Posted by Stuntmen usually work in the shadows, and do not hog the limelight. Director David Leitch, having helmed Bullet Train and worked on the John Wick films, is a dab hand at action and thinks they deserve more recognition. Loosely based on an 80s American TV show, The Fall Guy is his love letter to stuntmen.
Ryan Gosling is Colt Seavers, a seasoned stuntman with the scars to prove it. After suffering a bad accident on set, he steps away and decides to live the quiet life. He gets dragged back on set though and gets embroiled in a deadly conspiracy starring the lead man Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Cue lots of insane action and general ridiculousness.
The plot is silly and has more holes than Swiss cheese, but it is just a vehicle for over the top stunts and bonkers action. On those counts this film delivers, The Fall Guy is outrageous entertainment with something for everyone. From visceral, adrenaline fuelled action to the will they, won’t they romance between Colt and Emily Blunt’s director Jody. It is an absolute hoot from start to finish, and the most fun I have had this year outside of Hit Man. Plus, it is actually funny which is a rare thing for a Hollywood blockbuster.
Grounding the colourful spectacle is the budding romance between Gosling and Blunt’s characters, the chemistry between them is palpable. Both actors put on scene stealing performances, and it is obvious they had a blast on set. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is good value as the obnoxious, self centred film star. Hannah Waddingham (Sex Education, Game of Thrones) is at ease as the slick and all to charming film producer Jody.
Fall Guy is a fast paced, adrenaline fuelled romp with good humour and a good heart.
8/10
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