The Fall Guy

REVIEW:

I felt inclined to review The Fall Guy following the long-overdue and much-needed announcement that the Oscars will finally recognise Best Stunt Design as a competitive category. It couldn’t be more fitting that this film, which celebrates the blood, sweat, and broken bones behind the scenes, arrives at a time when stunt teams are about to get their moment in the spotlight. David Leitch, once a stuntman himself, has always been an advocate for this world, and The Fall Guy feels like his most personal film yet—part action spectacle, part industry love letter, and all heart.

David Leitch has never made a bad movie, and I stand by that. From Atomic Blonde to Deadpool 2 and the criminally underrated Bullet Train, his track record is ridiculously consistent. But The Fall Guy might just be the film where his past and present finally collide in the most rewarding way. His experience in the stunt world bleeds into every frame—quite literally—and the action here isn’t just explosive, it’s meaningful. Every leap, fall, and fiery crash has emotional weight behind it, and it never once feels hollow or for show.

The film opens with such reverence for stunt work that I was grinning from ear to ear. It’s rare to see a movie lift the curtain like this and shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of blockbuster filmmaking. That opening sequence, with big-budget movie sets, explosions, and chaos all choreographed with balletic precision, instantly pulled me in. Then you have Winston Duke delivering advice to Ryan Gosling using iconic movie quotes like he’s the world’s coolest film professor—every time he spoke, I caught myself nodding along or outright laughing.

Cinephiles will find plenty to feast on here. From the sweeping shots of practical effects on set to Emily Blunt’s character quietly reviewing footage in the edit suite, the movie feels like it was made for people who genuinely love movies. There’s something delightfully meta about watching a movie that’s about making a movie, while also making you feel like you’re inside a movie set. It blurs the line between reality and performance in a way that’s both clever and affectionate.

And let’s talk chemistry—Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt are magnetic together. Their comedic timing is sharp, but it’s the awkward tension and romantic baggage between them that makes their dynamic so charming. They play off each other like seasoned dance partners who occasionally trip over each other just to keep things interesting. It reminded me of classic rom-com pairings but filtered through an action-packed, paint-splattered, fireball-fuelled lens.

The soundtrack? Absolute bangers. Hearing AC/DC and The Darkness roar through stunt sequences gave everything a proper throwback adrenaline kick, and YUNGBLUD’s version of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” is now living rent-free on my gym playlist. It’s rare for a film’s music choices to feel so integrated into its DNA, but The Fall Guy knows exactly when to turn up the volume and let the vibe take over.

There’s so much heart here. That’s what surprised me most. For all its explosions and high-flying antics, it’s a story about broken people who still find purpose in the chaos. It’s also just fun. Hugely entertaining from start to finish, this is one of those movies I could put on again and again and still find new things to appreciate—whether it’s a cheeky background detail, a perfectly timed gag, or a behind-the-scenes trick I didn’t notice the first time.

Ending the movie with real behind-the-scenes footage during the credits was a perfect, classy touch. It underlines the message without hammering it home and leaves you smiling. And yes, this is based on an old TV show, but there’s so much potential left in the tank. A sequel seems not only possible but essential. Oh—and major props for the Lee Majors cameo in the mid-credits. It’s the kind of respectful nod that ties it all together while winking at those in the know.