The Fall Guy
18 months ago, stuntman Colt Seavers suffered a devastating injury that halted his career, and ended his relationship with camera operator Jody.
Now he is getting back to work, and it just so happens to be Jody’s first movie as a director. But when the leading man goes missing, Colt must try track him down, which leads to a case of mistaken identity – and Colt being accused of murder.
Direction
Directed by action guru David Leitch, who is famous for his absurdity when it comes to over the top action, with the likes of Deadpool 2 and Bullet Train. It’s the same again here, but with a few new techniques thrown in.
There are two very noticeable long takes, primarily at the very start of the film with the introduction to Colt and Jody; and later on when Jody is directing on the beach with dozens of explosions going on nearby.
I also liked the choreography of the ‘split screen’ and the meta conversation between the leads during it.
I found the addition of the opening credits at the 10m mark a little strange, and quite redundant.
Cast/Characters
The primary cast are Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt as Colt and Jody. While they are both tremendously talented actors, I found them to be ‘just okay’ here.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was sound too as Tom Ryder, a clear play on Tom Cruise (geddit?), who constantly brags about doing his own stunts. He struggles a bit with the American accent, and this could have been done better if it was incorporated into the script (a Brit who can’t do an American accent).
Ted Lasso and Game of Thrones’ Hannah Waddingham plays a key role in the film. I wish there was a reference to the latter television show. Shame.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
The blend of drama and comedy is done quite well in the first half an hour of the film, and I was quite surprised by how much heart it had. This falls off after a little while into the absurdity and ‘plot armor hero’.
I found the clear friendship between the lead stars Gosling and Blunt clear and obvious, and because of this – I struggled a little to believe them as a couple, even with the Barbenheimer “conflict” that they shared too.
Other meta moments is the clear desire that the film industry (or certain award ceremonies) don’t recognise stunt performers like they should. The film itself asks the question ‘why isn’t there an award for stunts’
Academy? Helloo?
Overall
I quite enjoyed this, while there was nothing overly amazing about it; it still was a fun Saturday night in.
Give it a watch.
3.5/5
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