While it’s hard not to be impressed with David Leitch’s contributions to stunts throughout his career, I’ve unfortunately never loved any of his directorial efforts thus far. It’s well known that Leitch is uncredited as the director of John Wick; however, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Hobbs & Shaw, and most recently Bullet Train failed to pass the smell test of an elite and electric action film.
Despite never fully impressing behind the camera, Leitch’s latest film, The Fall Guy, was a film I was eagerly anticipating to see if it would fully change my perspective. I mean, c’mon, how could you not be excited for the powerhouse of Barbenheimer joining forces for what could be one of the season’s biggest hits?
David Leitch’s The Fall Guy kicks off the Summer Blockbuster season with an adrenaline rush of action, comedy, and romance, acting as a love letter not just to stunt teams but to the entire community that creates the magic of film.
Loosely based on the 1980s series of the same name, The Fall Guy steps into the world of Colt Seavers, a stunt double for Tom Ryder. After a stunt gone wrong, Colt abandons his gig and his girlfriend Judy Moren, that is until Colt is now working on Judy’s directorial debut, only to find himself in an array of off-set turmoil regarding the film’s lead actor.
Drew Pearce, best known for his screenwriting credits on Iron Man 3, Hotel Artemis, and Hobbs & Shaw, pens the film’s screenplay and does so with a full understanding of the assignment. Effectively weaving through bombastic action, romance, and comedy, Pearce offers an homage to blockbusters of yesteryear where green screens were a foreign entity and the film’s most effective device was its actors, practicality, and performances. Thematically, Pearce is not breaking the mold on the narrative of the film; however, he lends a hand in the overall entertainment.
David Leitch’s history as a stuntman is evident, but the reverence shown is not just to stuntmen but to the overall crew working behind the scenes. It’s not often where the “meta” works on all levels, but Leitch’s inclusion of the “making of” with the mystery ongoings surrounding The Fall Guy are full-throttle fun.
The Fall Guy’s commitment to entertain is sealed with the dynamic chemistry of Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, who convey the screwball comedy romance of yesteryear by the likes of Colbert/Gable & Hepburn/Grant. Both Blunt and Gosling offer two old-school movie star performances by two of the best working today. Alongside Blunt and Gosling, Winston Duke and Hannah Waddingham are absolute riots, both offering delightful supporting performances that convey the comedic and satirical tone of the film perfectly.
The Fall Guy will be seen as David Leitch’s crowning achievement. It’s his best work behind the camera and, most importantly, within the entertainment and popcorn value the film will bring cinephiles. The Fall Guy shines a brighter light on the men and women behind the scene who often get forgotten but are just as important as those on screen.
As the Summer Blockbuster season commences, it would shock no one if by the time September arrives, the film remains one of the season’s most entertaining romps! LOVED IT!
