Free Guy

A pleasant relax movie. A multi-player game of GTA filmed with real people with the message that you can do whatever you want that rides on Reynolds’ crazy humor and wild action scenes. The laid-back, optimistic atmosphere isn’t what I would have expected in the world of Grand Theft Auto, but I enjoyed it. Waititi’s villain must have seemed like a really exaggerated caricature, but he delivers in style... (09/28/2021)

The atmosphere of Ready Player One visibly radiates from Free Guy, and even though Spielberg's film was much more playful and polished, “Guy” still has its appeal and manages to entertain, thrill, and even move a little bit during its nearly two-hour running time. The film's premise is certainly engaging and despite a few minor quibbles, I was satisfied with its execution. Like RPO, there are more than a few pop culture references and humorous innuendos, especially provided by the main character, Guy. At times the plot was so bizarre that I wondered if Taika Waititi (Antwan) had a hand in the script, while at the same time it felt like a PG-13 version of Deadpool here and there. Ryan Reynolds is a likeable guy and the hitherto virtually unknown Jodie Comer provided a great second to him. Waititi was perhaps a little too theatrical, but whatever. The point about the (un)importance of the individual and the equal chances for each of us was a bit too on the nose, but nicely delivered. (08/28/2021)

Game character Ryan Reynolds has become sentient and decided to do good, and that can have far-reaching consequences in the game. This action comedy relies on a combination of wild action, slightly wacky humor, a bunch of pop culture references, a very plucky hero and an unexpectedly positive atmosphere. It's fun to watch. (08/14/2021)

Finally, someone found the balls to film GTA in all its glory and put together some healthy sophisticated romance onto it with nonchalant elegance. A great portion of fun, which is a bit hurt by the dodgy visuals and uneven pace, but it is reliably compensated by a well of great directorial ideas and the traditionally fun Reynolds. (09/29/2021)

This feel-good Disney hybrid of The Truman Show and Tron has a nice portion of enticing romance and action in the spirit of Ready Player One. It’s nicely cast and pleasantly colorful, with typically appealing cliché elements and some fine ideas. But the dramatic framework, with the characters’ motivations and reasons for doing what they do, is a bit slapdash. But it’s my problem that I want such a movie to be logically fleshed out and everything in it to make sense. (08/12/2021)