Review by Dan Berry and Darren Shulman
Director: David Leitch
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, and Winston Duke
Movie Length: 2 hours 6 minutes
What it’s about: From former stuntman now director, David Leitch comes a movie (loosely based on the Lee Majors tv series of the same name from the 1980s) about a stuntman who while working on a film for his ex, becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the lead actor.
What Dan thought: This movie is definitely a love letter to all the unsung heroes that make movies look good…the stuntman/stuntwomen. From beginning to end (including a Guinness World Record for most cannon rolls by a vehicle).
While it’s a remake in only the names of the movie and the main character that doesn’t negate the fact that it’s a great stand alone movie. It acts as both a making of a movie movie (as we see a lot of behind the scenes type scenes from the filming of a movie) and a conspiracy type movie (as we see Ryan’s Colt Seavers become embroiled in one).
As to be expected from someone with the stuntman pedigree like David Leitch, the stunts and fight scenes in the movie were top notch. The soundtrack was great (well during the movie, the remake of The Unknown Stuntman that played during the closing credits left a lot to be desired…).
The chemistry between Ryan and Emily was terrific, and both of them put in great performances. The supporting cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, and Winston Duke were all great and provided some comedic relief when needed.
There are a few easter eggs for fans of the original show, so keep your eyes (and ears…) open.
What Darren thought: For some reason The Fall Guy TV show was one of my favorites back in the day. While this film is ostensibly a remake of that show, the only things it takes from its source material is the name Colt Seavers, the fact that he’s a stuntman, and a vastly inferior remake of the awesome theme song “The Unknown Stuntman” (sorry Blake Shelton but your version is just plain awful).
The Fall Guy doesn’t land as a faithful remake, but it does quite well as an homage to the stuntmen that make movies work. Aside from some easter eggs, The Fall Guy doesn’t concern itself with the TV show, which frees it up to focus on being a fun silly ride. The fight choreography and stunt work is excellent, but what sells the film (and as a romance hater I can’t believe I’m saying this) is the chemistry between leads Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling. While the plot was pretty straightforward (with some twists most people will see coming), I couldn’t help but root for those two to get together. Blunt puts in a solid performance, but what really makes this film go is Ryan Gosling. I want to hate Ryan Gosling, but I just can’t. He has too much charisma and manages to give this fairly straightforward role some depth. He manages to sell being a down on his luck guy while looking…well, like Ryan Gosling.
Dan’s rating: A. It’s a love letter to the unsung heroes of movies…the stuntpersons. If you want a good action packed movie filled with a lot of stunts (including the record breaking one above), this is 100% the movie for you. Oh, and stay until the credits finish 🙂
Darren’s rating: A-. The Fall Guy is fun, its leads have chemistry, and if that’s not enough for you, there’s an awesome dog that steals the show. If you like action movies and are ready to kick off the summer movie season, this movie is worth seeing on the big screen.
THE FALL GUY is now in theaters.
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