As I settled into my seat, amidst the chaos of my own life, I was urged to disconnect from the outside world by the movie’s director David Leitch and leading man Ryan Gosling themselves. It was a compelling invitation to immerse into “The Fall Guy,” a promise of a joyous cinematic escape, and it certainly delivered.
The film greets us with a witty, self-aware charm as we are introduced to the seasoned stuntman Colt Seavers, portrayed by Ryan Gosling. We follow him through a seemingly mundane day “at the office,” which involves spectacular feats of stunt work for the faint-hearted action star Tom Ryder, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Amidst the danger, there’s time for flirtation with Jody Moreno, Colt’s British girlfriend and a camera operator vividly brought to life by Emily Blunt. Their banter about beach margaritas and swimwear encapsulates their sweet, off-kilter chemistry.
However, their world is upended as a stunt goes tragically awry, leaving Colt to narrowly escape death. The accident sidelines him for 18 months, during which he exits the stunt industry for the simple life of parking cars at a Mexican eatery. His old life comes calling when Gail (Hannah Waddingham), the producer for Tom Ryder, entreats Colt to join a film project in Sydney. Despite initial reluctance, the revelation that his ex, Jody, is the director compels him to acquiesce.
Upon arrival in Sydney, Colt is thrust into an intricate conspiracy. Tom Ryder is entangled with dangerous characters and is nowhere to be found. Gail implores Colt to locate Tom posthaste to prevent the movie’s demise and preserve Jody’s directorial aspirations. To complicate matters, Jody harbors resentment towards Colt, resulting in fiery retribution on set. Meanwhile, Tom’s assistant Alma Milan (Stephanie Hsu) possesses a crucial clue that could unravel the mystery.
Colt’s investigation propels him into a whirlwind adorned with nods to beloved movies, ranging from “Notting Hill” to the adrenaline-infused spectacles of James Bond and Jason Bourne. The narrative crescendos with a riveting chase sequence amassing cannon rolls and helicopter chases, culminating in a satisfying resolution.
“The Fall Guy” is cinematic jubilation. Drawing inspiration from an ’80s television series, director David Leitch—known for his co-directing stint on “John Wick”—crafts what he dubs “a love letter to stunts.” The practical stunt work, including a record-breaking car stunt, infuses the narrative with authenticity, speaking to the craftsmanship of stunt designer Chris O’Hara.
The film is peppered with delightful touches, from the humorous implementation of a prop gun and a rubber tomahawk to Tom Ryder’s dog Jean Claude, who comically responds only to commands in French. Gosling and his on-screen compatriot, stunt coordinator Dan (Winston Duke), reminiscing over iconic action movies, heightens the film’s clever self-referential edge.
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt exude phenomenal chemistry, with Blunt particularly impressing in a karaoke scene. The stunts take one’s breath away, the thrills keep audiences on the edge, and the humor lands with precision on the smarter side of meta. The film is not just a love letter, but an invitation to celebrate stunts and cinema. It ensures repeated viewings will reveal new layers of joy each time.
“The Fall Guy” beckons audiences from cinema screens worldwide, offering an action-packed, heartfelt, and intelligent journey into the lives—and hearts—of those who risk it all to bring magic to the silver screen.
