The cinema has entered a weird stage in its history. Movies still arrive in theaters weekly but have shorter life spans. This means certain films have a quick turnaround on the home release market. While not yet on Blu-ray or DVD, these films appear in VOD (Video on Demand) and digital platforms (iTunes, Vudu, Prime) for rental or purchase. One of the most recent examples is the Ryan Gosling (Barbie) and Emily Blunt (Jungle Cruise) action comedy, The Fall Guy. After a brief three-week theatrical run (currently in theaters), the film can now be watched from the comfort of your home. For those who didn’t get a chance to see it in the theater, it’s worth your time.
For non-Extended Cut thoughts, be sure to head over to EoM Contributor Gabe Lapalombella’s theatrical release review.
Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The Fall Guy (loosely based on the show of the same name) follows stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), who has lost it all. His role as the go-to stuntman for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor Johnson) gets cut short after a terrible accident. This includes losing one of the only things he truly loved, his then-girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt). When Tom Ryder is the leading star who goes missing from Jody’s directorial debut, it’s up to Colt to save the day. His ambitions become more personal, seeing this as an opportunity to redeem his love life.
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.
Those who have seen The Fall Guy know it is a rollicking old-school blockbuster. The dialogue is filled with quips, great action, and stars with insane chemistry. Its charms are so simple that it has the effect of winning over viewers immediately. Fans looking for a strictly entertaining blockbuster should look no further. The film massively delivers, reminding audiences of the thrills of summer cinema. Being on demand now leaves only one question: is The Fall Guy worth the $24.99 price tag? A newly added extended cut, clocking in at almost two and a half hours, hopes to prove that question correctly.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
For those just entering the world of The Fall Guy, this extended cut may seem like a tall order. The film’s rapid-fire pacing and balance of jokes and comedy will keep you laughing. The problem resides in a frustrating repetitiveness that begins to form throughout the extended cut. No matter how funny specific sequences are (and they are some great ones!) or how tense things get, this cut doesn’t do enough to justify its own existence. It’s easy to see how a main extended action sequence (a particular drug-fueled chase) was cut from the finished product. While effective, it simply pads out the film’s already extensive running time. That could make folks bored, even with the consistency of rapid-fire jokes.
Emily Blunt as Judy Moreno in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
For those who are already fans of The Fall Guy, the extended cut offers a deeper dive into the film’s world. Besides a few extended action sequences, this cut involves moments of extended dialogue sequences. These moments primarily come from Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, who amplify their already electric chemistry. The extended cut gives them more time to expand their banter-filled sequences, fleshing out their once-romantic entanglement. This could be enough for some to overlook the extended running time of this cut. However, it’s important to note that the film is still a barrel of laughs, regardless of the version you choose to watch.
Winston Duke as Dan Tucker in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch. Photo Credit: Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The Fall Guy received a grave disservice upon its theatrical release. A “mostly” original film remained underseen by the masses. The finished product delivered a rollicking summer blockbuster, achieving its romance and action comedy ambitions. Now, with its quick VOD turnaround, viewers can enjoy the film’s numerous charms. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt’s chemistry alone would be enough for a rental (or for some, even a purchase). Its new extended cut could even increase the urge for some to buy it ASAP. Unfortunately, while entertaining, the extended cut does not justify its existence. Though if you have not already seen The Fall Guy, having the chance to see the film (no matter the location or format) is worth your time.
In theaters May 3rd, 2024.
Available on VOD and digital May 21st, 2024.
For more information, head to the official The Fall Guy website.
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Categories: Home Release, Recommendation, Reviews, streaming
I don’t even like Ryan Gosling yet I have the strange desire to see this.