In a time where the most action we see on the big screen is via a green screen generic superhero flick, The Fall Guy is exactly what we need in cinema right now.
Written by Drew Pearce and Glen A. Larson, directed by David Leitch, with Ryan Gosling also involved as a co-producer, The Fall Guy stars Ryan Gosling as stuntman Colt Seavers, opposite Emily Blunt as budding film director and love interest, Jody Moreno.
Colt and Jody have intense chemistry from the very beginning. But after a horrible incident, they’re separated and Colt disappears from the industry altogether. After he receives an unexpected call and discovers his dream girl is in the picture again, Colt decides he’ll do whatever it takes for a second chance.
Ryan Gosling is the ultimate lead and thoroughly impresses as Colt Seavers. Colt is insatiably likable, his journey is unpredictable, and Gosling masterfully holds us on the edge of our seats for majority of the movie. His on-screen chemistry with Emily Blunt is believable and all we want is for the characters to finally make it work and get together. However, The Fall Guy isn’t just a romance, it’s also a light-hearted action packed thriller, a comedy, with a little bit of murder mystery in there to boot.
The film has a sensational supporting cast too which includes the beloved Hannah Waddingham as film producer Gail Meyer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as top dog film star Tom Ryder, Stephanie Hsu as dog-walker and assistant Alma Milan, and Winston Duke as the charismatic and goofy stunt coordinator Dan Tucker. Together, alongside Gosling and Blunt, this talented team combine their powers to make the most action-packed, hilarious and entertaining adventure that we’ve seen on-screen in decades.
I must add, I loved Winston Duke and Ryan Gosling bonding as Dan and Colt. Their characters’ friendship was deliciously and gleefully entertaining and if I had to criticise one thing, it would be that they weren’t on screen together enough. But that’s just a good excuse to throw them into another film together, right?
The Fall Guy is a fantastic cinematic feature and passionately fills the void I have so dearly missed, action films. Real stunts, action sequences, and a guaranteed damn good time at the cinema. The narrative is easy to follow and is so well paced, the film never actually feels long despite its over 2 hour run time. The film artfully weaves together romance, action, comedy and murder mystery thriller with ease. This is a combination that I would love to see more of!
Did I mention that the stunts are impressively insane? They are! Car jumps, building jumps, you name it – they’re here. Seeing the stunts pulled off in this film is well worth admission alone. It is even more wonderful knowing that this movie was filmed right here in Australia – in Sydney. It really was so much fun recognising iconic locations and seeing familiar streets while the story unfolded.
The Fall Guy is an open love letter to the unsung heroes of Hollywood – the stuntmen. This film is so great, I daresay that it would collectively make Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Cruise and Jackie Chan weep with joy.
Also, you must make sure to stay in your seats during the credits. Otherwise, you’ll not only miss the cool behind the scenes footage of the crazy stunts that this film showcases (which happily reminded me of Jackie Chan movies), but you’ll also miss the definitive conclusion to the film.
Run, don’t walk to see The Fall Guy. If you too have loved and missed action movies like I have, or if you just want to have a good time at the cinema, this movie is a must-see on the big screen!
The Fall Guy is in cinemas now.