The Fall Guy

Original title:	The Fall Guy
Director:	David Leitch
Release:	Cinema
Running time:	125 minutes
Release date:	03 may 2024
Rating:

Colt Seavers, a battered and past-his-prime action choreographer, finds himself working on a film set with Tom Ryder, a famous actor for whom he had doubled long ago. When Tom goes missing and the film, which is being directed by Jody Moreno, Colt's ex-girlfriend in her directing debut, is in danger of being shut down, Colt volunteers to find Tom and save Jody's debut film.

Sabine's Review

The Fall Guy is inspired by the 80s series The Fall Guy. This series told the adventures of Colt Seavers, a stuntman played by Lee Majors. With his cousin Howard (Douglas Barr) and the beautiful Jody (Heather Thomas), Colt tracked down fugitives to bring them to justice. In this film, Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is a former stuntman, who must find a missing star (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), for whom he was the stunt double. At the same time, he tries to win back the woman of his life, (Emily Blunt), director of the film, in which the missing star plays.

David Leitch directs this action film. Stuntman for 20 years, he co-created with Chad Stahelski 87 Eleven, one of the most renowned stunt companies in Hollywood. He then co-directed his first film with Chad Stahelski: John Wick. While Chad Stahelski continues the John Wick saga, David Leitch directs Atomic Blonde, Deapool 2 and Bullet Train, where he directs Brad Pitt, for whom he was the stunt double.

The Fall Guy is a tribute to stuntmen, to action films made without special effects, but with real men and women. The plot concerning the missing star becomes secondary, as the high-level action scenes happened. All the know-how of the stuntmen is shown: fight choreographies, pyrotechnic scenes, car chases, falls, human torches,... The screenwriter (Iron Man 3, Mission Impossible Rogue Nation) cleverly plays with the film within the film, such as during a scene with fake guns. Moreover, in one of the scenes of the film, Logan Holladay, the stuntman for Ryan Gosling's character, performs eight and a half rollovers on the beach in Sydney, thus setting the record for the greatest number of rollovers in a car, registered in the Guinness World Record. The previous record was held by stuntman Adam Kirley, who performed seven rolls for the 2006 film Casino Royale.

Like the Die Hard movies, the film mixes action and humor. It is also a romantic comedy whose success is due to the tandem Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The lines written by screenwriter Drew Pearce flow. It's cheerful. However, we must accept the postulate that Ryan Gosling, whose charm shines in every shot, could be Aaron Taylor-Johnson's stunt double. Carried by this high-level casting, this rom-com-action movie is great, with no other claim than to entertain us. If you're a fan of the original series, stay until the end of the credits, a surprise awaits you.

The Fall Guy
Directed by David Leitch
Written by Drew Pearce, from the tv serie «The Fall Guy», created by Glen A. Larson
Produced by Guymon Casady, Ryan Gosling, David Leitch et Kelly McCormick
Starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke
Cinematography : Jonathan Sela
Art Design: David Scheunemann
Costumes : Sarah Evelyn
Edited by Elisabet Ronaldsdottir
Musique :
Music by Dominic Lewis
Production companies : 87North, Arcana, Entertainment 360, Hyde Park Entertainment, Parkes/MacDonald Image Nation et WWE Studios
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : May 1,2024 (France), May 3, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 125 minutes

Seen March 19, 2024 at Publicis Cinemas

Sabine's Mark:

Mulder's Review

Get ready for an unprecedented adventure with David Leitch's The Fall Guy, a film that blends action, comedy and romance in a cinematic experience that's both nostalgic and refreshing. This blockbuster isn't your typical action-comedy, but rather a masterfully woven narrative that captivates and surprises, making it a standout among this year's releases.

At the heart of The Fall Guy is a poignant story between two endearing characters: Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) and Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling). Jody Moreno rises from production assistant to director, demonstrating resilience and innovation. Her relationship with Colt Seavers, a seasoned and charismatic stuntman, adds depth to the story. Their chemistry is palpable, laying the foundations for a story that is as much about personal redemption as it is about thrilling action.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Colt Seavers seriously injures his back while filming an action sequence with arrogant superstar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). This incident drives a wedge between Colt Seavers and Jody Moreno, prompting Colt Seavers to leave, convinced that Jody Moreno's life would be better without his burden. This decision marks a turning point in the film, exploring themes of vulnerability and pride in relationships forged at great cost.

A year later, the story picks up with Colt Seavers, who takes a mundane job as a valet. This change in the trajectory of his life is abruptly altered when Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), the film's savvy and manipulative producer, tricks Colt Seavers into believing that Jody Moreno wants him back for her new blockbuster. This ruse brings Colt to Sydney, Australia, under false pretenses, setting off a chain of events that mix comic misadventures and fast-paced action.

Director David Leitch, known for his kinetic action sequences, does not disappoint. The Fall Guy pays homage to iconic action franchises while injecting his own touch. The action scenes aren't just visually spectacular; they're intricately crafted to reflect Colt's inner journey and his reunion with Jody Moreno . The stunts are breathtaking, often serving as metaphors for the characters' emotional states. This clever integration ensures that the action is not just a spectacle, but reinforces the narrative, enriching the emotional weight of the story.

Drew Pearce's script is another strong point, imbued with sharp wit and a solid emotional core. He deftly balances explosive action with moments of tender vulnerability, creating a dynamic rhythm that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The dialogue sparkles with humor and authenticity, capturing the essence of each character's personality and evolution throughout the film.

Musically, the film excels thanks to a soundtrack that perfectly complements its emotional and narrative arcs. The strategic placement of songs like Phil Collins' Against All Odds and Taylor Swift's All Too Well is not simply background music, but an integral part of the story's emotional moments, reinforcing the depth and resonance of key scenes.

In terms of performances, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt deliver convincing interpretations that anchor the film. Gosling's character, Colt Seavers, is both rugged and sympathetic, a stuntman whose charm and vulnerability make him an extraordinary character. Emily Blunt's portrayal of Jody Moreno is equally impressive, capturing her character's determination and emotional complexity with finesse. Together, they bring a palpable energy that is both captivating and comforting.

The supporting cast, especially Hannah Waddingham as the wily producer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the self-absorbed superstar, add layers of humor and intrigue, enriching the film's tapestry of personalities. Their performances contribute to the film's thematic exploration of Hollywood glamour and the unsung heroes behind its dazzle.

The Fall Guy is more than just a film; it's a tribute to the art of filmmaking, celebrating the unseen heroes of the stunt world while delivering a story as emotionally gripping as it is visually spectacular. David Leitch's film reminds us of what makes cinema so magical: its ability to combine art, narrative and pure entertainment into a memorable experience. Not only does this film set the bar high for action comedies, it also pays tribute to the stuntmen who risk everything to make breathtaking cinema. The Fall guy is one of this year's must-see films, and a must-see again and again, especially if you're a Taylor Swift fan like us...

Seen April 23, 2024 at UGC Normandie as part of Club Allociné
Reviewed April 9, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 2 seat A19

Mulder's Mark: