It’s a feature film remake of the old Lee Majors series. Now, Ryan Gosling plays Colt Seavers in “The Fall Guy.” Our JP gives his thoughts on the action film.
The Fall Guy
Universal Pictures
- Directed by David Leitch
- Written by Drew Pearce
- Based on The Fall Guy by Glen A. Larson
- Produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Ryan Gosling, Guymon Casady
- Starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke
Studio Synopsis:
He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?
From real life stunt man and director David Leitch, the blockbuster director of “Bullet Train,” “Deadpool 2,” “Atomic Blonde” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” and the producer of “John Wick,” “Nobody and Violent Night,” comes his most personal film yet. A new hilarious, hard-driving, all-star apex-action thriller and love letter to action movies and the hard-working and under-appreciated crew of people who make them: “The Fall Guy.”
Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling (“Barbie,” “La La Land,” “Drive”) stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, having left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie—being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno, played by Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (“Oppenheimer,” “A Quiet Place” films, “Sicario”) —goes missing. While the film’s ruthless producer (Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham; “Ted Lasso”), maneuvers to keep the disappearance of star Tom Ryder (Golden Globe winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson; “Bullet Train”) a secret from the studio and the media, Colt performs the film’s most outrageous stunts while trying (with limited success) to charm his way back into Jody’s good graces. But as the mystery around the missing star deepens, Colt will find himself ensnared in a sinister, criminal plot that will push him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.
Inspired by the hit 1980s TV series, The Fall Guy also stars Winston Duke (Black Panther franchise) and Academy Award® nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once).
From a screenplay by Hobbs & Shaw screenwriter Drew Pearce, “The Fall Guy” is produced by Kelly McCormick (“Bullet Train,” “Nobody,” “Atomic Blonde”) and David Leitch for their company 87North, and by Ryan Gosling and by Guymon Casady (“Game of Thrones,” “Steve Jobs,” and executive producer of the upcoming series “Ripley”) for Entertainment 360. The film is executive produced by Drew Pearce, Entertainment 360’s Geoff Shaevitz and the creator of the original “Fall Guy” television series, Glen A. Larson.
J.P.s Take
Imagine the scenario where an aggregator mixes a stuntman turned director with a TV series about a stuntman turned crime fighter. The outcome is a spontaneous, cinematic adaptation reminiscent of the popular ’80s show “The Fall Guy.”
It’s intriguing to see Ryan Gosling go from playing Ken in the “Barbie” movie to playing a stuntman recovering from a near-fatal injury, alongside the charismatic Emily Blunt as a budding filmmaker, in an oddly-constructed action/comedy that will excite viewers while tickling their ribs as well.
Yet, there is something oddly gratifying about this fantastical murder conspiracy plot, with the characters’ love affair being its backdrop. This 2024 film version of Colt Seavers, played by Gosling, deviates from the original TV series by not moonlighting as a bounty hunter. Instead, he emerges as an unlikely hero entangled in a fantastical murder scheme involving a peculiar array of suspects within the film industry.
It is an off-beat plot, which allows filmmaker / actor / director / stuntman David Leitch (“John Wick,” “Deadpool 2”) and writer Drew Pearce (“Iron Man 3,” “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”) to sketch out unconventional stylized ways of catching the baddies. Many moments nearly rival that of “John Wick,” only done with humor, like scenes in which Colt Seavers goes toe-to-toe with the henchmen of a known drug dealer.
The film showcases Colt Seavers engaging in intense combat with the henchmen, utilizing everyday objects like ice buckets and wine bottles as weapons. The fight sequences are fast-paced and impactful, including a memorable showdown in an overturned dump truck bed dragged around the city. It swings and rocks like a wrecking ball, yet they still hang on for dear life while beating each other like a punching bag. The practical stunts performed within the movie, particularly during the filming of the fake sci-fi film “Metal Storm,” provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action and the dedication of stunt performers.
Amidst the adrenaline-pumping action, the film also delves into a romantic subplot between Colt and Jody Moreno (Blunt), adding a touch of romance to the narrative. Their on-again-off-again relationship unfolds, with moments of squabbling and affection, offering a break from the high-octane sequences and showcasing the characters’ emotional depth. It plays out like Hollywood schmaltz, which is sometimes cutesy and awkward. It’s also part of the humor.
Adding to the fun you’ll hear and spot movie references abound, which I won’t give away … that would spoil it. The original GMC truck driven by Colt Seavers (played by Lee Majors) in the TV series, appears here in the movie which Gosling sports, as an ode to the ‘80s series. Other moments feel a bit klutzy, particularly when trying to nail down the suspects and their role in the murder plot.
Joining Gosling and Blunt in the film cast are Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tom Ryder, a well-known action film star; Winston Duke playing Dan Tucker, Colt’s best friend and stunt coordinator; Hannah Waddingham portraying Gail Meyer, the producer of Jody’s movie; Teresa Palmer as Iggy Starr, Tom’s girlfriend and co-star; and Stephanie Hsu as Alma Milan, Tom’s personal assistant. By the way, there is a surprise (maybe not) guest appearance that I’m sure fans of the series will know automatically.
The original ABC series (1981-86) always comes to mind, with its unique concept of a Hollywood stuntman transforming into a crime-fighting hero. Back in the day, it had this captivating charm and quirkiness. The film adaptation manages to capture that sentiment perfectly, presenting a seamless package that thrills and tickles your funny bone. It’s a movie that revolves around a stuntman, a movie, a love story, and a crime.
Somehow, when all these elements blend, it creates an oddly satisfying experience. It’s like a treat for those who are fascinated by the inner workings of the glamorous world of Hollywood. I couldn’t help but enjoy “The Fall Guy.”
Official Site: Fall Guy
