The Wasteland Reviewer

The Fall Guy (2024) Written Review

Who is the right person to make a film about a stuntman? There has been a surge in stunt coordinators turned directors in Hollywood as of late and it would only make sense for someone like that to take the reins on a film. Chad Stahelski has made a giant impact with his work on the John Wick franchise but his partner in crime David Leitch has done quite well for himself too. Atomic Blonde certainly caught people’s attention with its amazing action and his biggest budget ventures into Deadpool 2 showed he could wrangle something bigger. But Leitch wanted to deliver a love letter to his first calling as a stuntman and now we have a delightful new film, The Fall Guy.

How does Leitch show his passion on screen? You can certainly feel the love in Drew Pearce’s script. There are certain meta elements to the film with a sequence even calling out the Academy’s lack of Oscar recognition for stunt workers. There are plenty of nods to great stunts in film as well as just a general love of film (one-character loves to quote movies throughout). But real passion can be seen in the action. There is so much amazing action in the film from start to finish. Leitch has a knack for action and between limited edits and boundary pushing stunts, The Fall Guy delivers a special experience. There are plenty of long takes as well which helps the action speak for itself and also create an engrossing environment. Leitch keeps growing his legacy and resume for action and making himself a premiere action director. There is log and sense in every shot and Leitch knows how to stage action for the right amount of razzle dazzle. There is also a great mix as well from hand-to-hand combat to car stunts to explosions.

What about the ton that Leitch delivers for The Fall Guy? There are some serious moments, especially as the film gets to its big climax. But there is a great sense of humor in the film. The laughs come in a few ways. There is some great physical comedy sprinkled throughout the action which would make Buster Keaton proud (one of the pioneer action stars of Hollywood). You also get a lot of laughs from Ryan Gosling…just being Ryan Gosling. He can make anything funny when he wants to, and he sure aims to do that here. There is also some fun banter between Gosling’s Colt and Emily Blunt’s Jody. That gets into the other prevalent element to the film and that is the romance. This film is a shockingly well done and effective romantic comedy. Leitch knows when to make sure the film focuses on that when it needs to and gives space to Gosling and Blunt to charm each other and the audience. Leitch and Pearce leverage some old school storytelling elements like split screen and voiceover to sell a classic Hollywood romantic comedy feel. The most shocking thing is that it all comes together!

How about the narrative that this romance and stunts are wrapped around? A stuntman who lost it all after a horrible accident including his confidence and the woman he loved (by his own fault) makes for a great hook. That stuntman getting a chance to save the first big film of his former flame is a great way to bring it all back. Pearce’s script gets a lot more complex with plenty of twists and turns. Some of those twists are more obvious than you might expect but it still makes for a fun ride. There are a few plot threads that feel a bit tacked on for more action but at least the action is worth it as well. But the focus on the love story keeps it all grounded and keeps the connection to the film together.

But who makes the film come to life? Gosling is a star without a shadow of a doubt. His acting ability is off the charts too. His ability to react and command the attention of the audience is unmatched. He just might be the modern Chaplin with his physicality, comedic chops, and ability to make his audience feel things. Gosling grabs the emotions and laughs throughout the whole film. Blunt is insanely charismatic and charming. How wouldn’t Colt fall for her? The chemistry between the two is insane and now we all need to see more films with them both. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is SO good at being a complete piece of crap…and a manchild. Hannah Waddingham is delightfully fake and manipulative at every turn. She certainly was having a blast and so was the audience. Winston Duke makes for a fun and formidable right-hand man for his buddy Colt.

Are you ready for a thrilling good time with all the disco-era KISS you could ever want? The Fall Guy has it all. There are car jumps, Maimi Vice homages, Phil Collins, karaoke, samurai swords, and straight spitting fire. That isn’t even all of it. The romance is one of the most charming on screen in a long time and the action is top tier. Leitch, Gosling, Blunt, and crew have delivered the right film to start the blockbuster movie season.