Review by Elizabeth C. Bunce
First up, you don’t need to know anything about the 1980s TV series starring Lee Majors to enjoy 2024’s action/rom-com The Fall Guy (and it’s probably a good idea not to look up the truly awful theme song—you’re welcome). Ryan Gosling (Barbie, Blade Runner 2049) and Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, The Adjustment Bureau) serve up a silly adventure about moviemaking gone disastrously awry, and they’re clearly having the time of their lives doing it. Gosling plays Colt Seavers, stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (played by Kick-Ass and the MCU’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson). A year and a half after a devastating on-set accident derails Colt’s career, he’s offered the comeback of a lifetime: working on Ryder’s latest sci-fi blockbuster, which just happens to be directed by Colt’s long-lost love, Blunt’s Jody Moreno.
Only things on the Metalstorm set aren’t quite as promised. It turns out new director Moreno isn’t exactly thrilled to have her ex-boyfriend back in her life or her movie. And it seems Colt has landed in the middle of a mystery. Their mega-star has vanished, and Colt is the only man who can track him down, save Metalstorm, and win Jody’s everlasting love. A simple errand, naturally, turns into chaos of the first order, and things go hilariously off course as Colt stumbles from one ludicrous stunt-filled situation to another… only to finally realize he’s literally become the fall guy in a murder cover-up.
The story’s not brilliant, but who cares? And while the chemistry between Blunt and Gosling seems more platonic than steamy, they’re so obviously enjoying themselves the audience can’t help but have fun, too. Gosling summons his good-guy Kenergy to play his put-upon hero, as well as a surprising athleticism that makes a stuntman an utterly convincing action hero. Blunt is endlessly versatile, throwing herself into every scene, whether cheering on her crew, wreaking public vengeance on the man who broke her heart,
or single-handedly taking down bad guys—and making it all look effortless, backed by lots of pop songs.
On the whole, the movie feels better than it really ought to be, from the over-the-top Metalstorm to a script that circles back to pick up breadcrumbs planted along the way, to the stunt work and performances showcased throughout. It’s a delight for movie fans ready for something you don’t have to take too seriously.
A former stuntman himself, director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, Fast & the Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) was ideally positioned to take the helm. Watch for fun supporting performances from Teresa Palmer (The Clearing), Winston Duke (Black Panther), and Stephanie Hsu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). Stick around during the credits for cameos and featured stunt performers.
The Fall Guy extended edition is streaming now on Peacock.
