After suffering an injury on set, stuntman Colt Seavers steps away from show business and leaves Hollywood behind, along with his lady love, Jody. 18 months later, Colt is back on the set of a big-budgeted blockbuster, this time with Jody at the helm as director. While he tries to navigate their broken relationship, Colt is saddled with the unfortunate task of tracking down the movie’s star before the entire film is derailed.
It’s not difficult to get me into the theater whenever Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt headline a movie, but when that movie happens to be a romantic comedy? You know I’ll be there opening weekend for sure. Even better? The Fall Guy embodies the kind of cinema I crave—a refreshing departure from the inundation of superhero flicks, sequels, and reboots.
The Fall Guy has everything a summer movie ought to have: an all-star cast featuring not only Blunt and Gosling, but also talents like Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (at times channeling his inner Matthew McConaughey), a witty script, adept direction, a killer soundtrack, and a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and action. The Fall Guy certainly appeals to fans across the cinematic spectrum. What more could you ask for in a summer blockbuster?
Ryan Gosling shines as the movie’s charismatic linchpin. His playful rapport with Emily Blunt infuses the film with warmth, though Gosling’s charm extends to his interactions with just about everyone he interacts with onscreen. Most notably, I adored his scenes with Winston Duke’s Dan, Colt’s stunt coordinator, and Jean Claude, the Kelpie attack dog—yes, a dog—who only responds to French commands.
Blunt brings a sweet vulnerability to Jody, a novice director thrust into the limelight. Yet, when circumstances demand it, she reveals a captivating strength, elevating her character into a heroine worth rooting for. Her strong chemistry with Gosling gives the movie its emotional stakes. Without it, the movie loses most of its heart.
While The Fall Guy may be a love story between Colt and Jody, underneath the romance, it pays homage to Hollywood’s unsung heroes—the stunt doubles and their crews. Director David Leitch, himself a former stuntman, showcases breathtaking action sequences and practical effects, eschewing CGI extravagance. This commitment to authenticity underscores Leitch’s reverence for a profession often overlooked in Hollywood.
In the end, not every film needs to be profound; sometimes, it’s enough to offer two hours of pure, unadulterated entertainment. The Fall Guy achieves just that—a cinematic delight that leaves audiences smiling as they exit the theater.
