Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Director: David Leitch
In Cinemas: 2nd May 2024
The traditional notion suggests that during Hollywood’s summer blockbuster season, it’s advisable to set aside any intellectual engagement before stepping into the cinema. David Leitch’s “The Fall Guy” epitomises this belief entirely. It lacks substantial depth and requires viewers to embrace its fantastical elements or disengage entirely, much like my experience. Inspired loosely by the 1980s TV series featuring Lee Majors, “The Fall Guy” follows the story of Ryan Gosling’s Colt Seavers, an ageing stuntman who doubles for the renowned Hollywood actor Tom Ryder (portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Colt finds himself romantically involved with the film’s director (played by Emily Blunt), complicating matters when Ryder vanishes, leaving Colt to track him down. Initially intriguing, the film captivates as Colt embarks on his quest to find Ryder, uncovering a convoluted conspiracy reminiscent of Shane Black’s noir comedy, “The Nice Guys.” However, Leitch’s penchant for chaos takes over, inundating the narrative with excessive action sequences that detract from the overall experience. Despite this, the film’s action segments offer some entertainment within its guise as a romantic comedy masquerading as a stunt-centric production.
The romantic chemistry between Gosling and Blunt provides some charm in ‘Fall Guy,’ as they engage in delightful banter and flirtation, showcasing their characters’ mutual attraction. Leitch sometimes prioritises romance over action, which can be misleading to the viewer when expected full-on action in some parts
If you’re familiar with Leitch’s previous films like “John Wick,” “Deadpool 2,” and “Atomic Blonde,” ‘Fall Guy’ might either entice or deter you, as it follows a similar formula of flashy yet hollow entertainment. Despite its emphasis on stunt work and stylised choreography, the film lacks substance and coherence in its storytelling, resulting in a tedious 126-minute experience filled with gratuitous gags and self-indulgent nods to the audience. While some may appreciate the impressive stunts, the nonsensical script ultimately undermines any potential enjoyment, leaving the film feeling like a vacuous exercise in style.
Overall: 6/10
Movie Reviewer
