**Ouch and Cringe** This "Ready Player One" clone is just as dumb and non-immersive as the original, only here we get our hopes up in the first 20 minutes or so. We get setup nicely with truly funny video game references, top notch CGI and clever dialogue. But then the flick degenerates into the same old, same old: boring villain, plot is unoriginal, action is magic, hacking is imagined by someone not owning a computer (probably just a smart phone) and finally, the philosophical idea of a first AI ever is not explored in the slightest. I know this is just supposed to be a "feel-good" film, but critical thinkers will not feel good watching this drivel. Something this trivial simply does not deserve a high score, even if it does what it's supposed to.

**Free Guy captures the wonder and goofiness of Elf, except with video games and Ryan Reynolds.** Free Guy is a fun yet heartwarming film that feels like the video game version of Elf with Ryan Reynolds playing the fish out of water goofy character with a heart of gold. Ryan Reynolds' Guy is filled with awe and wonder as he experiences things that the real world would consider mundane but, to him, are spectacular. The romance between the two lead characters is awkward at first, but the payoff at the end makes it worthwhile. All the video game easter eggs throughout make Free Guy a love letter to gamers, but the plot and acting keep it entertaining for anyone. Shawn Levy's experience with the Night at the Museum franchise and Real Steel prove his skill at making fun family films that adults can enjoy alongside their kids. Levy's lighthearted directing and Ryan Reynolds' goofy antics are a perfect combination making Free Guy a delightful movie that is worth a watch.

Loved this film. It's pitched just right at kids and adults. Such a clever script and great story both at face value and on a deeper level of breaking out of a rut and putting some sunglasses on. Great acting, great plot and great script (The Dude has some great lines). Highly recommended family film.

71/100 A Non-player Character (NPC) in a video game begins to question his reality and, with the help of an avatar from the real world, must find hidden code or risk the deletion of his existence. This is a very exciting adventure with super likable characters (even Ryan Reynolds, who I'm not usually a big fan of), great action and eye-bulging special effects within a supremely real digital world. My only complaint is the necessity to occasionally stop the action with a humorous moment or emotional pause which, for me, served to defuse the energy. Great fun, though! -- DrNostromo.com