t actually seen Jodie Comer in anything before this but again, she puts in a great performance (especially with her constantly shifting accents).
Look out also for a subtle but highly amusing appearance from Channing Tatum and one of the best cameos ever featured in a movie...
The story feels fresh and original and is backed up by some great action sequences and impressive CGI. What I particularly liked about this film though is that it’s not a soulless CGI-fest like a lot of other movies of its kind. It has a story that’s been well thought out, and characters that you genuinely care about, and in my book any film that can make you care about background characters in a video game has done a pretty good job.
This film has a bit of everything: Action, adventure, laughs, thrills, romance, and a whole lot of heart.
If you’re in need of some great escapism I highly recommend checking it out.
It’s currently streaming on Disney+.
Seen it? What did you think?