While admittedly somewhat derivative, FREE GUY is a blast! From the car smashing opening, to the somewhat schmaltzy ending, the tone is hilarious. I'm not a Ryan Reynolds fan, but he rocks this film. Jodie Comer is solid, and Taika Watiti (as big boss) gives a wonderfully juicy performance as well.
I laughed my butt off. I read some of the "not funny" reviews, and I just don't get it. The editing, storyboarding, and script itself are all quite funny. In a Groundhog Day repeating bank robbing scene, the close shot on the security guard unclipping his utility belt and letting the gun fall to the ground cracked me up every time. Then as the robber shoots up the place, the guard and teller sit chatting on the ground like two adolescent kids discussing romantic interests. That contrast is purposeful and hilarious. The visual jokes are plentiful, but still listen close, because the dialogue doesn't just have a funny line here and there, they are everywhere!
Sure, the film isn't perfect, and yes, expect to suspend disbelief; but don't overthink it and you'll have a blast. If you've grown tired of violence, you may be relieved to know that while there is quite a bit of shooting going on, there is no gory blood scenes. And everybody enjoys resets.
I'm sure people will find this derivative of Groundhog Day or Truman Show or Matrix ... but it echoed The Lego Movie to me. So what?! There are much worse movies to echo. I loved the Lego Movie, Truman Show, and Ground Hog Day, and I loved this film! It fills the big screen with spectacle, races along with a pumping pace, gets your mind clicking, and tickles your funny bone throughout.
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