By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Ryan Gosling, fresh from his standout role in the blockbuster movie "Barbie," delivers once again in the new action-packed drama,
"The Fall Guy."
This film draws inspiration from the 1980s television series starring
Lee Majors, and follows the thrilling escapades of Colt Seavers—a daring Hollywood stuntman.
After a devastating accident, Colt finds himself out of the movie industry's limelight. Yet, nearly two years later, a twist of fate beckons him back to the silver screen. His former flame and renowned camera operator, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer"—is set to helm a new sci-fi epic, handpicked by the illustrious producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham "The Garfield Movie" and TV’s “Ted Lasso”). Titled "Metalstorm," this sci-fi cowboy and alien saga is taking shape in the rugged terrains of Australia.
Gail reaches out to Colt with an unexpected proposition: Jody has personally requested his expertise for the production.
For Colt, this isn’t just a job offer; it’s a golden ticket to reclaim his adrenaline-fueled career and, perhaps, rekindle an old romance. The prospect of trading his valet parking duties at a Los Angeles restaurant for death-defying stunts is too enticing to ignore.
However, Jody's motives for recruiting Colt extend beyond nostalgia. The film’s lead, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, "Nosferatu" and "Kraven the Hunter"—has vanished, under mysterious circumstances. Jody’s urgent need? For Colt to find him and step in as Tom's stunt double.
But the plot takes a sinister turn. Colt stumbles upon a chilling discovery—a lifeless body, preserved in the icy confines of a hotel room. Suddenly, he's not just a stuntman; he's the prime suspect in a murder investigation and sought by the police and some of Tom's dubious associations.
"The Fall Guy" erupts as a cinematic spectacle, a film within a film that's both grand and raucous.
It serves as a tribute to the unsung heroes of Hollywood—the stunt performers—aptly directed by
David Leitch, a former stuntman and coordinator. Leitch's expertise in crafting exhilarating action is evident, with credits like "Bullet Train" and "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" under his belt.
Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Colt is undeniably entertaining. Notably, he performed several stunts himself, though he was supported by a few stunt doubles.
The film's ensemble cast further elevates "The Fall Guy," especially with Winston Duke ("Wakanda Forever: Black Panther") as Colt's best friend and stunt coordinator, as well as Stephanie Hsu’s (“Everything Everywhere All at Once") memorable turn as the assistant for Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).
While the script by
Drew Pearce ("Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw"), may have its weaknesses, the film's electrifying action sequences, along with the captivating performances of Gosling and Blunt, more than compensate for any narrative shortcomings.
Oh, and be sure to stick around for a special end-credits surprise.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"THE FALL GUY"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
