Free Guy
Guy (Ryan Reynolds) is a background character living a nondescript ordinary life as a bank teller in an open-world video game, until Millie (Jodie Comer), a gamer and programmer with an agenda of her own walks into his life. Awoken with a new raison d’etre, Guy’s purpose begins to change, shifting the game’s entire dynamic, much to the chagrin of owner and developer Antoine (Taika Waititi). Will Guy’s desire for freewill overpower Antoine’s desire for bigger revenues, the game is afoot!
Directed by Shawn Levy and Written by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn this August release of a popcorn chomper arrives as advertised, big, bold, and loud, but lacking hefty substance. Heavy hands on the CGI and distinctly duller scripting cripples what could have been a pithy and acerbic display of what Reynolds does best, but instead leaves this light PG-13 rated flick feeling particularly flat. Meanwhile, this extension of the Truman Show and Ready Player One offers little to the imagination despite the comedic power the cast is packing, whiz bang ho hum. Next!