Fans of the hit sci-fi action comedy film, Free Guy, are in for a treat as the 2021 blockbuster is set to air on television tonight (January 25) at 9.30pm on Channel 4 and an hour later at 10pm on Channel 4+1. For those unable to catch it live, the movie will also be available to stream on 4OD.
Directed by Shawn Levy, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howerty, Utkursh Ambudkar, Joe Keery and Taika Waititi.
The plot revolves around a bank teller who discovers he’s a non-player character in a massive multiplayer online game. Teaming up with another player, they embark on a mission to expose a gaming company’s CEO who has stolen the source code to their game.
Despite facing two delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Free Guy premiered at the 74th Locarno Film Festival before hitting cinemas. It proved to be a box office sensation, raking in $331.5 million worldwide from a budget of $100 to $125 million.
Critics lauded the film’s concept, drawing comparisons to iconic video games like The Matrix and Fortnite, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Following its release, the film earned a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 94th Academy Awards. It currently holds a 7.1 rating on IMDb based on 453,000 reviews, along with an 80% Tomatometer rating and a 94% Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences have been showering the film with accolades, with one viewer sharing their admiration: “Ryan Reynolds again proves he has a real knack for being able to combine huge action scenes and fast-paced humor into one strong production. It is his work in this look inside the video game world that is the real winner.”
Another fan expressed their delight by writing: “Everything I wanted! It’s not just charming and hilarious it’s actually a smart and poignant satire on the video game industry!
“Ryan’s Best non comic book role since the proposal! Plus Jodie Comer STEALS THE SHOW! This is The Truman Show for this generation!”
An enthusiastic viewer praised the movie’s depth: “In addition to the impressive visuals, hilarious comedy bits, and thrilling action sequences, Shawn Levy, Matt Lieberman, and Zak Penn offer a brilliant narrative that deeply explores human nature and what the viewers perceive as ‘real’.”
Meanwhile, another added to the chorus of praise: “Packed with wit, humor, action and plenty of heart, Free Guy might just be the best video game movie to ever come out of Hollywood.”
Free Guy airs tonight at 9:30pm on Channel 4 and 4OD