‘The Fall Guy’ takes a stand
Get ready for one of the most surprising but fun joyrides of 2024. While many cinema fans out there might be a little worried about the action-comedy tag linked to the brand-new film ‘The Fall Guy’, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about here because ‘The Fall Guy’ is not just a great action-comedy, it is an excellent film all round and deserves to be one of the blockbuster successes of this year. Directed by David Leitch (Bullet Train) at its core The Fall Guy is the romantic story of production assistant turned director Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt – Edge of Tomorrow) and stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling – La La land).
The pair are the perfect couple – they click on every level and love spending time together, but then while working on the latest action blockbuster starring Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson – Kick-Ass), Colt has a severe accident that results in him hurting his back. Rather than letting Jody take care of him, Colt bolts, deciding that she is better off without him.
Flashforward a year and Colt is working as a valet while Jody has been given the chance to prove herself as a director on Ryder’s latest blockbuster. Out of the blue and without warning Jody, the film’s producer, Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham – Les Miserables), contacts Colt and tells him that Jody wants him to come and work on the film – which is being filmed in Sydney, Australia.
Without hesitation Colt jumps on a plane and arrives on set where he learns that first of all Jody has no idea that he was coming and that Gail has an ulterior motive – rather than just work on the film, she wants him to go and find Ryder, whom she believes has fallen in with a criminal crowd that has put his life in danger.
What makes The Fall Guy such an exceptional film is that while it dabbles in a lot of different genres, it never leaves any of them hanging or underused. First, the romance aspect of the film works – Colt and Jody are a likeable couple and you want to see them back together by the end of the film.
Then there is the comedy side to the film, which once again thanks to a brilliant screenplay by Drew Pearce (Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation) nails every single comedic moment that it attempts without ever getting in the way of the story at hand. That screenplay certainly deserves a mention because the film is so well written that it manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seat while also providing such genuine twists and turns that nobody will see coming.
To top that all off, there are the action sequences of the film. And yes, while the film has some direct nods to franchises like Mission: Impossible, The Fast and the Furious, Dune and Mad Max to name a few, it also has enough originality to more than impress even the most hardened action fans. To say this is a film that some will instantly fall in love with is an understatement.
Perhaps even more important is the fact that the action sequences of this film, if not the film itself, should be considered a tribute to stuntpeople both past and present. While many may not want to admit it, stuntwork is an art form in itself, an artistic endeavour that has cost some people their lives over the years. While we have to wait and see whether there will finally be a recognition of stunt work in The Academy Awards over the next few years this film certainly gives those brave performers some muchdeserved recognition, especially with the brilliant behind-the-scenes montage during the final credits.
Of course there are other things that make this film something special as well – there is the stunning soundtrack and the sensational use of songs within the screenplay itself – especially the placement of Against All Odds by Phil Collins and All Too Well by
Taylor Swift. These songs aren’t just used in the film, they are written into the film with some beautiful writing of the screenplay.
Then there are also the amazing acting performances. Ryan Gosling was born to play Colt and he brings the likable character to the screen in a way that very few actors would be able to. Alongside him is Emily Blunt who is equally brilliant and seems to throw her heart and soul into this performance… all while having a lot of fun. And while both are stunning in their roles they are also both nearly overshadowed by one very, very cute stunt-dog who steals every scene he is in.
The Fall Guy is one truly amazing film. It just goes to show that a popcorn movie can have a touch of brilliance while still entertaining the audience. And just a tip: if you’re going to see the film, one of its funniest moments is in the end credits and comes in the form of a truly surprising yet hilarious cameo… so make sure you stick around – but to be honest, you’ll probably be glued to your seat anyway as The Fall Guy is an unrelenting ride of action, romance and thrills that certainly will not disappoint.
The Fall Guy is currently screening in Phuket and is rated ‘13’
4/5 Stars
David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print.
He is also an accredited reviewer for Rotten Tomatoes. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/ subcultureentertainmentaus