Review: 'The Fall Guy' is a love letter to Hollywood stuntmen

“The Fall Guy” is a love letter not only to the 1980s-era television series that inspired the film, but also to fans of action flicks in general.

That being said, it’s a big, bombastic, loud kind of action comedy that at times feels as if it’s three movies in one – rom-com, mystery and action film. Those qualities make it an overall messy endeavor.

But the film, which stars Ryan Gosling as stuntman Colt Seavers, the role made famous by Lee Majors, and Emily Blunt, is directed by a former stuntman, David Leitch (“Bullet Train,” “Deadpool 2”), and it’s clearly his chance to put the unsung heroes who do stunt work front and center while taking more than a few comedic shots at prima donna actors in the process.

On more than a few occasions, though, those daring deeds impress at the expense of a story and script. That’s where “The Fall Guy” runs into trouble.

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Plot points on several occasions never come together, and other instances are just nonsensical.

But it’s darned entertaining. Sometimes you go to a movie for an experience. Other times you go just to be entertained. Many times, people go for both.

“The Fall Guy” lands firmly in that entertainment realm, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Written by Drew Pearce (“Hotel Artemis”), it knows exactly what it is. It’s meant to be a good time.

In that regard, the story of a big-time Hollywood stuntman experiencing a crisis is exactly that.

Gosling stars as that guy in Seavers. An on-set accident basically ruins his life, taking him from the role of primary stunt double for superstar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) − who is dating Seavers' dream woman, Jody (played by Blunt), a rising director − to parking valet.

Yes. Awkward.

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After 18 months of emotional and professional turmoil, Seavers gets a call from Ryder’s producing partner Gail (Hannah Waddingham of “Ted Lasso”) convincing him to return as Ryder’s double in his latest big-budget monstrosity that Jody just happens to be directing in Australia.

But there’s more as Ryder plays the superstar role to the hilt, disappearing without a trace from filming. As it turns out, Gail lures Seavers to the land Down Under to try to track Ryder down.

All of this provides ample opportunity for stunts galore, and “The Fall Guy” certainly possesses some spectacular ones. The only reason they don’t completely overwhelm the film: the cast, led by Gosling and Blunt, with significant help from the supporting players, are so very appealing and charismatic, making the most of the limited opportunities they have to be more than props.

“The Fall Guy” isn’t the perfect way to begin the summer movie season, but it’s a good start.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal.

Review

Movie: “The Fall Guy”

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Hannah Waddingham, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Directed by: David Leitch

Running time: 2 hours, 6 minutes

Rated: PG-13 for action and violence, drug content and some strong language.

Grade: B-

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: 'The Fall Guy' a flawed love letter to Hollywood stuntmen