TV & Movies/Reviews

Name: Free Guy

What: Film, 115 min

Where: In theatres

When: August 13

Genre: Action/Comedy

Why you should watch: If you, like most Canadians, haven’t been to the movies in almost two years, Free Guy is arguably the perfect film to mark your popcorn flick debut. The action-packed film is led by a magnetic cast, studded with Hollywood cameos, and full of sly references to every cultural moment your heart can imagine. And, perhaps best of all, it’s not just eye-candy: the film is anchored by a phenomenal story and some genuine tear-jerker moments.

Photo by Alan Markfield/Photo by Alan Markfield – © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

At its core, Disney’s Free Guy is a love story. That’s a detail that takes you by surprise: While watching the film, you’ll likely be so preoccupied with the sly humour, all-star cast, and explosive, hard-hitting action that you won’t even realize how emotionally attached you are until you feel yourself tearing up. But it is, decidedly, a love story—and it’s that emotional heartbeat that sets it apart from its peers in the action-comedy genre.

The film follows Guy, an NPC in a Grand Theft Auto-esque video game universe, who one day begins to break the mold of his pre-programmed life. As Guy develops consciousness, his journey towards self-actualization intertwines with the real world and begins to change the game, and the people playing it, for good.

For a family-friendly action romp, Free Guy covers a lot of epistemological ground throughout its runtime—artificial intelligence, morality, free will, and existential philosophy are all central themes—but it never gets too heady. The balance of irreverent gags, internet references, and legitimate plot-driven storytelling is just right; it’s a rare film that will genuinely entertain pre-teens and parents alike.

The film is made complete, of course, by its star and inspiration Ryan Reynolds. Canada’s national boyfriend is at his absolute best here: he’s funny, evocative, and relentlessly nice (which apparently didn’t require much acting on his part). “He’s so smart. He’s such a great writer, a great improviser. He’s so kind,” says co-star Utkarsh Ambudkar, who plays tech whiz Mouser. “You’re very worried sometimes to work with your heroes…but, you know, Ryan’s all that and more. He’s just the nicest guy.”

Ambudkar’s character is a fascinating addition to the plot, too. “At first, Mouser just wants to be a good soldier, make some good video games, get paid…very superficial. And then as the film sort of moves along he realizes that there’s a deeper meaning and a deeper level of creativity and connection to what they’re doing. It’s an art form to create a game that brings people together and connects people from all over the world…it’s like a miracle. He sort of buys into the wonder and the miracle of this art form. It’s really nice to be able to play a character that has that transition.”

“It’s just such a great love story. There’s so much action, there are so many easter eggs that are going to make the whole audience erupt while they’re happening. It’s one of those really fun joyful movies, and to come out of the pandemic with something like this, to take your family to go see…it’s going to be a real treat for a lot of families.”