REVIEW: The Fall Guy Is A Great Way To Kick Off The Summer Movie Season
Filmmaker and stunt man, David Leitch, returns to the big screen with his newest adventure, The Fall Guy. An ode to stuntman everywhere, this film sees Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), Hollywood’s most prolific stunt performer, who seems to have it all. He is the stunt double for Hollywood’s brightest star, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and he is dating his dream girl, Jody (Emily Blunt), what could go wrong? Everything goes south after a freak accident on set that lands him out of commission physically and nursing his own self-inflicted broken heart. Fast forward eighteen months and Colt is valeting cars, no longer stunt performing, and living a seemingly aimless life. Out of the blue, Colt is contacted by Gale Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), Ryder’s producer, begging for Colt’s help. Gale is unable to locate Ryder, who has gone missing after apparently becoming involved in some shady dealings. Gale implores Colt to bring Ryder back to the set of Metal Storm, the apparent next blockbuster. To add another twist, this new film is directed by Colt’s former love, Jody. Colt now is not only back in the stunt life, but Jody’s life, as well. The action soon takes off where nothing is as it seems, the stunts no longer remain as stunts, and Colt must use everything in his wheelhouse to find Ryder, attempt to save Jody’s film, and stay alive, as well.
Films made by stunt actors are always interesting movies to take in. There is a level of craftsmanship and detail apparent in every action sequence that truly showcases the unbelievable levels which stunt performers will go to land the perfect shot. Leitch’s directing in this film is no different. Viewers will be able to tell how much time and planning went into each sequence to not only produce the best shot but keep the stunt actor safe. What makes this process more interesting is the majority of the film revolves around the production of a movie, specifically the action sequences. It’s almost as though Leitch and writer Drew Pearce, chose this to give viewers a deeper look into the world of stunt acting, which made for quite the entertaining movie experience.
Aside from the action sequences, which are extremely entertaining, there is a level of charm throughout the film, which can only be credited to the wonderful cast. Gosling is delightfully adorable as Colt while Blunt is at home in this world of comedy and action. Taylor-Johnson lets his comedy chops fly as the egotistical Ryder while Waddingham lends her talents to crafting an unlikable producer whose sole focus is making money. Winston Duke and Stephanie Hsu round out the cast as Stunt Coordinator, Dan Tucker, and Tom’s personal assistant, Alma Milan, respectively. It should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen Duke or Hsu’s previous work that they would completely rock their roles.
The Fall Guy is the exact reason most people go to the movie theaters, to be entertained. For two hours, viewers forget their hangups and hardships and instead become engrossed in a high-wire action comedy that is elevated by its magnetic and talented cast.
Grade: B+