Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt bring on the charm and the crashes in The Fall Guy, a gleefully over-the-top action-comedy loosely inspired by the 1980s TV show of the same name. Forget the nuanced satire of The Stunt Man – this is pure summer popcorn fun, a loving tribute to the brave souls who take the risks for our big-screen thrills.
The Fall Guy
Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, Hollywood’s most fearless stuntman. He’s shamelessly devoted to insufferable star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, hamming it up delightfully), who brazenly claims to do his own stunts. Colt also happens to be head-over-heels for the talented and fiercely independent director, Jody Moreno (Blunt). Their passionate affair ends abruptly when a catastrophic stunt goes wrong, leaving Colt injured and convinced his feelings for Jody clouded his judgment.
Months later, tough-as-nails producer Gail (a commanding Hannah Waddingham) coaxes a reluctant Colt back into the fold for Jody’s directorial debut. It’s a sci-fi extravaganza starring Ryder as a Texas-accented space cowboy (think a far less charming Matthew McConaughey). But Gail and Ryder have a hidden agenda, one that puts Colt directly in harm’s way once again.
The Fall Guy wisely establishes its premise quickly, then dives headfirst into a whirlwind of explosions, chases, and gravity-defying feats. The action sequences are skillfully choreographed, a thrilling blend of practical effects and just enough CGI to amp up the absurdity. Gosling throws himself into the physical comedy with gusto, selling every punchline and agonizing pratfall.
Amidst the mayhem, Gosling and Blunt share a surprisingly tender chemistry. Their banter is snappy, and there’s a lovely improvised moment highlighting Blunt’s comedic chops. Yet, the romance remains mostly a sweet undercurrent – this is a film far more focused on explosive thrills than heartfelt confessions.
Director David Leitch (Bullet Train, Deadpool 2) strikes a playful balance between spectacle and silliness. The film winks at the inherently absurd nature of action movies, even throwing in a meta-commentary on the rise of deepfakes and their potential to erase the need for stunt performers altogether. The credit sequence offers a glimpse at the impressive stunt team, though it falls short of giving these heroes the star treatment they deserve.
The script could use a few sharper jokes, relying on the sheer volume of action set pieces to carry the day. A throwaway line about a certain celebrity trial elicits the biggest laugh, hinting at missed opportunities for some more satirical jabs.
Despite its minor flaws, The Fall Guy delivers exactly what it promises: a boisterous, stunt-filled romp with two charismatic leads at the helm. If you’re looking for a film that’s as light on plot as it is heavy on adrenaline, this is your weekend escape. Grab your popcorn, leave your brain at the door, and prepare for Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt to charm their way through some delightfully chaotic action sequences.
