The Fall Guy

Rating 7/10

Taking an action TV series from the 1980s and turning it into a theatrical feature years later has been done before. The Dukes of Hazzard, The A-Team, Miami Vice, The Equalizer, MacGyver, and 21 Jump Street are a few examples. These dramas gave us movies with varying degrees of success. But who would’ve thought that The Fall Guy, which aired from 1981 to 1986 on ABC for five seasons, would get the treatment? I mean, it was never a Top 10 hit. It starred Lee Majors, Douglas Barr, and Heather Thomas as Hollywood stunt performers who moonlight as bounty hunters. This current iteration has little connective tissue to the original TV show. Nevertheless, it’s one of the better adaptations.

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), is a skilled stuntman. He’s deeply in love with Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), a camera operator aiming to direct. However, tragedy strikes on set while doing stunts for major Hollywood actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Colt severely injures his back. He walks away from the business and from Jody. Months later, the daredevil is contacted by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), who offers him a job on a new sci-fi epic, Metalstorm. Colt refuses until Gail informs him that Jody is directing the film. Unfortunately, tensions flare between Colt and Jody amidst their storied past. When star Tom Ryder goes missing, Colt uncovers a sinister plot implicating him in a murder. With Jody’s help, Colt orchestrates a daring plan to expose the truth.

What sets The Fall Guy apart is its unapologetic commitment to pure entertainment. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it excels at providing a rollicking good time. Ryan Gosling, fresh from his turn as Ken from Barbie, is at the top of his game. His charisma and wit are perfectly matched to his role as the star. He is a movie star. His on-screen chemistry with Emily Blunt is palpable, infusing their interactions with a genuine affection that resonates with viewers. The relationship between Colt and Jody forms the heart of a surprisingly heartwarming romantic comedy, drawing audiences deeper into their story. Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of the main antagonist adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Her playful performance brings a captivating villainy to the screen that is a delight to watch.

The Fall Guy triumphs at what it sets out to be: a fun-filled escapade that transports audiences into a world of excitement. DIrector David Leitch (Bullet Train, Hobbs & Shaw, Deadpool 2) has an expertise in this genre. His genuine fondness for action movies delivers many exciting setpieces with finesse and a refreshing lack of irony. The needle drops bear a mention, too, as Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” and Phil Collins “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” are inherently serious songs in scenes that elicit laughs. While the picture may not linger in the memory for years to come, its ability to provide an enjoyable and funny romp in the moment is a testament to its charm and appeal.

05-03-24