The Fall Guy (2024)
Modern blockbusters, with the notable exception of "Barbie," can be quite serious. Whether it’s the dense lore and world-building of “Dune” or “Avatar: The Way of Water,” or the self-serious connected universe of the MCU, blockbusters have often felt like work lately too. This does not mean that some of these movies aren't masterful; rather, there has been a lack of old-fashioned entertainment, which is the kind of Hollywood productions that are made to entertain more than anything else. a movie where you don't have to remember anything or watch the ones before it. "The Fall Guy" wants to keep you entertained. It wants to put the blinding star power of two of the industry’s most charismatic leads in fun, romantic situations and see what happens. It aims to embrace the team aspect of filmmaking in a manner that is infectious and, well, wildly entertaining, and to bring viewers back to a time when stunt work was more important than it is now thanks to CGI. This is a ridiculously enjoyable film, led by a star in a role that perfectly suits him and a director who has worked really hard for this film his entire career.
David Leitch started as a stunt double, working with actors like Brad Pitt, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Matt Damon, and many more. His first film as a director was a small one called "John Wick." From there, he went on to make movies like "Atomic Blonde" and "Bullet Train." In "The Fall Guy," which is based on the Lee Majors show of the same name about a stuntman in Hollywood who also happens to be a bounty hunter, he goes back to his roots. Little narrative DNA is shared with the show beyond a profession and a name, but the 2024 “The Fall Guy” does have the general tone of ‘80s television in the way it blends a bit of humor, romance, mystery, and action into the mix, willing to drop references to the action stars that inspired it while also carving out its own personality.
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| The Fall Guy (2024) |
Ryan Gosling plays the new Colt Seavers with a ridiculous amount of charisma. He gives one of those broadly captivating performances that made him so likable in films like "The Nice Guys," but he also relies on some acting chops and intensity that should make fans think of his iconic role in "Drive." “The Fall Guy” is very much about the people behind the scenes of the movie industry, but it’s almost more of an ode to the era of the movie star, when a performer could hold a viewer over any narrative speedbump. Leitch and the team behind "The Fall Guy" clearly remember a time when a superstar who was both sexy and funny think Burt Reynolds at his peak could be more than enough. Although Hollywood's shift to a story- and concept-driven approach to filmmaking was mostly for the better, Leitch and the team clearly remember that time. Gosling exudes that laid-back charm. The man next to me at the bar where I was watching him sing "I'm Just Ken" at the Oscars said, "I'm almost annoyed at how that guy can do anything." The last five words of that statement are demonstrated once more by "The Fall Guy."
Colt makes his entrance on set as the stunt double for a glamorous action star named Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who skillfully combines elements of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and even Matthew McConaughey, creating a character that feels authentic without directly imitating any one actor). After a disastrous fall, Colt finds himself out of action for 18 months, leaving his girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt) and possibly his career behind. When Jody’s producer, Gail (Hannah Waddingham), approaches Colt, pleading for him to step back into the role of Ryder’s double for Jody’s directorial debut, he reluctantly agrees. The first act of “The Fall Guy” unfolds like a romantic comedy, showcasing a memorable scene where Jody confronts Colt about his retreat from their relationship after his accident, highlighting the lack of privacy on a film set. As the story progresses, penned by Drew Pearce, it shifts gears into a blend of mystery and action when Ryder mysteriously disappears. The cast also features Winston Duke, Stephanie Hsu, Teresa Palmer, and a French-speaking action dog, adding to the ensemble's charm. The soundtrack includes nostalgic hits from the show's era, notably the iconic riff of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” by KISS, serving as a delightful nod to both the original series and the action-romantic comedies of Hollywood's past.
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| The Fall Guy (2024) |
A central theme of “The Fall Guy” revolves around the risks stunt performers take, often coming close to injury, and ultimately giving a thumbs up to show they’re alright. These unsung heroes play a crucial role in making many classic films memorable, yet they rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Consequently, “The Fall Guy” showcases some jaw-dropping stunts, including a record-setting cannon roll, an astonishing fight inside a spinning dumpster, and several impressive vehicle jumps. Leitch and his crew strike a nice balance between character development, humor, and action, although it’s a bit disappointing that Blunt takes a lesser role in the film's latter half, especially after the strong chemistry she shares with her co-star early on. Hsu also seems underutilized, while Waddingham and Duke shine, particularly Duke, who reminds audiences of his versatile talents.
With a message that resonates with those concerned about AI and deep fakes, “The Fall Guy” serves as a counter to the CGI-laden, soulless blockbusters that have dominated the film landscape in recent years. It actively and some critics might say too forcefully aims to deliver what has become a rare commodity in major films: pure enjoyment.
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