The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy, an 80's TV title property that wants to be both a rom-com and an action-adventure film, doesn't sound like something I'd recommend. 

However, this flick is a big win as a popcorn film that packs all the right punches. It reminded me of those big Hollywood crowdpleasers that paired real movie stars together for a fun night out at the cinema. 

Director David Leitch (Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, and the John Wick series) brings a palpable admiration for stuntmen to this film, infusing it with both depth and charm. And he certainly knows how to elevate action onscreen — and Emily Blunt is delightful with comic dialogue. 

But Credit Ryan Gosling who is at the top of his comedy game and in almost every scene as stuntman Colt Severs — and perfectly paired with his Ken & Kitty Barbenheimer partner. Blunt and Gosling were magic together as Oscar presenters this year and the comic chemistry is real. This is the banter-driven film I had hoped Jungle Cruise (Blunt) or Nice Guys (Gosling) would have been.

In the third act, where I was expecting to be bored by the simplistic plot playing out as well as the action needing to go over the top, the opposite happened. The practical stunts (and minimal CG ones) were fresh and had me leaning forward.

Turns out, a film that honors and showcases stuntmen is a great setup for a fun franchise. Unfortunately, I don't think the early box office is going to justify making a sequel as it seems everyone just wants to stream this at home. They're missing out.

In a nutshell: I fell for it. The superfun popcorn movie we haven't had in ages. See it in the theater with a crowd.

Where to see it: In theaters now.

Would it be better with Olivia Colman: Of course. She would have somehow made the Hannah Waddington role even better. I love Hannah, but she was the only one overplaying her role.

Oscar potential: Not that type of film.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.