Free Guy
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 13, 2021
Genre
Action, Comedy, Science Fiction
Cast & Crew
- Ryan Reynolds as Guy
- Jodie Comer as Millie Rusk / Molotov Girl
- Joe Keery as Keys
- Lil Rel Howery as Buddy
- Taika Waititi as Antwan
- Utkarsh Ambudkar as Mouser
- Channing Tatum as Revenjamin Buttons
Director
Shawn Levy
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Night at the Museum series (2006-2014)
- Real Steel (2011)
- The Internship (2013)
- Date Night (2010)
- The Adam Project (2022)
Producer
- Ryan Reynolds
- Shawn Levy
- Greg Berlanti
- Sarah Schechter
- Adam Kolbrenner
Writer
- Matt Lieberman
- Zak Penn
Budget
$100-125 million
Production Company
- 20th Century Studios
- Berlanti Productions
- Maximum Effort
- Lit Entertainment Group
Running Time
115 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Violence and action sequences
- Mild language
- Some suggestive material
- Fantasy violence
Movie Story
Free Guy is an innovative and humorous exploration of a video game world brought to life through the perspective of an NPC (Non-Player Character) named Guy, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds. Guy is an ordinary bank teller living in the bustling city of Free City, blissfully unaware that his life is a loop of daily routines within an open-world video game. This all changes when he encounters Millie (Jodie Comer), a player in the game who is on a quest to uncover evidence of stolen game code from the game’s publisher, Antwan (Taika Waititi).
As Guy becomes self-aware, he begins to deviate from his programmed behavior, making decisions that shock both the in-game characters and the players controlling them. Realizing that he is a character in a game, Guy embarks on a mission to become the hero of his world, fighting against the destructive forces within Free City while aiding Millie in her quest. As Guy’s actions begin to draw attention from the outside world, including the game developers Keys (Joe Keery) and Mouser (Utkarsh Ambudkar), he becomes a symbol of freedom and resistance against the corporate exploitation represented by Antwan.
Free Guy seamlessly blends action, comedy, and a touch of romance, as Guy and Millie work together to save Free City from being erased by Antwan’s machinations. The film is packed with references to video game culture, clever humor, and vibrant special effects that bring the virtual world to life. It’s a fresh take on the classic hero’s journey, with a modern twist that resonates with both gamers and general audiences. Guy’s journey from a background character to the protagonist of his own story is a celebration of individuality, choice, and the unexpected heroism found in the most unlikely places.
Special Effects
The special effects in Free Guy are dazzling and integral to its depiction of a video game world. The film effectively uses CGI to create the vibrant, chaotic environment of Free City, with its dynamic action sequences, respawning characters, and over-the-top visual gags. The blend of practical effects and digital artistry makes the world feel immersive and believable, enhancing the comedic and dramatic moments alike.
Box Office Performance
Free Guy was a commercial success, grossing over $331 million worldwide. The film performed well both domestically and internationally, benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and the star power of Ryan Reynolds. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, it became one of the top-grossing films of 2021.
Filming Locations
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Don’t have a good day, have a great day!” – Guy
- “Is that a Glock in your pocket?” – Guy
- “The first time I’ve ever driven a car before, I actually felt like I was alive.” – Millie Rusk
Behind-the-Scenes
Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds worked closely together to infuse Free Guy with a balance of action and humor, playing to Reynolds’ strengths as a comedic actor. The film also included numerous cameos and Easter eggs from popular video games, reflecting the deep connection between the movie and gaming culture. Filming took place in various locations in Boston, where entire city blocks were transformed into the bustling virtual world of Free City.
Awards
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award: Nominated for Best Comedy
- People’s Choice Award: Won for The Comedy Movie of 2021
- Saturn Award: Nominated for Best Science Fiction Film
Final Verdict
Free Guy is a refreshingly original film that combines a heartfelt story with thrilling action and sharp humor. It offers a unique take on the video game genre, appealing to both gamers and non-gamers alike with its engaging characters, clever writing, and spectacular visual effects. Ryan Reynolds delivers a charming and hilarious performance, making Free Guy a must-watch for fans of action-comedies.
IMDb Rating
7.1/10