About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?
The Fall Guy explodes onto the screen with a wink, a smile, and more adrenaline than you can handle. Inspired by the classic 80s TV show, this Ryan Gosling-led spectacle is pure, unadulterated fun, delivering heart-pumping stunts and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman with a knack for finding trouble both on and off set. When a movie star he’s doubling (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) mysteriously vanishes, Colt finds himself caught in a web of international intrigue alongside the film’s director (Emily Blunt). The plot is mostly an excuse for set pieces, but the chemistry between Gosling and Blunt is electric, their sharp banter sizzling in between action sequences.
Director David Leitch (Deadpool 2 (2018), Bullet Train (2022)) shines here. The action is a thrilling throwback – practical stunts, car chases, explosions, and Gosling’s incredible physicality dominate the screen. Every punch, every crash feels real, raw, and refreshingly free of excessive CGI. In all honesty, The Fall Guy serves as a respectful nod and love letter to all of those that put their own wellbeing on the chopping block to make others look good while receiving very little credit.
With Leitch having served extensively as a stuntman prior to becoming a director, it should come as little surprise the film’s main focus is on stunts more than anything else. I can’t say that I recall the original television series covering that much of Colt Seavers’ regular gig. Regardless, The Fall Guy provides an introspective look into a part of filmmaking that lurks in the shadows of all the glitz and glamour.
Where The Fall Guy truly excels is in its unabashed embrace of its cheesy roots. The nods to the original show are a welcome treat, and there’s a tongue-in-cheek humor that lets you know the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. It balances that with a few genuinely moving moments between Colt and his stunt team, adding a touch of heart to the spectacle.
Should you watch it? If you’re looking for an action flick that reminds you of a simpler time, a rollercoaster ride of stunts, and a good laugh, The Fall Guy is just the ticket. It may not win any awards for nuanced storytelling, but it’s guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear.
The Fall Guy opens in theaters everywhere starting Friday, May 3rd with earlier showings on Thursday evening. Check it out.
