Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt Work Movie Star Magic in The Fall Guy
The Fall Guy, a new action comedy releasing on May 3rd, embodies a positive attitude towards the often overlooked, hard-working professionals that make movies a reality. These are the talented stunt performers who execute dangerous maneuvers in order to make the scenes in movies appear believable. They go above and beyond by jumping in front of cars or off hillsides, being set on fire, or even dropping from great heights, all for the sake of Hollywood's entertainment. Drew Pearce's writing and David Leitch's direction pay homage to these skilled individuals by presenting them with the recognition they deserve. The movie showcases their work with the same level of stardom as the actors who receive most of the credit.
Ryan Gosling appears in his best form as Colt, a former stuntman who has lost his confidence and love after a debilitating workplace injury. Gosling's performance is captivating, even more so than his previous serious roles. Meanwhile, Jody, played by Emily Blunt, has become the director of a big-budget movie in Sydney, Australia. After some persuasion from producer Gail (Hannah Waddingham), Colt accepts a job doing the dangerous stunts that the film's arrogant lead actor, Tom (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), refuses to do.
The adorable scene becomes even more adorable when Tom disappears and Colt becomes involved in a minor criminal plot. Although people are shooting at him and pouring gasoline on him, the situation could become deadly. However, their goal is not to save the world, but to rescue the film itself to ensure that the hundreds of crew members can continue their work. While the studio executives may not have the same view in the current era of streaming domination, the people working in film production still have a passion for the art form. The Fall Guy honours this love with a heartwarming tribute.
The movie has a humorous tone that will resonate with fans of Shane Black movies. Guy Pearce, who co-wrote Iron Man 3 with Black, brings his own touch of humor to the story. The film's best moments are full of witty banter and exciting action sequences. Director David Leitch has a tendency to go overboard with his jokes, as seen in his previous films Deadpool 2 and Bullet Train, but he manages to keep the humor under control in this movie. The result is a fun romp that is reminiscent of Black's The Nice Guys, which shares similarities with The Fall Guy, including the presence of Ryan Gosling.
The Fall Guy showcases some impressive stunts and rightly appreciates the hard work put into them. However, the film's true success lies in its celebration of star power, which is becoming increasingly rare. The audience watches in awe as Gosling effortlessly brings his character to life as a charming and world-weary man trying to get through each day and win back a lost love. Gosling's performance serves as a reminder of how many action movies from the past were just "okay" but relied heavily on a charismatic lead. Without Gosling's natural charm, impeccable timing, and physical agility, The Fall Guy would not have been as good as it is.
If Emily Blunt wasn't in The Fall Guy, it would be even worse. She's one of the most popular A-listers in the business. Unfortunately, she's not featured much in the film. But when she does get the chance to showcase her talent, she shines brightly. There's a scene where she sings karaoke, which sets up a joke. People find it amusing when someone sings a cheesy old ballad from the 1980s earnestly. But Blunt surprises everyone by singing Phil Collins's "Against All Odds" beautifully. She manages to strike an excellent balance between irony and sincerity. Also, when Colt suddenly reappears, she portrays Jody's reaction incredibly. She's cool but curious. Also, she's sad and hurt, but willing to forgive. Blunt's performance is a delight to watch, whether she's with Ryan Gosling or not. Hopefully, she'll get the chance to be the actual lead in the next movie.
As Jody sings her heart out to Phil Collins, Colt is engaged in a physical altercation inside a dumpster that is being pulled along the roads of Sydney, much like what we see in Fast Five. Pairing an action-packed sequence with an unlikely pop track has become commonplace and predictable in the entertainment industry. However, Leitch manages to inject a peculiar and novel twist to this customary approach. The Fall Guy frequently exhibits such improvements: an upgrade to what we have all seen and grown tired of. This is precisely what actors and stunt performers aim to achieve in certain projects.
