Free Guy (2021)

Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi

Synopsis:
An NPC in an anarchic sandbox shooter deviates from his programming and takes on player privileges after becoming infatuated with a player.

Impressions:
I'd heard good things about this when it came out, but I didn't feel the need to actively pursue it. Ryan Reynolds is pretty reliable in the sort of action comedy he delivers and if his schtick hasn't worn too thin for you, this is a fun take on emergent AI in a video game world (which feels a lot like TRON meets The Lego Movie). I have my doubts about the gamer credentials of the writer, but as far as movies about video games go, it's better than most. It's neat having an NPC go off the rails and become a viral sensation. There are occasional bits of nonsense in the writing, but it's not as obnoxious as it is in some other places. Also, the ending was a bit on the sappy side, but whatever. It's more fun than not and well enough worth a watch for some light viewing.

Rating:
Watch It