The summer movie season happens earlier and earlier every year. What once started in June has now begun as early as April. This has set a precedent for the summer movie season as a whole. No matter the film, it has to excite audiences for what’s coming to cinemas. The Fall Guy (inspired by the 1980s show of the same name) hopes to start the season with a bang. With a cast including Ryan Gosling (Barbie; Blade Runner 2049), Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer; Edge of Tomorrow), and Winston Duke (Black Panther; Nine Days), to name a few, the film’s potential is ripe for success. That begs the question, does The Fall Guy deliver its promised thrills?
L-R: Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers and Emily Blunt as Judy Moreno in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The story follows stuntman Colt Seavers (Gosling), who was once at the top of his game. Colt is the go-to stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) until a stunt goes wrong. This forces Colt to abandon his career and girlfriend, Jody (Emily Blunt). Years later, Colt gets called to the life he left behind. This involves being the stuntman for Ryder, in a film that Jody is directing. When Ryder mysteriously vanishes, Colt is called in to save the day. This is a personal mission for Colt, hoping to rekindle his past relationship. What follows is a respectful and entertaining homage to old-school action adventures. Such an ambition pays off for the first 2024 summer blockbuster.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
With those ambitions, audiences have to remember one crucial thing. The story in these sorts of films is an afterthought. The Fall Guy delivers a particular narrative that has been seen time and time again; a main character who once had it all is currently down on his luck and then finds a shot at redemption. This includes the story being told in a heightened setting, consisting of copious action. Such stories can garner a split reaction from audiences. Some will get swept up in the whimsy and romance, while others will simply be tired of the cliched story beats. For those stories to succeed, they need a capable, funny, and incredibly charming pair of lead actors.
Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The Fall Guy delivers thanks to the lead performances of both Gosling and Blunt. Their chemistry on screen offers a hilarious dynamic. With their turmoil, it feels palpable and their romance feels genuine. Striking a balance with that combination gives the action sequences real excitement. While cliched, viewers simply care about their fates in this larger-than-life story. That includes both Gosling and Blunt individually being quite hilarious. Both actors nail the physical and improvisational comedy entertainingly and naturally.
Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Gosling, in particular, can nail a dead-pan type of delivery. This helps the heightened action sequences have a nice comedic wrinkle. Conversely, Blunt never teeters into the archetype of the “heroine in distress.” Both characters are capable and never once become caricatures. It helps to have these grounded leads alongside broader supporting turns. Actors like Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train; Godzilla), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso; Hustle), and Winston Duke must deliver heightened personas. It’s a welcome addition to add a meta-quality to the film’s aspirations.
Winston Duke as Dan Tucker in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde; Deadpool 2; Bullet Train) set out to make a film that entertains and honors the often overlooked work of stunt performers. That group includes more than just Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible series), it includes the folks that some filmgoers simply forget. With Leitch’s background as a stuntman, his goals with The Fall Guy are clearly displayed. He wants to honor their hard work with lead actors who understand his intentions, the results of which deliver a perfect piece of simple, fun, popcorn movie entertainment, while also shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the industry.
Emily Blunt as Judy Moreno in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The Fall Guy has no intention of reinventing the wheel of the summer blockbuster. Instead, its goal is to deliver a funny, romantic, action-packed story. That simultaneously includes honoring a lesser-known portion of the industry, stunt performers. It’s an ambitious swing that pays off via the performances. Without Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, the film wouldn’t have the same impact. Both actors’ abilities to be meta and essentially wink to the camera offers additional fun. Even with the third act veering into ridiculousness, their commitment to the material keeps things light and engaging. With the summer movie season beginning, The Fall Guy is a perfect way to get the season started
In theaters May 3rd, 2024.
For more information, head to the official The Fall Guy website.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
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Categories: Films To Watch, In Theaters, Recommendation, Reviews
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