Geek Review: The Fall Guy

What do you get when you take the leading man from the most meta comedy of 2023, and put him with the leading lady of the most explosive movie of 2023? Believe it or not, director David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) has an inkling of the dynamic chemistry Ryan Gosling (Barbie) and Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer) own, and milks it with his mastery of action in The Fall Guy, a love letter of sorts to the classic blockbusters of years gone by.

There was a time when audiences didn’t have to think about intricate universes and sprawling narratives that can feel like homework in their latest blockbuster films, from deciphering complex intergalactic politics in Dune (2021) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), to catching up on multi-film sagas like the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In exchange, they surrendered the simple joy of watching a simpler kind of summer entertainment that doesn’t require catching up or deep diving into established lore. 

The only thing that might help you enjoy the movie, about a stuntman doing the best that he can in a changing film industry, is that before he became a director, Leitch established his distinguished roots in stunt coordination, having doubled for stars like Brad Pitt and Jean-Claude Van Damme. The vibrant ethos of The Fall Guy draws heavily on his own experiences, allowing the 48-year-old to craft a narrative that’s both a tribute to and a reinvention of the Hollywood stuntman’s tale. Loosely based on the 1980s television show of the same name, the film morphs the original’s premise – of a stuntman moonlighting as a bounty hunter – into a full-throttle cinematic experience that celebrates the unsung heroes of Hollywood, throwing nostalgia and pure entertainment into a blender, offering a refreshingly unpretentious return to the days of breezy, ridiculously unadulterated cinematic fun.

Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a seasoned stuntman forced to take a break after a near-fatal accident and when he steps back into the fray 18 months later, it’s to work on his ex-girlfriend Jody Moreno’s (Blunt) directorial debut, the sci-fi epic, Metal Storm. What makes his return complicated is that she is unaware of his involvement in her film, and that the film’s lead, actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kick-Ass, Bullet Train), has mysteriously vanished. This unexpected reunion sets the stage for a narrative infused with action, romance, and mystery, reminiscent of the intrigue and charm of ‘80s movies. And to truly crank up the nostalgia, the film blasts a steady stream of KISS’s I Was Made for Lovin’ You, a deliberate homage to the era when Hollywood churned out action rom-coms like there was no tomorrow and a perfect way to set the stage for this genre-bending ride.

With action maestro Leitch at the helm, you know the stunts are going to be top-notch, and The Fall Guy delivers in spades. The elaborate and innovative stunt pieces are the film’s lifeblood, showcasing an exhilarating mix of practical effects and jaw-dropping choreography. These include cinematic feats for the film-within-a-film, such as helicopter fights, blockbuster cannon car rolls clinching a Guinness World Record, and also thrilling escapades off the set, featuring swordplay, blazing gunfire, audacious 225-foot car jumps, and a riveting speedboat chase that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats, especially in the final act. These sequences may seem over-the-top, but as a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, who can complain?

While The Fall Guy delivers a healthy dose of thrilling action sequences, it’s the film’s surprisingly tender heart that sets it apart. At the core is Colt’s quest to win back Jody’s affection after ghosting her following his career-halting accident. Leitch seamlessly blends action, comedy, and romance – even throwing in a scene of Colt crying to Taylor Swift’s All Too Well (Taylor’s Version), while reminiscing about the happy times with Jody for good measure.

Fresh off a globally well-received turn as Ken in Barbie, Gosling shines as Colt Seavers. Yes, it’s tough to buy into a world where Colt isn’t a movie star, but Gosling brings a lovable goofiness to the role that elevates both the action and the comedy. His physical timing is excellent, and he’s not afraid to let loose, whether he’s giving a sincere thumbs-up or breaking down in tears to a T-Swift ballad. While some of Gosling’s prior work has showcased his comedic side (The Nice Guys, Crazy, Stupid, Love, and of course, Barbie), this feels like the most fully realised blend of action hero and hilarious goofball. Fans of his more dramatic roles might be surprised, but rest assured, the intensity from Drive (2011) is still there, it’s just wrapped up in a very different package.

Blunt, fresh off her dramatic turns in Oppenheimer (2023) and A Quiet Place Part II (2020), proves her comedic timing is as sharp as ever as her Jody navigates her new role behind the camera with a mix of authority and vulnerability, often using a megaphone to mask her lingering feelings for Colt, who responds with a mix of remorse and flirtation. These dynamics are portrayed with a lightness that belies the deeper tensions between them, making their romantic dance as compelling as the film’s stunt-driven set pieces.

Supporting this dynamic duo is a robust ensemble cast, including Taylor-Johnson as the enigmatic Ryder, whose disappearance deepens the plot’s mystery. He eagerly dives into the role with a comedic flair that satirises the self-aggrandising movie star archetype and his portrayal, which humorously mocks those actors who boast about performing their own stunts, brings a light-hearted, self-aware dimension to the film. Alongside him, Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) delights as producer Gail Meyers, injecting a high degree of whimsy into her performance. 

However, the film doesn’t quite make the most of all its talented cast. Stephanie Hsu is noticeably underused as Gail’s beleaguered assistant, Alma Milan, despite her proven capability for depth and variety in films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) and Joy Ride (2023). Alma is mostly relegated to the background, resulting in a performance that feels all too familiar and underdeveloped. In contrast, Winston Duke (Black Panther, Us) shines as Colt’s knowledgeable best friend and stunt coordinator, bringing warmth and versatility to his role that complements the main action. His chemistry with Colt adds a robust layer of entertainment, as their interactions brim with comedic timing that highlights the absurdity of their Hollywood-tinged reality. 

But the film is more than just a fun action-comedy as it serves as a vibrant tribute to the often-overlooked stunt community, celebrating the daring work that defines the industry. Leitch’s profound admiration for stuntmen permeates the film, shedding light on the challenges faced by these essential yet underappreciated industry professionals. This reverence culminates in a unique end credits sequence – a behind-the-scenes reel that showcases the stunt doubles in action, providing a rare spotlight on the individuals who make the magic happen.

The film cleverly critiques the anonymity often forced upon stunt workers and other behind-the-scenes talents, juxtaposing their hidden contributions against the glamour and Academy Awards typically reserved for movie stars (seriously, why isn’t there an Oscar category for Best Stunts yet?). It’s a reminder that sometimes the best parts of a movie are about the people crafting the illusion, not just the spectacle itself. This theme of recognising those behind the scenes dovetails perfectly with Colt’s own emotional arc, allowing Gosling to showcase both his comedic talent and the dramatic vulnerability he’s known for, and creating a classic cinematic romance worthy of a modern Movie Star™.

CGI-heavy blockbusters dominate the landscape, but The Fall Guy feels like a welcome breath of fresh air – a film that cares deeply about the people who bring these blockbusters to life. This isn’t a film trying to reinvent the wheel, nor is it trying to be the next awards contender. Instead, it embraces its ‘80s movie inspiration wholeheartedly, serving up a heaping dose of action, comedy, and heart.

If you miss the days when movies were unabashedly fun, The Fall Guy is just the ticket for you.