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Ryan Gosling proves he’s as good in action as he is in drama, romance, or comedy in The Fall Guy, a film that blends all of these genres. He stars as a Hollywood stunt man who carries on a shaky relationship with the director of a sci-fi epic (Emily Blunt) while also trying to solve the mystery of an obnoxious leading man (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who’s disappeared during the middle of a shoot. As he closes in on a dark revelation, he suddenly finds himself framed for a crime he didn’t commit. It’ll take the trust of his girlfriend and a blast of movie magic to clear his name and finish the production.
The Fall Guy is a disarmingly sweet, funny, and entertaining flick — the kind Hollywood largely seems to have forgotten how to make. Director David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Bullet Train) balances fast-paced action, irreverent humor, and a believable love story with style. Gosling is cast to type (cool but demure) in a role that might one day be considered one of his quintessential performances. Blunt makes a worthy romantic sparring partner and Taylor-Johnson is funny as the boastful, neurotic super star. Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) is memorable as the phony-baloney, manipulative producer of the film they’re all working on. Bright cinematography, a soundtrack of nostalgic hits, bountiful movie references, and a generous number of well-choreographed stunt scenes add luster to this well-crafted cinematic dessert.
With Stephanie Hsu, Teresa Palmer, and Winston Duke. Based on the TV show created by Glen Larson.