As the summer movie season kicks off, David Leitch’s latest action comedy, The Fall Guy is the first to hopefully set off this blockbuster bonanza. With fan favourites Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt leading a film promised to be packed with amazing stunts, romance, and laughter, it could be just what mainstream audiences need to ease their way into this busy summer.
Ryan Gosling gets dangerous as stuntman Colt Seavers.
Director, David Leitch’s previous film, Bullet Train proved to be a crowd-pleasing success with audiences as the film was immensely popular and gathered quite a strong fan base seemingly overnight. However, critics reactions were more mixed, some loving it, some hating it. So, all eyes are on this new film which seems to be cut from a very similar cloth.
But instead of Brad Pitt, this film sees Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in the limelight, both hot off of last summer’s biggest successes, Barbie and Oppenhiemer (Barbenhiemer). Both as the “love interests” (the term is used loosely for many reasons) of those films, Gosling as Ken in Barbie and Blunt as Kitty Oppenhiemer in Oppenhiemer, the two are now the love interests of each other here.
The two are simply magnificent, when they’re on their own and when they’re with each other. They bounce off one another perfectly, creating a relentlessly entertaining dynamic that you just want to see more of. Both absolutely hilarious and likable actors, they are the films biggest asset and make this already very enjoyable film an absolute treat. The casting gods seem to be on Leitch’s side.
Emily Blunt stars alongside Gosling, as the two rekindle a once blossoming romance.
Speaking of enjoyable and entertaining, that’s exactly what this film is. From its trailers and promotional clips, it’s exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a loud, rather silly yet very fun action/comedy/romance that is undoubtedly going to see audiences leaving the cinema with smiles on their faces.
For those who perhaps crave a little more from today’s modern Hollywood blockbuster however, you may be a little disappointed. It’s story is very ‘by the numbers’ with some predictable twists and turns. It’s tone is also very unserious a lot of the time, but that all depends on personal preference and if you saw Bullet Train, you knew what you were getting into.
While these elements may not generate much new conversation, that doesn’t take away from how much clear love, time and effort has been put into the film. From the exhilarating stunts, the casting and the fast pace of the story, it’s clear that Leitch just wanted the audience to have a good time and a fulfilling experience.
As, of course, the film is all about a stuntman and the work stunt performers do, it greatly delivers in all of its action sequences with so many impressive stunts of its own. From Gosling falling from a building, the extended car chase and the entirety of the showstopping third act, it’s all done so expertly and will keep you on your toes.
The film does not disappoint with it’s impressive action sequences.
Other cast standouts include Hannah Waddingham, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Winston Duke. Waddingham continues to excel as an actor and it is nothing but a joy to see her in a big film like this in quite a big role. She is a scene stealer. Johnson is hilarious and has fantastic scenes with Gosling. And it’s very nice to see Duke get more work, even if his role is on the smaller side.
The soundtrack is unexpectedly brilliant, with many impactful tunes which blend perfectly with each scene they’re featured in. It includes Taylor Swift, The Darkness, AC/DC, Phil Collins and many more.
Ultimately, The Fall Guy is a perfect, crowd-pleasing blockbuster that should get this summer off to a very positive start. It’s a blast from start to finish with Gosling and Blunt providing so much personality. It may not exactly think outside the box, but you really can’t go wrong with something as well intentioned and fun as this.
