David Leitch’s latest film is like a rollercoaster ride. At times it’s thrilling, filled with laughter and adrenaline, at others it just coasts along without much feeling, and sometimes you find yourself wishing it would just end sooner. The overall result is mixed.
“The Fall Guy” appears to have all the ingredients for a spectacular blockbuster—an acclaimed director, a star-studded cast, and plenty of breathtaking action in stunning locations.
However, upon closer inspection, something essential is missing—not just a minor detail, but a fundamental pillar of any great film: a solid and believable script without flat characters and silly scenes.
Professional stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) doubles for an arrogant movie superstar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) while dating an aspiring cinematographer Jody (Emily Blunt), who dreams of becoming a director.
When Colt is seriously injured during a dangerous stunt, he loses his long-time job and voluntarily gives up his love because he doesn’t want to stand in Jody’s way to success. He becomes bitter, starts to pity himself, and becomes withdrawn. Yet, he misses the adrenaline rush associated with his former profession.
A year after the accident, living a completely different life away from the cameras, he is called by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), who insists she needs him back on set as she knows no one better.
Initially, the retired stuntman declines, but changes his mind when he finds out his “comeback” could be Jody’s debut film, apparently at her request. This small lie kickstarts a crazy series of events, with Colt’s life once again on the line.
“The Fall Guy” is a charming tribute to the often-overlooked heroes of cinema, the stunt performers, whose names are seldom known while they do the dirtiest work and frequently risk their lives for the perfect shot. It’s a shame that there is still no Oscar category dedicated to this craft, which the film humorously addresses.
Who better to make a film about stunt performers than a former stuntman himself? Before David Leitch became one of today’s most respected action directors, he indeed doubled for Brad Pitt and Jean-Claude Van Damme, which is why his new release resonates with genuine love and respect for the profession.
Now, the former stuntman is living his dream, no longer needing to be set on fire, jump through glass, or fall from great heights. Leitch made his debut with the first John Wick and continued with the masterful Atomic Blonde, featuring stunning choreography.
He then delighted audiences with the successful sequel to Deadpool. His Fast & Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw was a bit off, but he returned to the top tier with the clever, witty, and sharp Bullet Train. However, “The Fall Guy” fails on a weaker script, offering plenty of clichés and shallow characters, along with a rather cheap plot.
Screenwriter Drew Pearce previously penned only three films (Iron Man 3, Hotel Artemis, and Hobbs & Shaw), none of which exceeded mediocrity. All lacked deeper significance, mature character psychology, and sophistication. Ironically, The Fall Guy is his best work yet, but still not enough for an excellent, fully functional film.
Leitch’s new release aims to be both a romantic comedy and a tough action crime thriller, but it simply cannot be everything in equal measure. We know from the past that the American director fares better in more consistent genres, where too many plotlines and experiments at least do not distract the viewer’s attention.
Fortunately, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt keep the film afloat. They are “consistently” good, though we all know these are far from Oscar-worthy performances and they are capable of more. Nevertheless, their roles suit them well and their chemistry works.
British “hottie” Aaron Taylor-Johnson also plays the foolish addict brilliantly, and a final cameo by a modern action hero (name withheld) brings a pleasant smile to the face. Although the negatives and positives battle it out, it’s still decent, slightly above-average entertainment.
