Taking the old 80s TV series focused on a stuntman who moonlights as a private investigator and updating it for a new generation, The Fall Guy stands out as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of movie-making: the dedicated working class behind the camera. It’s a unique blend of action and comedy that delves into the industry’s issues and remains accessible to mainstream moviegoers. (Stephaine Hsu’s witty lines, like ‘give me a producer credit…sign this NDA’, added a delightful touch to the movie.)
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt’s impeccable performances brought a unique charm to this movie. Their on-screen chemistry was delightful and a testament to their exceptional comedic talents, which they should embrace in more movies. This film also showcases some of the best A-list talent working in Hollywood today, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience for my audience at an advanced screening cackled on IMAX.
See Also: ‘Abigail’ Review: A Bloody Good Time
Director David Leitch’s unique style, as seen in Bullet Train and Atomic Blonde, brought a lot of fun to The Fall Guy. The plot, guided by Leitch’s Shane Black influences, takes Colt Seavers (played by Gosling) on a rollercoaster of over-the-top situations. The movie is a visual treat, full of amusing gags. The plot may be thin, but the amusement factor was cranked to ten.
The Fall Guy is a movie about more than just stunts; it reflects the current industry and issues working people face at an inflection point. With the outsourcing of human stunt work to visual effects, money-hungry people are on top, obsessed with ROI, and even fearing AI ending a way of life. 87North cofounder Kelly McCormick uses his production company to put humans back in big movies.
This movie is a nostalgic glimpse into the past glory of mass-appeal blockbuster filmmaking not tied to a well-known IP. It serves as a reminder of what it could be and a hope for future things if many people see it. It became a hit; I had a goofy smile during most of the run time, reminiscing about the good old days of such movies and wishing we could get more like this. This is the first movie to open in summer, and it isn’t a Marvel movie. The last time that happened was when I was an undergrad in college (2006).
The Fall Guy is now playing in theaters and IMAX nationwide.
