The Fall Guy

If you're going to make an unpretentious action comedy, this is how you do it. Putting aside the most questionable thing – the crime plot at the heart of the film is very simple and silly, but it's not really the point, the whole thing is pulled along by both the action-packed stunt attractions, but mostly by the charisma of the two leads. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt work great together, they have visible chemistry and their verbal banter at times almost makes you think of classic screwball romantic comedies. It's actually a nice love letter from Drew Pearce and David Leitch to all the stuntmen, the "invisible" crew members and filmmaking in general, and the idyllic romanticization of the whole creative process without a single hint of cynicism works very well for the audience. (04/25/2024)

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt are great, David Leitch clearly enjoyed being able to make a film about his own craft... But I stopped believing almost everything in The Fall Guy after about half an hour, when the main plot was in full swing. As with the previous Bullet Train, it became a parade of not entirely believable to the point of stupid situations, from which only the split-screen conversation and the action scene with the container stood out. On top of that, the film was terribly long, and could have ended an estimated three times before the very end. Too bad. I'm not one of those people who constantly claim that the grass was greener and the sky was bluer before, but here it must be said that an honest film that glorifies the profession of stunt work and is genuinely funny, wacky and believably romantic was made 47 years ago, Animal with Belmondo (05/09/2024)

 The Fall Guy has a bit of a slow and slapdash start, but from Colt's return to the set, the film jumps into a brisk wave of action that isn't slowed down even by the closing credits. David Leitch mixes action comedy with romance and crime in a likeable way, with all the genre levels working well together. I've always liked Emily Blunt, and Ryan Gosling is definitely more suited to the distressed stubble than Ken's face. I also liked how the film pays homage to the stunt craft and all the "no-names" who risk their lives so that "famous" stars can shine. Last but not least, I must not forget to mention the excellent parody of the space opera genre and the eye-rolling, or rather humming, of the "dune saga". (05/16/2024)

David Leitch pays homage to the stunt craft and filmmaking, and it's enjoyable entertainment that won't offend anyone in the cinema, but it just doesn't live up to his previous effort Bullet Train - that was far more substantial in terms of action and humour, and more importantly it was R-rated, so I liked it better. It's quite ironic that the film's strengths don't include the action, which is more creative and interesting than excellent, and the humour is only mildly amusing rather than a loaded comedy ride, but the film gets plus points elsewhere. Like the great chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, it had emotion and this whole romance thing works great, but what I liked most was the behind the scenes of the filmmaking, where Leitch shows a lot of things from the other side and I enjoyed that. There are also a lot of movie references, I really liked the action scene on LSD at the disco (probably the most original fight ever) and then the finale, which is decently spectacular and fun. The icing on the cake is the trailer for the final film which is reminiscent of Honest Trailers (the same guy speaks by the way), I was very pleased with that. Fun, playful and heartfelt. 8/10 (05/09/2024)

Better than Dune! Excellent, imaginative, romantic comedy with polished action and filmed with incredible flair. David Leitch reminisces about his stunt years and inspires lots of little kids to get punched, smashed and knocked down, then deepfake them into the star of the film. Ryan Gosling in The Nice Guys mode and Emily Blunt in superwoman mode are having an incredible time, and the chemistry is conjuring unicorns before your eyes. (05/09/2024)