Sometimes, a movie hero has to save the world to finish the story being told. However, in David Leitch’s The Fall Guy, the hero must help complete the movie production to save the day. This thrilling plot, crafted by one half of the John Wick duo and Bullet Train director, revolves around a stunt performer navigating the criminal underworld while trying to mend his broken relationship with his ex. The movie is a rollercoaster ride of fun, action, and a deep appreciation for the unsung heroes who make the biggest stunts in film and television possible.
The Fall Guy starts by introducing Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a stuntman who enjoys risking his life for a living and happens to be developing a relationship with Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), a camera operator who dreams of becoming a director. All is well for these movie lovers until a terrible accident derails Colt’s career, leading him to distance himself from everyone in the industry, including Jody. Eventually, the stuntman is returned to the action when it’s time for Jody’s debut as a major director. Still, Colt unexpectedly gets wrapped up in a time-sensitive mystery looking for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the film’s star and Colt’s long-time collaborator.
When Ryan Gosling stepped into Ken’s shoes during last summer’sBarbie, his beloved performance confirmed once again that he is one of the most exciting actors working today, and he possesses the remarkable skill of keeping the audience in the palm of his hand. What he does with Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy is another example of his skill, as he carries the entire movie on his muscular shoulders. While the rest of the cast, like Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Hannah Waddingham, and the briefly seen Stephanie Hsu, bring their charismatic presence to the screen, it’s Gosling’s charm, comedic timing and earnest sincerity as Seavers that steals the show–elevating The Fall Guy to be the best action comedy it can be.
The Fall Guy rises above most action comedies because of its earnest love for stunt people, and its near-fourth wall break showcases the tireless artistry that goes into making action films. Before becoming a director, David Leitch was a stunt performer and coordinator who worked on multiple well-known productions, and that shows when the filmmaker portrays this line of work on the screen. Considering how the plot intentionally surrounds this specific corner of the entertainment industry, an intricate look at stunt people and their craft shouldn’t be a surprise but a nice wake-up call to casual audiences to give them the recognition they deserve.
Without spoiling the twists of The Fall Guy too much, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Tom Ryder is an enjoyable ride, and it never takes away from Colt and Jody’s romance. When it’s time for Gosling’s protagonist to become a detective, his quest never overstays its welcome. When the character tries to make Jody fall in love with him again, audiences won’t be dying to return to the mystery of Tom’s disappearance. How The Fall Guy balances these two plot lines makes it an excellent start to this year’s summer movie season.
The Fall Guy proves Leitch learned all the fitting lessons from his previous work. The action comedy feels more organic than Bullet Train and Hobbs & Shaw. The characters in the new adventure feel much more organic and fleshed out than the protagonists from the director’s other ventures. Leitch swiftly establishes the tone of The Fall Guy effortlessly, allowing characters such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Tom Ryder to look cartoonish while not feeling out of place in the movie’s plot.
With incredible action sequences, an engaging mystery and a charismatic lead, The Fall Guy claims its place as the movie to kickoff the summer season with pride. Leitch’s latest title provides a thrill ride that deserves to be seen on the big screen, with Gosling proving once again why he’s one the most demanded names in the industry (at the moment). In what could be the best blockbuster of the director’s career, Gosling and Blunt shine in a love story that pays its respects to stunt teams and the art of what they do. Who would’ve known that a sincere romance in the middle of the explosive action is precisely what audiences needed?
Rating: 9/10