Running Time: 126 minutes
This feature from Universal Pictures opens exclusively in cinemas Friday, May 2nd.
With Hollywood currently focused on sequels and reboots, it’s almost impossible to be surprised by any property being remade for modern audiences. Yet it is admittedly unexpected to see the popular but hardly iconic 1980s TV-show The Fall Guy being given a studio remake. Truthfully, it’s hard to imagine the public demanding that the show be brought back and adapted for the big screen. For those unfamiliar with the show, this is a very loose adaptation of the original program. But, in the end, that’s a good thing. The alterations, fresh tone and likable cast make it a surprisingly successful venture that starts the summer movie season with a bang.
The film begins with Colt Seaver (Ryan Gosling) living his dream. He adores his job working as a stunt person for movie star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and has found true love with camera operator Judy Moreno (Emily Blunt). But after a horrible workplace accident sidelines Colt, he shuts himself off and things fall apart personally and professionally. 18-months later, the out-of-work stuntman is contacted by executive producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddington), saying he has been requested by his ex and now first-time film director Judy to perform stunts on her production in Australia. Seaver sees it as an opportunity to reconnect, but quickly learns his presence was not requested by the still-angry Judy. Instead, Gail admits she needs his skills on a private matter. Star Tom Ryder has fallen in with the wrong crowd and is missing. Colt must find the actor and get him to set before the movie is shut down.
Over the course of the running time, the injured, rusty Colt must not only endure dangerous stunts, but also survive several dangerous spots looking for the lead performer, even ending up in a murder investigation. Despite the seemingly serious threats, the movie’s tone is breezy and filled with humor. Indeed, there is tension between Colt and Judy, but it is generally delivered in a playful manner. Charismatic leads Gosling and Blunt are fun to watch as their personal squabbles are aired publicly on the set. There is also a hilarious section of the film featuring the protagonist being drugged and trying to continue his job under the influence and experiencing bizarre hallucinations.
Additionally, Taylor-Johnson is also funny as the haughty star and Waddington is entertainingly manipulative as a producer only concerned with protecting her star. As Colt continues his investigation, there is also plenty of entertaining interplay with stunt coordinator Dan Tucker (Winston Duke). Much of it (and the rest of the movie) involves film references and in-jokes. While the odd comment may go over one’s head, most are easily relatable and earn laughs.
As one might expect, the picture is also filled with exciting stunts. It is an ode to the unsung stunt heroes who perform in film and the story maximizes every opportunity to point a camera at them. There are several close-combat encounters with various thugs and heavies, as well as a rip-roaring car chase through city streets. You’ll also see boat pursuits on the water, not to mention an epic finale featuring leaps from cars, helicopters and other modes of transport. It all looks remarkably dangerous and is impressively put together by director David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Bullet Train), who has a background in the stunt field.
Is it perfect? Well, there are a few choppy moments involving dialogue scenes and the occasional continuity problem (a character gets very doused at one point, only to look completely dry shortly thereafter). One imagines there was improvisation between the cast, leading to an awkward cut or two, as well as some extended bits that must have resulted in this. Additionally, the sinister plot doesn’t hold up to a lot of scrutiny, but even the lead makes a quick crack about this issue. If you take it all in the proper context, these issues are minor
With a cast this strong, so many laughs and so much thrilling action, the picture ultimately delivers big screen popcorn-munching thrills. And it certainly adds credence to the idea that investing in a reinvention of a lesser-known property may result in a fresh and enjoyable redo. For a fun time at the movies, The Fall Guy has already set the bar very high for the season and may be difficult to top.
NOTE: And for those interested, there is an extra scene and cameo worth hanging around for after the theme song ends (well past the midway point in the credits).