[SXSW Review] ‘THE FALL GUY’ slaps a big, goofy smile on your face

THE FALL GUY

Director: David Leitch
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Hannah Waddinghan, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Teresa Palmer, and Stephanie Hsu
Premiered Mar. 12 @ 6:15 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Universal Pictures will release the film theatrically on May 3.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — At every film festival, we’re chasing that ONE film. That one that makes you thrilled, and you can’t help but laugh or smile every time you mention or think about it. For me, in past years, at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, it was BlackBerry (2023), Apollo 10 ½ (2022), and Tom Petty, Somewhere You Find Free (2021). This year, without a doubt, David Leitch’s The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, is that film. It’s hilarious, stunt-filled, and 100 percent joy from start to finish!

Inspired by the hit 80s TV series starring Lee Majors, The Fall Guy revolves around Colt Seavers (Gosling), a Hollywood stuntman who suffered a career-threatening injury. After disappearing and briefly working as a valet driver, Colt is called back to roll cars and get thrown around on film sets again. But it’s not just any director’s film set — it’s for his ex, Jody (Blunt), who since Cody’s disappearance has worked her way up to helming a mega-budget sci-fi of the Dune kind. 

While having Colt involved in the production is awkward for Jody, things get really complicated when the film’s lead actor (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) goes missing. In an attempt to save the film and rekindle his relationship with Jody, Colt embarks on a dangerous journey that tests his stunt skills in the real world.

Leitch, the director of films such as Bullet Train and Deadpool 2, has created a hilarious tribute to the world of stunt filmmaking. The film sheds light on the lack of recognition and credit given to stunt performers when they provide the “Comic-Con Hall H” shot and the actual pain they endure when they bleed for the production. But The Fall Guy doesn’t just focus on the stunt crew; it also takes a comical approach to exploring all aspects of filmmaking. 

It’s a mix of Tropic Thunder and Last Action Hero with a healthy dose of Austin Powers-style ridiculousness. Leitch and his team clearly had a lot of fun making this movie, and it shows. Keep an eye out for the cannon roll stunt that reportedly broke a Guinness World Record, as well as a memorable scene where a character drives a boat through a wall of fire while a popular theme song plays.

With his delicious charm and side-splitting reactions, Gosling brings Colt to life, a character you’d love to hang around with. His smart-ass commentary and undying love for Jody are infectious. But the chemistry between him and Blunt truly lights up the screen, surpassing any explosion. As Jody, Blunt delightfully snaps back at Gosling’s quips, creating a dynamic energy that makes you miss her Edge of Tomorrow-like action.

Each cast member, including Winston Duke, Stephanie Hsu, Hannah Waddingham, and Teresa Palmer, gets moments to stun with their action scenes or comedy. However, it’s Taylor-Johnson who truly steals the show, hamming it up to the sky as a “diva actor” with a Matthew McConaughey voice. His performance leaves you wishing you could watch an entire fake movie with him pulling that off. It’s truly incredible.

The Fall Guy has everyone in the cast and crew firing on all cylinders. It’s a comedic gem with a rewatchability factor that’s through the roof. Who would’ve guessed that a movie about a fake movie would bring the truest laughs? 

Grade: A