The Fall Guy

I'd love to get behind this as a thrilling stunt showcase and worthy campaign for stunt-performance film-awards recognition, all tied together with a witty and self-aware central rom-com performance from two top quality actors with top on-screen chemistry, I did love the trailer, I did find the concept appealing. However for a project like this to work satisfactorily, regardless of the talent involved, it must be written well, it must be directed well. This is written badly and it doesn't hold together, and the direction is poor, it's a stupid story that doesn't work.

That accepted I enjoyed many elements, the stunts, some of the jokes, the sometimes ridiculous neon hair-shimmering slow-motion cinematography, the ultimate man-cave sequence, Ryan's jackets, Emily's catsuit-belt-combo (with invisible holster), the on-set movie-making exposition-demonstration-magic similar to HBO's Irma Vep...the behind-the-scenes stunt-reel over the end credits...until that last bit.

Look, I'm glad everyone is enjoying themselves, I just think it is also possible to make a good story out of a fun concept, so we can all enjoy it, and somehow that's not what happened here.

The Fall Guy starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is now streaming on Peacock. Based off the action tv show from the 80s starring Lee Majors and Heather Thomas, this action-packed comedy directed by David Leitch is a wonderful love letter to all stuntmen and stuntwomen in the industry.

This was a really fun movie to watch, and I wish I got to see it in theaters. The visual effects and stunt coordination were out of this world, Gosling and Blunt's performances were brilliant, and the writing of the film made this the perfect summer blockbuster. What they did more than anything else was give a voice to all the stuntmen and stuntwomen who are underappreciated and undervalued in the industry. We see this almost immediately when Colt (Gosling) suffers a near deadly injury and the next thing he knows, he has been easily replaced and is now working valet. This movie also sheds more light on something that we already knew a little bit about which is that being a stunt person is extremely dangerous. Because of this movie, whenever I see an action film moving forward, I am going to be paying closer attention to the action sequences to appreciate the stunt work.

The original theatrical version along with the extended directors cut are both streaming on Peacock. I recommend checking out the director's cut as it features bonus content.

The Fall Guy is a movie about making a movie. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays an action star who's stuntman is played by Ryan Gosling... who has a real stuntman doing his stunts. The Fall Guy is filled with this type of third-degree meta-ness. I found it amusing.

The intro to the early screening called it a love letter to stuntmen. This is an accurate statement. Everyone who loves movies, action fans specifically, owe so much of their enjoyment to stuntmen. The movie showcases so many beautiful stunts. It truly is a celebration of that profession.

This is also heavily a love story. I normally don't go for that, but this one hit me in all the right ways. I felt all of the emotions they wanted me to feel.

I think most people will enjoy The Fall Guy. But the ones who will love it the most are people who are fascinated by the artistry of in-camera action, or fans of romantic comedies. Also, we need an Oscar for stunt work asap.

(1 viewing, early screening EMX 5/1/2024)

Like with "Top Gun: Maverick", some witchcraftery was undoubtedly used to shift a thin, generic story into considerably more poignant, refreshing, even warranted territory.

I loved "The Fall Guy" for what it is! A fun, feel-good blockbuster that knows exactly what it wants to accomplish...and does so in tremendous style that feels as peak Hollywood as a movie can get.

Also, it's a much-needed and endearing homage to stunt performers and the tremendous(ly overlooked) value they bring.

The movie doesn't miss a beat, it looks gorgeous (the production value is top notch), Gosling's as charming as ever, and the ending felt so deserved and satisfactory that it left me with a huge grin.

What more could I possibly ask for 😁

The whole movie is like a lot is going on yet it's all very flat. Some scenes are just too cheesy. The pacing was somewhat weird but i guess it is very likely to happen when you try to blend chunks of romcom, action, and crime scenes altogether into a 2-hour movie.

Was kinda surprised by Aaron Taylor-Johnson though. Have always thought of him as a great actor but never realized he can be good at playing a silly cartoonish and very stereotypical character also. He was hilarious! !

Overall it's not to my personal taste at all but this is an okay movie. If you're looking for a no-brainer fun movie you can go for it but don't expect too much.