Director David Leitch pays tribute to Hollywood’s most perilous profession in his latest film, “The Fall Guy”—a nod to both the daring stunts of the movie industry and the 1980s TV series “The Fall Guy”. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt bring their roles to life with a mix of irony and exuberance.
“The Fall Guy” wastes no time getting to the point. From the opening scene, viewers are primed for two hours packed with action, romance, a touch of drama, but mostly humor and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
The Underappreciated Stuntman
“The Fall Guy” is more than just a salute to classic popcorn cinema; it also tips its hat to the 80s evening show about Colt Seavers, a stuntman with a side gig as a bounty hunter. However, this film is not a remake but rather a contemporary prequel of sorts.
Ryan Gosling portrays Colt Seavers with a self-deprecating charm. After a devastating fall that led him to step away from the film industry, Seavers is pulled back in to save the directorial debut of his love interest, Jodie, played by Emily Blunt. Stunts are just part of his job this time—he’s also on a mission to find a missing lead actor from Jodie’s movie. As Seavers is coaxed into the search, a humorous exchange highlights the reality: stuntmen do the dirty work but rarely get noticed.
A Tribute to Stunt Performers
Director David Leitch, who himself spent years as a stuntman doubling for stars like Brad Pitt and Jean-Claude Van Damme, celebrates the art of physical commitment in action blockbusters such as “John Wick” and “Bullet Train”. “The Fall Guy” showcases the demanding nature of stunt work and the extensive technical team that supports stunt doubles.
Entertainment at Its Quirkiest
In “The Fall Guy”, Leitch ramps up the humor to ludicrous levels. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt shine with charisma and infectious joy. Meanwhile, serious blockbusters that sideline genuine stunt work in favor of CGI receive comedic critique, notably with jabs at “Dune” for its yellow-tinted desert aesthetics in a recurring mockumentary segment.
The film is replete with meta-levels and insider jokes from the film industry, playfully mocking the quest for a climactic finale and taking light-hearted digs at Tom Cruise and Jean-Claude Van Damme. While the film may not delve deep, it certainly resurrects the almost-forgotten era of popcorn cinema, ensuring entertainment is front and center—sometimes even pushing the limits of pain tolerance.
