THE FALL GUY is a clean entertaining action entertainer

The Fall Guy (English) Review {3.0/5} & Review Rating

Director: David Leitch

The Fall Guy Movie Synopsis:
THE FALL GUY is the story of a stunt performer in deep trouble. Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is a stunt double for famous Hollywood actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Colt is working on a film where he meets camera operator Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt). Both fall for each other. While doing a stunt, the wire snaps and Colt suffers a major injury. A devastated Colt quits his career and also ghosts Jody. Eighteen months pass. Colt is now working as a valet driver at a Mexican restaurant. This is when he’s contacted by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), an old friend. She was also the producer of the film on which Colt suffered the accident. She asks Colt to join the Sydney schedule of her next film, Metalstorm, starring Tom Ryder. Colt, at first, is reluctant, but he instantly agrees when she tells him that Jody is the director and that she specifically asked for him. Colt reaches the set only to realize that Jody never asked for him and that she’s upset with his behaviour. Meanwhile, Gail reveals to Colt that Tom has disappeared after getting involved with drugs. Hence, she wants Colt to find out where he is or else, the studio will shelve the project. Colt agrees and starts with his mission. He soon realizes that he’s got into the wrong books of certain dangerous people. On top of it, he also discovers a dead body in a hotel room. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

The Fall Guy Movie Story Review:
Drew Pearce’s story is a bit cliched but has an abundance of entertainment. Drew Pearce’s screenplay is interesting and also very creative. The dialogues are witty and enhance the humour quotient. A few dialogues at the beginning of the film about filmmaking, however, are too technical.

David Leitch’s direction is first-rate. He keeps the mood light and hence, ensures that the film has widespread appeal. He also works hard on the electrifying chemistry between the lead actors and it makes for a great watch. The film also has novel scenes that keep the interest going. For instance, the scenes where Jody and Colt talk about their love affair indirectly while discussing the script are well thought out and executed. The unicorn bit is amusing. Lastly, the homage given to the stunt team in the beginning and also in the end credits is touching.

On the flipside, the makers don’t invest enough time in depicting the love affair or even the equation between Colt and the lead actor. The latter forms a crucial part of the story later on and a little bit more detailing in this regard could have helped. The fight scene between Colt and Iggy Starr (Teresa Palmer) is fun but unnecessary and forced into the narrative. Questions will also be raised as to why Colt is called all the way to Australia to investigate though this aspect gets cleared in the second half.

The Fall Guy Movie Performances:
Ryan Gosling is adorable and apt for the role of a man who messes up with his girl and yet, the audience shouldn’t hate him. Ryan fits the bill and with his effortlessness, he takes the performance many notches higher. Emily Blunt, as expected, leaves a mark. Her comic timing is spot-on and she’s lovely in the emotional scenes. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is fair while Winston Duke is too good. Hannah Waddingham lends able support. Teresa Palmer is wasted. Stephanie Hsu (Alma Milan; Tom’s PA) is decent. Jason Momoa’s cameo is a surprise.

The Fall Guy music and other technical aspects:
Dominic Lewis’ music is in sync with the film’s quirky mood. Jonathan Sela’s cinematography is spectacular, especially the camerawork in the climax. David Scheunemann’s production design is realistic. The same applies to Sarah Evelyn’s costumes. Ryan’s costumes, however, are stylish. The action is a high point in the film and adds to the fun. One does feel for Ryan (and his stunt double) as (probably going by the title), he falls too many times while doing action. The VFX is top-notch. Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir’s editing is slick but too fast in the opening scene.

The Fall Guy Movie Conclusion:
On the whole, THE FALL GUY is a clean entertaining action entertainer. At the box office, it might benefit from the lack of releases.