The Fall Guy movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Fall Guy

This fun tribute to movie stunt men and women opened in theaters on May 3, 2024.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 6 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:

In honor of all stuntmen!

IN A NUTSHELL:

What a fun love letter to the making of movies, but especially to the stunt workers and body doubles. On top of that, it’s a movie within a movie. The great news is that a new category for stunt workers has recently been added to the Academy Awards! It’s about time, right?
There is fun for everyone here in this true popcorn flick. The film was directed by David Leitch who also brought us Atomic Blonde. Already, he has been nominated for an Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival. Writing credits go to Drew Pearce and Glen A. Larson (who created the TV series many years ago).

THINGS I LIKED:

Both leading actors, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, are hot off the sets of last year’s blockbusters (Barbie and Oppenheimer). They sizzle and do a fantastic job. We even get to hear Emily blunt sing a little bit.
The film bursts with action, humor, and romance.
The KISS soundtrack pops and entertains.
The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously and laughs along with the audience. So many lines of dialogue are a part of the story but absolutely are a wink to the audience as commentary on this film itself.
It’s really fun to watch behind the scenes as a film is being made. Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see bloopers and behind-the-scene clips of the making of THIS movie!
Needless to say, the cinematography by Jonathan Sela is terrific.
The title is perfect, as it identifies a common nickname for stuntmen, but also someone who takes the fall for something he didn’t do.
There are several movie poster designs and they are all a lot of fun. I’ve seen several different versions and I like them all.
As expected, there are a lot of terrific stunts in the action sequences!
There are quite a few memorable memorable moments like the action scene when Ryan Gosling wears a glow-in-the-dark yellow jacket. Pretty cool.
There’s a little bit of a mystery and a twist. Who doesn’t love that?
Fans of Dune will get a kick out of the movie-within-the-movie that definitely has a Dune vibe.
There’s a cute cameo at the end of the movie before the rolling credits begin, advertising the movie Metalstorm.
There are some twists that keep you guessing.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Despite it being fun, the movie is way too long.
The script is a bit messy.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Dangerous stunts (do not try these at home)
Lots of explosions and destruction
Lots of violence with various weapons.
People are on fire
Some blood and gore
A man flips the bird
People commit a crime

THEMES:

The important work of stuntmen and stuntwomen
Romance
Second chances
Grit
Reputation
The film industry
Hollywood

FUNNY LINES:

“It’s plot heavy. We’re getting tangled in exposition.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“I’d slap the s**t out of you. I really could.” – Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) “And I’m open to that in a safer environment.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“This whole director thing looks good on you, even the gardening hat, somehow.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“I hate that thumbs up stunt guy stuff.” – Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt)
“I’m the director. You’re the stunt guy. We need to keep it super profesh.” – Jody Moreno “Profesh is my middle name.” – Colt Seavers “You said your middle name was Danger.” – Jody Moreno
“You’re a stunt man, for God’s sake. No one is going to notice whether you’re here or not. No offense.” – Gail (Hannah Waddingham) “I mean, some taken.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“You’re crying to Taylor Swift?” – Jody Moreno “Doesn’t everyone?” – Colt Savers

INTERESTING LINES:

“That’s me, Colt Seavers, and this is my hero’s journey.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“Can we just start from the top?” – Jody Moreno
“Getting set on fire really hurts. But it never hurts as much as not being with you.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“You’re special, and all of us get to be a part of something special because of you.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)
“I think what Jody and I got, it’s better than what you find in the movies.” – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling)