Directed by David Leitch and featuring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, "The Fall Guy" sets out to honor stunt performers, a dedication emphasized even before the film begins with a special video introduction from Leitch and Gosling. Despite this noble intent, the film ultimately succumbs to recurring issues typical of Leitch's work.
Initially, the casting of Ryan Gosling, known for his dramatic roles rather than action prowess, raised eyebrows among viewers anticipating a stunt-centric film. Leitch, renowned for his action-packed sequences, appears to veer off course by focusing on emotional drama over physical stunts, diverging from the film's central theme.
From Leitch's previous film, "Bullet Train," it becomes evident that he struggles with balancing dramatic elements, often injecting excessive comedy and verbal sparring between characters. In "The Fall Guy," the narrative unfolds through two primary arcs: the unresolved love story between Gosling and Blunt, and the action-packed spy missions Gosling undertakes after being framed by adversaries.
The film's romantic subplot proves problematic, primarily due to its underdeveloped nature. It hastily establishes mutual affection between Gosling and Blunt's characters before swiftly leaping forward in time, leaving out pivotal moments that could have deepened their relationship. Relying solely on Gosling's charismatic portrayal to sell their romance feels forced and unconvincing, a recurring flaw that persists throughout "The Fall Guy."
While Leitch's expertise in action direction shines in the film's final act, earlier sequences suffer from erratic pacing and unclear storytelling. Moments such as Gosling's encounters with a mysterious knife-wielding woman and surreal nightclub hallucinations are prolonged unnecessarily, laden with Leitch's trademark humor that often misses the mark. These issues echo those found in "Bullet Train," highlighting ongoing challenges in Leitch's approach to narrative coherence and tone.
Despite Leitch's background as a former stuntman, "The Fall Guy" occasionally feels more like a pretext for indulging in familiar action tropes rather than a genuine tribute to stunt performers. The film's sporadic nods to stunt work, including Leitch's introductory speech and behind-the-scenes footage, fail to seamlessly integrate with the overall narrative, further detracting from its thematic cohesion.
While "The Fall Guy" garners praise for its visual spectacle and respect for stunt work, critical acclaim remains tepid beyond these technical merits. Ultimately, it stands as another typical David Leitch production, urging the director to reconsider his focus on straightforward action filmmaking in future endeavours, steering clear of forced comedic elements that dilute thematic integrity.
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