The Mosley Review: The Fall Guy
When's the last time you saw a film that was just fun? A film that's devoid of all political messaging, agenda bias and was just plain, good old fashioned fun from beginning to end. It has truly been a while where a film like that has existed and especially in the action / romantic comedy genres. This film brings that feeling back with a bang in every conceivable way and I was here for it. I never saw the original 1980's series it was based on, but I do appreciate real stunt work and when it is recognized by the masses. Like Tropic Thunder, this film has the fun and hilarious idea of showing you the inner workings of the film industry while highlighting the unsung heroes of cinema, the stunt men and women. Not only does this film feature some excellent action and stunt work, but it features a truly funny and heartwarming love story that is predictable at times, but still manages to be fresh and classical. Fortunately, this film features a cast that has brilliant chemistry to bring it all home.
Ryan Gosling was fantastic and hilarious as the awkward, charming and fun seasoned stuntman Cole Seavers. Not only did he take so many hits and look great in action, but his trademark charm and comedic timing is on full display. Its always fun to see a character's arc of remembering his self worth and what gave him purpose in life. Cole goes through that arc in a sometimes dark, but always in a fun and energetic way. Emily Blunt was fantastic as his former lover and now film director, Jody Moreno. Their chemistry never stopped being magnetic from the opening scene to the bombastic finale. You really feel the connection they had and the heartbreak between them. The best scene between them was during her direction of fiery action shot that brilliantly brought out the painful conversation that usually happens in a coffee shop or side street in other films like this. Jody gets in on the action as well and Emily shows off her often forgotten stunt capabilities. Winston Duke was awesome as Cole's bestfriend and stunt coordinator, Dan Tucker. He was truly having the time of his life in his fight scenes and of course the execution of the stunt sequences "on set". Hannah Waddingham was great and very manic as the film producer, Gail Meyer. She really nailed the always reassuring and manipulative on set producer that has a metric ton of caffeine running through her veins. Aaron Taylor-Johnson was good as the “movie star” that Cole doubles for, Tom Ryder. As Tom, he nailed that typical and over the top version of a movie star that lives the party life and never takes responsibility for his actions. Johnson was hilarious in a good number of moments and a bit sinister in others. Stephanie Hsu was good as Tom's assistant, Alma Milan and I liked that she wasn't helpless during a particular scene.
Composer Dominic Lewis brings the film to life in an epic, poppy and fun spirited way. I loved the many different variations of the classic "I Was Made For Lovin' You Baby" by KISS. Yungblud's version was raspy, full of soul and plays in a perfect moment of the film. I truly love when stunts are showcased in frame and are not cheapened with shakey cam and this film truly showcases stunts and action beautifully. There is a scene that felt like the finale of an amazing stunt show that I would totally pay to go see. This film was a love letter to the stunt performers in the film industry around the world and I had so much fun watching them work. This was definitely the best way to start the summer film season and one of my favorite films of the year. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
