David Leitch embarked on his Hollywood journey as a daring stunt double, notably shadowing Brad Pitt in the vibrant era of the 90s. He further solidified his mark by serving as a producer for the John Wick series, celebrated for its sizzling action sequences and flawless stunt choreography. Although his first directorial prowess in 2014's John Wick went uncredited, his official debut came with 2017's Atomic Blonde, a film lauded for its adrenaline-pumping action yet held back by a lackluster narrative.

 

Enter his latest directorial venture, The Fall Guy, poised on a tightrope of admiration and reproach. Serving as an homage to the unsung heroes of stunt work, The Fall Guy dances precariously between celebration and critique. While it dazzles as an action extravaganza, promising to ride a stable box office wave with its thrilling spectacles, it also tilts too heavily towards practical effects and stunts, leaving the narrative shallower than a child's wading pool.

 

Ryan Gosling takes the lead as a seasoned stuntman, affectionately referred to as "fall guys" in the industry, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a tragic accident on set. Over a year later, the producer of the leading actor he doubles for persuades him to return to work, only for Gosling to uncover the self-serving motives behind his comeback: the star has vanished, and Gosling must track him down. Complicating matters is his tumultuous personal relationship with director of the most recent film, Emily Blunt, which he's desperately trying to mend. With its stellar cast of A-listers, The Fall Guy hypes to deliver an action-packed romantic comedy, poised to ignite the summer movie season.

 

Having spent close to two decades as a "fall guy" in his career, Leitch seamlessly channels his expertise into the film's adrenaline-fueled action sequences and daring stunts. In an era where blockbuster films increasingly rely on computer-generated effects, Leitch remains steadfast in his commitment to honoring risky stunt work, a nod to the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Nearly every action sequence in the film is meticulously crafted using practical effects, a testament to Leitch's dedication to authenticity.

 

The use of computer-generated effects is sparing and subtle, primarily employed to enhance background details or remove safety padding from shots. Only during the behind-the-scenes footage shown in the film’s credit sequence did I realize the minimal extent of the CGI used. The Fall Guy truly shines in its celebration of craftsmanship, with an abundance of jaw-dropping impressive stunt work throughout its runtime, showcasing the unparalleled dedication of the cast and crew.

 

Ryan Gosling, fresh off his well-deserved Oscar nomination for 2023’s Barbie, continues to exhibit his versatility in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, showcasing both his comedic prowess and undeniable charm as a leading man. While the film tastefully acknowledges Gosling's physique, it wisely refrains from relying solely on it. Instead, Gosling truly shines in his comedic moments, injecting the perfect dose of humor to complement the film's tone.

 

Regrettably, Gosling’s standout performance inadvertently overshadows the efforts of his co-stars. Many of the minor characters, portrayed by equally illustrious names such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Hannah Waddingham, come across as grating and distractingly irritating in nearly every scene. The lone exception is Stephanie Hsu, whose cameo injects a refreshing energy into the narrative, momentarily breaking free from the monotony that otherwise pervades the film.

 

Despite Emily Blunt’s commendable effort with her role, she becomes ensnared in the film's neglect to construct an engaging narrative. Beyond the commendable stunt work showcased, the intricacies of the plot merely serve as a means to transition from one action-packed sequence to the next. The film pays scant attention to the substance between these explosive moments, banking on the assumption that its audience will be sufficiently entertained by its effects and playful romantic subplot. Unfortunately, this heavy reliance on the film’s action detracts from its overall quality.

 

While one specific aspect of The Fall Guy undeniably impresses—its practical stunt work, which dominates nearly the entire film—it struggles to harmonize with the rest of the elements necessary for crafting a truly exceptional movie. While The Fall Guy excels in its attempt as a summer blockbuster, offering pure entertainment that appeals to a wide range of demographics, it falls short in fostering engaging intellectual or deeply emotional connections with its audience.