The Fall Guy, a modern take on the ’80s action TV series of the same name, directed by David Leitch (known for Atomic Blonde, Bullet Train) and written by Drew Pearce (credits include Iron Man 3, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw), offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of Hollywood. While it doesn’t delve into Hollywood satire like Tropic Thunder, it does shed light on the dynamics of big-budget blockbusters, the influence of producers over directors, the shift towards CGI over practical effects, eleventh-hour script changes, and more. The film also humorously touches on the significance of Hall H at Comic-Con for movie promotion and playfully pokes at Dune and its portrayal of orientalism. However, it’s not a profound analysis of the current film industry landscape.
You can anticipate a delightful and action-packed romantic comedy that keeps you on the edge of your seat with a stellar cast, showcasing the thrill of fiery explosions, daring stunts, car crashes, and intense fights in exotic locales on the silver screen. David Leitch, a former stunt performer himself, along with his team at 87North Productions, not only emphasize the intricate art of crafting stunts but also infuse each action scene with pure excitement. This film is a treat for those who rush to the Waterworld stunt show at Universal Studios, a surefire hit celebrating the unsung heroes behind the scenes in the movie industry.
In the movie, the main character, Colt Seavers played by Ryan Gosling, is a charismatic stuntman who faced a serious injury that almost ended his career and dampened his spirits a year and a half ago. After taking time to recuperate physically and emotionally, Colt seizes the opportunity to return to work, especially since it involves working alongside his ex-girlfriend Jody Moreno, portrayed by Emily Blunt, who is making her directorial debut. However, the film set is chaotic. The studio is unsure how to handle the ambitious sci-fi romance plot involving a space cowboy and an alien. Adding to the chaos, the lead actor, Tom Ryder, whom Colt used to double for, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is missing. Executive producer Gail, played by Hannah Waddingham, then assigns Colt the task of locating the absent star before the movie’s production is halted.
Colt’s adventure takes a surprising turn as he delves into a complex web of intrigue while searching for Tom. Although the mystery storyline may not be groundbreaking, some viewers might guess the twist early on, but that’s not the main focus. As a character in the movie mentions, the mystery serves as the enticing side dish to the main course — the thrilling stunts. The storyline in The Fall Guy acts as a backdrop to showcase Ryan Gosling’s performance, reminiscent of his role in The Nice Guys. Coming off his recent Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for Barbie, Gosling’s deadpan humor and willingness to engage in comedic physicality create a hilarious and captivating portrayal that only a Hollywood star like Gosling can effortlessly deliver.
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