Falling for The Fall Guy

A Perfect Blend of Comedy, Action and Heart

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt star in this film within a film that manages to balance it all

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Let's start Behind the Camera

It's Director David Leitch at the helm. If he sounds unfamiliar don't worry he's still working on getting more well-known, and here's how you do know him: "John Wick", "Deadpool 2", Atomic Blonde" and "Bullet Train". And no surprise, he still brings his signature style of kinetic action and sharp humor to "The Fall Guy." Leitch's background as a stunt man (most notably for Brad Pitt in Fight Club!) lends authenticity to the film's stunts and choreographed fight scenes, ensuring that each action sequence feels grounded and entertaining.

Ryan Gosling had four stuntmen standing in for him. You read that right. Why so many stuntmen?

One is an expert in driving, one in parkour, one in martial arts, and one was the Fall Guy...from a height of 150 feet! (Ironically he's not the one jumping below where only 3/4 appear)

Even if you still don't wish to watch in cinemas or stream online, People Magazine ran a very lovely article spotlighting these professionals, one of whom broke a world record for car flips ON THIS FILM, which was last broken in "Casino Royale" in 2006.

Given Leitch's background, it’s no surprise that many of Hollywood’s top stunt performers were eager to join the project. The film features some of the most daring and complex stunts seen on screen in recent years, hopefully bringing much needed attention to the profession.

David Leitch’s wife, Kelly McCormick, served as one of the producers on the film and their collaboration added a personal touch to the project and more than likely, to the script.

Setting the Scene

The film stars Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers, bringing his trademark charisma and physicality to the role. Gosling’s performance is both fun and charming, capturing the essence of a man who is as tough as he is tender. Opposite him, Emily Blunt shines as Jody, a strong and multifaceted camera operator trying to make a leap in her career, directing her first film.

 "The Fall Guy" is a thrilling, fun and action-packed film that reimagines the 1980s TV series of the same name, but pardon the pun: that's just a jump-off point.

What makes it stand out?

This movie was made with so much care, and it shows. If you watch it in theaters, right before the movie begins, Gosling and Leitch appear as themselves just to give thanks; such a nice touch.

Sure, film-makers love movies about making films, but the reason there are so many, over many decades, genres, and across international lines, is that when done right, the intricacies of filmmaking parallel the complexities of life. (2022's mini-series remake of "Irma Vep" comes to mind as the best example of this)

With its focus on the behind-the-scenes world of stuntmen, "The Fall Guy" offers an authentic and rarely seen perspective on the film industry. I really hope this unique angle - which was last approached ironically by Brad Pitt playing the stuntman of Leonardo DiCaprio's character in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"- provides audiences with a deeper appreciation of the unsung heroes who bring action sequences to life.

Lastly, Gosling and Blunt's on-screen chemistry is electric. This is her main superpower as an actress, I'm convinced of this. And with Ryan Gosling opposite this ability of hers, you're drawn in. These are two leads in their 40s acting out a complicated workplace romance on a massive scale.

Interestingly, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have never shared the screen together before "The Fall Guy" but they were significant figures in last year’s major summer blockbusters "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer"

Final Take

To me, this movie was not too meta, or too campy or too predictable. It was a movie that I think would have possibly fared better on Memorial Day Weekend.

It's the sort of movie where if you're in the theaters, you get the big Icee and you drink it all joyfully knowing the 2 hour and 5 minute runtime is just under what your bladder can take, and that you're there to have fun, let yourself go to the action, the comedy, the plot twists, the romance and nostalgic music, and let it all take you away for a while.

I walked out feeling I got a return on my investment.

Sadly, this one hasn't been doing as well as projected in the Box-Office and so it's now available to purchase and stream at home. Sure, explosions look so much better on the big screen, especially if they're done practically, BUT the acting and comedy hold equal weight, so turn that Icee into whatever snack you wish and tune in.

"The Fall Guy" is a must-watch for fans of action films and those who appreciate a well-crafted story with a lot of heart. With David Leitch’s direction, and standout performances from Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, this movie not only pays tribute to its predecessor but also sets a new standard for action-comedy-romance.