- Release year: 2024
- Director: David Leitch.
- Producers: Guymon Casady, Ryan Gosling, David Leitch and Kelly McCormick.
- Screenplay by: Drew Pearce.
- Cinematographer: Jonathan Sela.
- Music by: Dominic Lewis.
Synopsis: a stuntman gets back on the saddle after a horrible accident in hopes to be forgiven by the love of his life.
Shotgun Commentary: Ken goes on his own adventure, paying tribute to all stuntmen in the process.
Review
The Fall Guy is an action-packed comedy that puts the stuntmen’s work in the spotlight. It pays tribute to these silent adrenaline junkies who do the craziest tricks to make movies look awesome, risking their physical integrity and often their lives.
Following the example of films like Long ma jing shen (Larry Yang, 2023), the film is dedicated to showing the audience just how paramount and dangerous the role of these professionals is. They let you see the human side of people who never complain, and almost never get any credit, despite being put in the most extreme situations.
While the Emmys and SAG Awards added stuntmen categories some years ago, the Academy still hides behind video tributes and Oscars to actors playing stuntmen instead of stuntmen themselves. This says a lot about the people who manage this institution and their inability to adapt to the modern times.
Love and the lovers
The love story is hilarious, not overly sweet, yet endearing to the core. The non-stop ridiculous situations in which stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) and movie director Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) find themselves are awkward, but not to the point of discomfort. The line between embarrassing and funny is never crossed, a feat that a big part of the audience will appreciate.
Gosling delivers a hysterical character that is emotionally clumsy, physically indestructible and overall preposterously charming. Due to its release date, it is hard not to make a mental connection between Seavers and Ken (Barbie, 2023). The first being a more action-prone Ken, but with the exact same golden retriever energy.
As for Blunt, her grumpy but sweet roles just never get old. Could Jody be Emily (The Devil Wears Prada, 2006) in another life? No doubt, just swap cinema for fashion and you’re there. Does it get tiring or repetitive? Not. At. All.
If anyone has mastered the blunt (pun intended) but adorable character, it is her. Blunt has this personality down to a T, and it is brilliant to see her nail it every time. Granted, it is not a very risky role, but her action scene brings just enough novelty to the role to keep it entertaining. Incidentally, an action scene that is an example of self-defence and badass behaviour all in one.
The perfect counterbalance
Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) providing contrast to Seavers. Ryder is an actor who likes to brag about doing his own stunts, when nothing could be further from the truth. Johnson brings to life a horrible person, proving that no matter how angelic one’s face is, anyone can be a villain. While it is not the first time we’ve seen him play an evil part, the balance between comedic and wicked that he brings to this film is perfect to balance Seavers’ righteousness without bringing down the mood or the pace.
Mentions and homages
Aside from The Fall Guy (1981-1986) stars’ Lee Majors and Heather Thomas cameo, the references in this film are endless. From mentions of actors like Tom Cruise or films like Fast and Furious (2001), to actual quotes from movies like Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) or The Last of the Mohicans (1992). Regardless, the best references of all are the ones that leave the textual behind in pro of the visuals.
The first one is Seavers’ endless search for a coffee, this immediately transports you to Hudson Hawk (1991) and gives you the urge to see him enjoy a coffee. Additionally, there are some nods to Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) like the weapon/guitar and the style of the vehicles, to Dune (2021) with the final set and the music, to Cowboys & Aliens (2011) in the fictional film’s outfits…
All these films are high-octane and wouldn’t have been possible without great stuntmen. Their mention serves as a reminder of the sheer amount of films that got to be what they are thanks to these overlooked professionals.
Killer music
The soundtrack is simply perfect for the feature. The classic rock love songs are just the genre and theme that a movie about a stuntman in love needs. The number of versions of the same song one can use during a movie is impressive in the best of ways, and leaving the original one for the climactic ending is spot on. Every song fits perfectly with the rhythm and atmosphere of each moment, guiding the audience through the story seamlessly.
All in all, The Fall Guy promises incredible stuntmen feats, comedy and a love story, and it delivers all of that and more. If you want to have a good time, laugh like crazy and witness truly jaw-dropping stunts, this is the film for you!
Advice to take from this movie:
- Never accept drinks from strangers.
- Rock love songs never get old.
- Never underestimate a producer’s resources.
What’s your take? Have you watched The Fall Guy? What’s your favourite Ryan Gosling role? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀