'The Fall Guy' Movie Review: A Hilariously Entertaining, Action-Packed Love Letter to Stunt Performers

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It’s rare when a movie manages to effortlessly juggle action, comedy, and a heartfelt tribute to stunt performers all in one go. However, that’s exactly what The Fall Guy does. The new action flick starring the ever-charming Ryan Gosling and the versatile Emily Blunt is a love letter to stunt performers and all they endure to create the perfect scene. Directed by stuntman-turned-director David Leitch, this movie isn’t just another entry in the summer blockbuster diary; it’s a joyride that respects and celebrates the unseen heroes of Hollywood.

The Premise

Meet our favorite daredevil, Colt Seavers. He’s the quintessential stuntman, who regularly takes on explosions, gunfire, high-speed crashes, and gravity-defying leaps through plate glass—all in the name of keeping us entertained. Fresh off an accident that nearly spelled the end of his career, Seavers (Ryan Gosling) isn’t just taking a breather. No, he’s diving headfirst into a new kind of chaos. With a missing movie star on the loose, a conspiracy that needs unraveling, and a lost love he’s desperate to reclaim, he’s got his work cut out for him—all while continuing to dodge real bullets on set. Really, what could possibly go right?

Check out the trailer below.

The Fall Guy Movie Trailer

The Fall Guy Movie Review: What I Did and Didn’t Like

There’s not a lot about The Fall Guy that I didn’t like. The film is, above all, fun. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s packed with jaw-dropping stunts, laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine warmth—something we often miss in typical high-octane action movies.

Ryan Gosling as Colt Severs, the stunt double fraught with misadventures, and Emily Blunt as a tenacious director, sparkle with chemistry and comedic timing.

However, where it dips slightly is in its plot predictability. Some twists you can see coming from a mile away, which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker but makes you wish for just a tad more surprise. Additionally, while the love for Hollywood’s stunt community is palpable, the script sometimes borders on too self-referential, which might lose a few.

The Script

What makes the narrative particularly engaging is its tongue-in-cheek humor intertwined with thrilling action—a Leitch signature. It dives deep into the stunt world’s intricacies and dangers, paying homage while also crafting an entertaining story.

However, where it dips slightly is in its plot predictability. You can see some twists coming from a mile away, which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker but makes you wish for a little more surprise. Additionally, while the love for Hollywood’s stunt community is palpable, the script sometimes borders on being too self-referential, which might lose a few.

Also worth noting, there is a treasure trove of Easter eggs, and insider industry jokes that pepper the script. For those in the know, these nods range from subtle mentions of classic stunts in film history to pointed quips about modern cinematic technologies like AI deepfake effects, which play a cheeky role in the story.

Additionally, fans of the original ’80s TV show, which shares its name with the movie, will appreciate the revamped theme song and hidden references to Lee Majors’ iconic series.

The Fall Guy — Photo courtesy of Universal Studios

The Performances

Gosling and Blunt are the show-stealers, no doubt. Gosling’s charisma turns Colt into a lovable rogue whose misfortunes are as entertaining as his triumphs. And Blunt channels strength and vulnerability with equal ease. The supporting cast, including the formidable Hannah Waddingham and the Johnny-Depp-Matthew-McConaughey-Tom-Cruise-inspired character portrayal from Aaron-Taylor-Johnson, adds a nice texture and depth to the ensemble.

The real success here is how the actors manage to make their characters feel grounded amidst the chaos of stunts and gags, offering performances that resonate with both humor and heart.

Overall Thoughts

As I said earlier, The Fall Guy isn’t out to clinch awards for a groundbreaking narrative or profound themes—and that’s perfectly fine. It’s here to offer a good time, to make you gasp at stunts, chuckle at witty dialogues, and root for the characters. Achieving that creates a damn good movie and one that serves as a reminder of cinema’s power to entertain us, dazzle us, and make us laugh.

Overall, The Fall Guy embodies everything a summer blockbuster should be. It’s a popcorn flick with soul, crafted with evident love for the craft of moviemaking, particularly the unsung stunt performers. So, if you’re seeking a film that balances humor, action, and a sprinkle of romance—with a side of Hollywood behind-the-scenes—this is your ticket.