Following his role in the 2023 hit film “Barbie,” Ryan Gosling returns to the big screen alongside Emily Blunt in “The Fall Guy,” which was released in theaters on May 3, 2024.
Inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name, the film follows a Hollywood stuntman, Colt Seavors (Gosling), working on his ex-girlfriend, Jody Moreno’s, (Blunt) directorial debut action film. Colt had previously left his work and Jody after a stunt mishap. However, eighteen months later, Colt finds himself returning to work as a stuntman on Jody’s film when he finds out she’s directing it.
Things become more tense when Tom Ryder, the action star Colt used to work for, vanishes. It’s up to Colt to find and track him down or risk having the film’s production canceled.
If there is anything that people enjoy from seeing action movies, it’s the crazy and intense stunts that have you at the edge of your seat; “The Fall Guy” is no exception. The film really outdid itself with its practical stunts. Every scene is action-packed and highly energetic.
Most of the stunts performed in the film took place in road vehicles which is a very common thing in many action films, like Mission Impossible and the Fast and Furious franchise. “The Fall Guy” excels with moving car stunts. Ryan Gosling’s stunt driver, Logan Holladay, received a Guinness World Record for most cannon rolls performed in a car. According to the press release, this “involves fitting a cannon-like apparatus beneath a car that shoots toward the ground. As the vehicle reaches a designated speed, the mechanism triggers and propels the car into a series of rolls.” Holladay broke the record by appearing in almost 8.5 cannon rolls.
The film provides a deeper knowledge of how much time and energy stunt doubles go through during the process of filmmaking, from stunts that require plummeting to the ground or getting launched by an explosive. It’s tedious work and this film acts as a reason why these types of films are better seen in theaters.
The majority of the well-crafted stunts in the film all come from the mind of the film’s director, David Leitch. He is into stunts bigtime, as he directed a lot of stunt coordinated films. Starting with his directorial debut in 2014 with “John Wick,” he would eventually go on to direct some iconic films including the 2018 sequel “Deadpool 2” and his most recent film “Bullet Train.” It’s films like these that are massive when it comes to including daredevil stunts. Not only is Leitch a director, but he has a tight history as a stunt performer on dozens of films and TV shows. By taking his knowledge of the craft and bringing it to life, he delivers a reason on why audiences love these types of movies.
On top of its intense action scenes is a story that provides a perfect blend of heart and humor, with a few twists and turns that will definitely keep audiences intrigued until the end.
Most of the credit has to go to the performances given by a perfect well-rounded cast. Ryan Gosling, as always, delivers on most of the comedy and drama. Gosling is no stranger when it comes to delivering humor. His signature charm and physicality are in full swing, especially since he recently starred in other famous blockbuster hits, including the academy-award nominated films, “Barbie” and “La La Land.” This film shows that Gosling still has enough humor in his body to blow anyone away.
Emily Blunt also steals the show with her trademark wit and strength. This film follows her academy award nomination for her appearance in “Oppenheimer.” Both Blunt and Gosling have proven themselves as a powerhouse duo both on and off screen.
“The Fall Guy” is the definitive reason why people enjoy going to see these movies in the theater. As a movie with a well balanced story and over-the-top action scenes, it’s clear that the individuals who perform these stunts everyday are the real movie heroes. This film is a love letter to the talented stuntmen and women who take risks everyday and deliver on creating a viewing experience that will leave audiences satisfied. It’s not just an average run-of-the-mill action film with high class acting and stunt performances; this is a film that makes you want to appreciate why these films are enjoyed by millions of individuals.
