The Fall Guy, directed by David Leitch and produced by his 87 North team, is not merely a film adaptation of the 1980s television series about a Hollywood stunt performer who doubles as a bounty hunter. It's a veritable ode to the unsung heroes of cinema—the stunt performers. At its core, the entire project is a heartfelt homage, a love letter finely penned and sealed with high-octane action sequences that captivate from the opening scene to the behind-the-scenes credits, which gloriously highlight the movie's stunning stunt work.

From the onset, The Fall Guy sets a kinetic pace, with an introduction that immediately pulls the audience into its world of daring stunts and cinematic spectacle. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a dazzling display of meticulously choreographed action that serves as both tribute and testament to the risks and rigors stunt performers endure. The film cleverly integrates these stunts into its narrative, ensuring that each sequence isn't just thrilling but also crucial to the storytelling, seamlessly blending action with the film's broader themes.

Central to The Fall Guy's charm are the charismatic performances of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Gosling, playing the titular stuntman and and brings a blend of roguish allure and vulnerability to his role, making his character relatable yet heroic. Emily Blunt, as his director and collaborator, matches Gosling's charm with her own blend of wit and grace, making their on-screen chemistry delightful and genuine. Their performances add a layer of warmth and likability that anchors the film's high-flying escapades. The film is at its best when the two of them are on screen together.

The screenplay, rich with sharp wit and clever nods to cinematic history, plays brilliantly with meta-narrative elements. One standout sequence cleverly mirrors the descriptions of shots in the fictitious film within the film, Metalstorm, with the actual shots we, the audience, are seeing. This not only serves as a humorous visual gag but also enlightens the viewer about the language of filmmaking, enhancing the experience by drawing them deeper into the craft behind the scenes. It's this self-referential humor and acknowledgment of film lore that endears The Fall Guy to cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike. The film is peppered with references and quotes from other iconic films, which resonated with the audience and created an engaging, interactive viewing experience. The packed theater often erupted into cheers, particularly at cleverly timed jokes or particularly daring stunts, highlighting how The Fall Guy functions as a communal celebration of film itself.

Not everything in the film works. The portrayal of the villain (I won’t say who that is), for instance, feels somewhat clichéd and underdeveloped, leading to moments that verge on becoming tedious rather than tension-filled. This character could have benefited from the same careful characterization that our heroes were afforded, which might have elevated the antagonist beyond mere caricature. And although the chemistry between Gosling and Blunt is excellent, when the narrative separates the two, the story feels far less engaging and I found myself just wishing the two would reunite back on screen. The stunts and set-pieces that involve both of them have so much more dramatic weight to them, than one that Ryan in a chase scene while Emily waits in a karaoke bar.

Additionally, while the final act is filled with engaging scenes and concludes the narrative arcs satisfactorily, it tends to drag, feeling somewhat bloated with multiple pseudo-endings. Just when it seems the film is drawing to a close, a new scene shifts the direction, which, while exciting, can also feel disorienting and unnecessarily elongated. This pacing issue, where the conclusion feels repeatedly postponed, might test the patience of some viewers despite the high quality of these concluding scenes.

Despite these minor criticisms, The Fall Guy is undeniably a thrilling cinematic experience. It's a film that not only pays homage to the world of stunt performance but also celebrates the broader art of filmmaking. For those who appreciate cinema's behind-the-scenes magic, David Leitch's latest offering is a compelling watch that's likely to leave you both entertained and in awe of the skill and dedication of those who bring action to life on the silver screen. This film is a worth seeing on the big screen. It probably won't take home any Oscars, but if this not-so-subtle appeal to the Academy garners a different kind of Oscar buzz, I think that would be a massive win.

— 4 / 5 ⭐