In the world of action-comedies, “The Fall Guy,” directed by David Leitch, seemingly checks all the boxes with its well-measured blend of romance, comedy, and high-octane sequences. Despite these winning elements, the film struggles to fully captivate, giving off a sense of being too carefully crafted, almost to a fault. It stirs a notion similar to the ‘uncanny valley’ effect where something almost human is more disconcerting than charming, suggesting that its screenplay, while functional, lacks genuine spark.
The story unfolds as Colt Seavers (played by Ryan Gosling), a stunt double, embarks on a quest to locate the missing superstar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) to salvage not just the film they are working on but also his romantic life with Ryder’s ex-girlfriend, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt). This setup is reminiscent of an ’80s rom-com, offering a nostalgic charm that somewhat delivers.
Gosling and Blunt display compelling chemistry, bringing their romance to life with an expected but enjoyable trajectory. However, the film’s humor doesn’t fare as well. It leans heavily on modern comedy tropes such as meta-humor, pop culture nods, and predictable cameos, which feel more obligatory than amusing.
The action sequences stand out as a highlight. Director David Leitch plays to his strengths, providing entertaining stunt work that nods to the lighter, comical fight scenes of early Jackie Chan films. These sequences blend well with the film’s tone, adding levity without becoming overly intense.
While Blunt delivers a notably expressive performance, the rest of the supporting cast doesn’t leave much of an impression, blending into the film’s background. Despite its potential and moments of engagement, “The Fall Guy” ultimately serves as a casual watch that doesn’t demand much from its audience, making it perfect for light, undemanding entertainment.
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