With the recent trend of complex, intricate world-building, and interconnected cinematic universes, sometimes we forget the sheer joy of a simple, good old fashioned entertaining movie. Enter "The Fall Guy" - a movie that aims to revitalize the essence of old Hollywood charm - to entertain you, to spellbind you with charismatic performance, and to immerse you in a blend of humor, romance, and action.
David Leitch, the director of "The Fall Guy", is undoubtedly acquainted with the art of stunt work, having worked as a stunt double with prominent actors before launching into direction. After the success of "John Wick", "Atomic Blonde", and "Bullet Train", he takes us back to his roots with "The Fall Guy". Based on the 80s TV show about a stuntman cum bounty hunter, it pays homage to an era that valued stunt work and brought action stars to the fore.
Ryan Gosling steals the show as the new Colt Seavers, reminding us of the era when the charisma of a superstar could make a film worthwhile. Gosling's charm is effortless and his versatility admirable. When a stunt goes wrong, Gosling's character Colt is left with seeking a new path, but returns to the film world at the behest of Hannah Waddingham's character Gail.
"The Fall Guy" balances comedy, romance, and action, whilst interlacing a gripping mystery throughout. It showcases colossal stunts, including a record-breaking cannon roll stunt, juxtaposing this against a backdrop of a romantic comedy narrative.
However, "The Fall Guy" is much more than the sum of its parts. It highlights the risk and sacrifice inherent in the work of stunt people - the unsung heroes of the film industry. So if you're tired of the characterless, humorless blockbusters that have been churning out lately, "The Fall Guy" could be just the film to reignite the joy of cinema.
A premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, it is set to be released on April 24th.
