At its core, The Fall Guy served as a love letter to stunt performers. Which makes sense as Leitch himself if also a stunt performer. The film showcased an array of impressive stunts that pushed the limits of what can be achieved on screen. As some critics have pointed out some stunts may feel familiar, but there were plenty of unique moments that stood out and kept me engaged.
Even though this film followed a somewhat predictable structure typical of action comedies, it still managed to incorporate twists that kept me on my toes. The plot intricately weaved together themes of redemption, love, and betrayal. The script exceled in its comedic elements and had a self-awareness on the film industry that also added a layer to its storytelling.
I thought that the entire cast did a great job playing off one another. It was a true ensemble of interesting and diverse characters. I appreciated the implementation of a number of strong female characters including Hannah Waddingham, who played Ryder's producer, Gail Meyer, Teresa Palmer who played Ryders girlfriend, Iggy Starr and Stephanie Hsu who played Ryder's assistant, Alma Milan. It was also nice seeing Winston Duke in a role outside of Black Panther. As for the stars, Gosling and Blunt, I found their dynamic to be quite refreshing. Even though Gosling has played a similar role before, he does have natural flair for humor. His interactions with Blunt, who played Jody, the film director, were filled with witty banter and genuine chemistry, making their relationship one of the film’s highlights. I also enjoyed how Blunt’s Jody was not portrayed as a damsel in distress but rather as an equal partner in the chaos surrounding them.
Overall, The Fall Guy was an enjoyable cinematic experience for those seeking a lighthearted action-comedy. A proper homage to stunt work that was a comedic adventure filled with heart.
