As one of Corner of Film’s most anticipated movies of 2024, The Fall Guy possessed a unique potential even ahead of its release. With two of the world’s biggest and most beloved stars leading the romantic action-comedy, expectations were immediately high. Combine that with the unique style of Deadpool 2 and Bullet Train, and David Leitch seemed the perfect choice to direct.
The Fall Guy is a reimagining of the 1980s TV show of the same name, but with a romantic spin. It follows stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) as he works to uncover a conspiracy involving a missing actor (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) in an effort to save the directorial debut of his ex-girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt). The premise combines romance, action, and a significant amount of comedy.
The film’s cast also features Winston Duke, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, and cameos by Jason Momoa, Lee Majors, and Heather Thomas. Its story about a movie in production allows for a number of meta references and jokes, adding an unexpected depth to its comedy. However, meta elements are far from The Fall Guy‘s greatest asset.
Ryan Gosling & Emily Blunt’s Chemistry Shines Throughout
As with any film featuring a romantic story, chemistry between the lead actors is crucial. Gosling and Blunt perfectly capture their respective characters’ motivations and emotions, with their individual strengths being tapped into throughout. Gosling’s brooding head-over-heels tough guy with a heart perfectly compliments Blunt’s tentative, no-nonsense (but still incredibly likeable) character. They each bring touches of their own personalities to the role, helping both characters feel all the more organic.
This makes Colt and Jody’s relationship more than just a plot point. The audience become immediately invested in their romance, because both characters access the traits that made their actors so beloved in the first place. Though their romance isn’t the most prominent plot point, it’s a vein that runs through every aspect of the story, and their chemistry allows it to work perfectly.
The Fall Guy Perfectly Employs Goslings’ Unique Charisma
Ryan Gosling is undeniably the star of the film. His stunt-fuelled crusade to win back the love of his life is endearing enough alone, but when the actor’s own charisma is worked into the character, it makes him magnetic. The Fall Guy builds upon Gosling’s previously popular roles (Drive, The Nice Guys, Barbie) to ensure he’s simultaneously as cool and as funny as possible at all points.
The way in which Gosling’s talents are used is a perfect indicator of why he’s the quintessential modern movie star. He’s effortlessly cool, but is also capable of communicating emotion and vulnerability. Gosling’s charm makes Colt one of the most likable characters in recent movie history, and helps to make The Fall Guy relentlessly fun yet still emotional throughout.
Rating: 85%
Summary: The Fall Guy is a self-aware examination of the toxicity of Hollywood wrapped in a love story that’s wrapped in an action movie. The talents of its stars and its deeply entertaining tone make it an excellent blockbuster that offers something for everyone.
Highlight: The self-awareness of its action sequences, combined with its exceptional score, make many of its set pieces truly brilliant.