THE FALL GUY is the most anticipated film ushering in those summer blockbusters. From the first trailer we knew this one would be full of humor, action, and on screen romance. Often campy with tongue firmly planted in cheek, The Fall Guy is pure entertainment beginning to end.
Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is a Hollywood stuntman recovering from a year long injury. When mega action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) goes missing Colt finds himself trying to save the day off screen as well as on. Add to the plot that Colt was Ryder’s stunt double before the accident. Need more twists? The film Ryder went missing from is being directed by Colt’s ex-girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt) who he hasn’t seen since his injury.
Though the plot has a lot of ins and outs it doesn’t get muddied up too much. As with most action comedies any holes are forgivable and easily overlooked. Gosling is fun to watch in this one as he balances trying to win back Jody’s affection while trying to stay alive off-set. There is little mystery in the film as all the cards are on the table early on. It is more a prove who didn’t do it more than a who dun-it.
Blunt does a nice job of playing it straight. Her role is vital but it is Gosling who brings most of the action and humor. But he is the fall guy after all. Hannah Waddingham brings a lot of unexpected humor as well. We are all very familiar with her abilities an an actress (Ted Lasso) and singer. Here she gives us a zany character that teeters on the edge of cringe, but never crosses over.
Many – or few – may remember the character Colt Seavers from the early 1980’s TV series version of The Fall Guy. Colt was played by tough guy Lee Majors and Heather Thomas starred as Jody. A lot has changed since the 80s especially with leading men. I am not sure we would have seen Lee Majors sitting in his truck crying while listening to Olivia Newton John. But in good old 2024 it seems on par.
About The Author
