The Fall Guy

I don't usually write reviews, but I feel like I need to defend this movie from the people writing these reviews that clearly just don't get it. This is one of the most fun, tightly written movies I've seen in a while.

If you're looking for a phenomenally directed action film with great jokes, running gags, and unexpected payoffs, this is it. You can just tell EVERYONE who worked on this movie was putting in 110%.

"The plot doesn't make sense if you think about it" Yeah man, it's an over the top goofy comedy action movie. The plot isn't really the focus. I think it's perfectly servicable for what it's trying to do: take us from setpiece to setpiece, gag to gag with these characters, and watch them grow. That's where the soul of the movie lies. Could the plot have been better? Yeah sure. But the plot is in the background of most of the film. We're intended to be watching these characters and their relationships, laughing at the jokes, and enjoying the excellent action and stunt work.

It really comes down to what you're going into a movie for and what a movie is trying to give. This movie is trying to give you a very funny and action packed 2ish hours with some very likeable characters in engaging situations. It's not The Godfather, and it was never trying to be. Highly recommend.

The Fall Guy is a movie about making a movie. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays an action star who's stuntman is played by Ryan Gosling... who has a real stuntman doing his stunts. The Fall Guy is filled with this type of third-degree meta-ness. I found it amusing.

The intro to the early screening called it a love letter to stuntmen. This is an accurate statement. Everyone who loves movies, action fans specifically, owe so much of their enjoyment to stuntmen. The movie showcases so many beautiful stunts. It truly is a celebration of that profession.

This is also heavily a love story. I normally don't go for that, but this one hit me in all the right ways. I felt all of the emotions they wanted me to feel.

I think most people will enjoy The Fall Guy. But the ones who will love it the most are people who are fascinated by the artistry of in-camera action, or fans of romantic comedies. Also, we need an Oscar for stunt work asap.

(1 viewing, early screening EMX 5/1/2024)

Whatever problems The Fall Guy has really aren't an issue when the final product is this much fun. It's a loving tribute to the never ending selflessness of stunt people wrapped inside of an endearing romantic comedy and meta action film. If David Leitch and 87 North did all the action in cinema the world would be a better place.

Ryan Gosling achieves new levels of perfection by merging the reserved stunt man character of Drive with his natural Kenergy. His version of Colt is just so lovable, especially because he's completely unafraid to be open in his vulnerability which makes him more relatable whilst being really funny. His comedic timing continues to be faultless, proving he can make any joke land.

Emily Blunt thankfully also gets a lot to do. Any scene she shares with Gosling is effortlessly charming and she has her own brand of bona-fide movie star charisma. Winston Duke is a great movie referencing support to Gosling, Aaron Taylor-Johnson does a hilarious McConaughey impression and Hannah Waddingham's cartoonishly over the top producer really works.

David Leitch's direction plays squarely to his strengths and after the disappointment of The Gray Man, it's extra satisfying to see Gosling be given some actually good fight scenes. Stunt designer Chris O'Hara and the whole stunt team really accomplished some breathtaking feats that are only made more impressive by seeing how they shot them during the credits.

The Fall Guy starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is now streaming on Peacock. Based off the action tv show from the 80s starring Lee Majors and Heather Thomas, this action-packed comedy directed by David Leitch is a wonderful love letter to all stuntmen and stuntwomen in the industry.

This was a really fun movie to watch, and I wish I got to see it in theaters. The visual effects and stunt coordination were out of this world, Gosling and Blunt's performances were brilliant, and the writing of the film made this the perfect summer blockbuster. What they did more than anything else was give a voice to all the stuntmen and stuntwomen who are underappreciated and undervalued in the industry. We see this almost immediately when Colt (Gosling) suffers a near deadly injury and the next thing he knows, he has been easily replaced and is now working valet. This movie also sheds more light on something that we already knew a little bit about which is that being a stunt person is extremely dangerous. Because of this movie, whenever I see an action film moving forward, I am going to be paying closer attention to the action sequences to appreciate the stunt work.

The original theatrical version along with the extended directors cut are both streaming on Peacock. I recommend checking out the director's cut as it features bonus content.

Just back from the cinema and can't remove the smile from my face. This genre of movie has been really lacking lately. Silly, cheesy, action packed movies that are just fun.

I'm a fan of the original television show and while this is it's own thing it definitely gives a nod here and there to the 80's. The casting is great, the stunts are brilliant, the plot is fairly thin but hey, it's a popcorn movie. Not everything has to be Oscar worthy.

I'd really love to see more movies like this released. Very little CGI, good stunts and just fun. The homage to the stuntmen at the end of the movie was a really nice touch too. Job well done.