“The Fall Guy” (2024) Film Review

                   The Fall Guy (2024)

     Colt Seavers used to be the best stuntman in Hollywood. He even dated Jody for a time. But after an unfortunate accident, Colt vowed

to never set foot in the movie world again.

When Tom Ryder’s producer Gail calls to inform Colt that Tom is missing, the former stuntman decides to get back on the horse

(metaphorically speaking). It also means crossing paths with Jody whom he hasn’t spoken to in 18 months. Life is looking up!

     Positive Elements: Colt is a stuntman and repeatedly handles his job with gusto. But he also admits that while the stunts are cool, they

hurt. In a poignant scene, Colt tells Jody over the phone, “Being hit by car hurts. Being hurled through a window hurts. …I’m not okay.” He

confesses to Jody, “I’m still in love with you.”

     Jody is not happy with Colt when he shows up months later. As the movie continues though, she has a change of heart. When false

evidence about Colt is released, she refuses to believe it. Her stubborn bravery is commended when despite setbacks, she finishes

filming her first film. Jody plays a key role in bringing down shady characters.

     Other characters fit into this category as well. Alma (Tom Ryder’s assistant) fends herself from evildoers after being kidnapped. Dan

(Jodi’s stunt coordinator) sticks by Colt’s side through perilous moments. He quotes inspiring film lines too.

     Once Colt figures out an underhanded deception, he strives to do the right thing. When Alma is captured, he drives through a busy

highway to save her. With Jody’s help, Colt sneaks a confession out of an actor. When a producer tries bribing him out of legal issues, he

refuses. Does Colt have flaws? Absolutely. But in a society where movies most often have troubled heroes, Colt is one we can emulate,

and that’s nice to see.

     Spiritual Content: Colt quotes some of Proverbs 16:18, saying “You know how they say ‘Pride comes before a fall?’” He mentions an

actor sent him the “praying hands” emoji.

     Sensual Content: Colt and Jody had a brief sexual relationship before his accident. In flashbacks (set to Taylor Swift’s song “All Too

Well”), we see them kissing, holding hands and laughing. They do rekindle their romance throughout the movie through longing looks,

flirting, and (eventually) kissing.

  Jody mentions what she had with Colt was a “fling.” When seeing her on the beach after several months, Colt suggestively says “You

look good in everything. But you also look good in nothing.” Jody feels slightly offended by the statement. Both exchange banter about

“making bad decisions,” and meeting “on a beach somewhere.” While under the influence of drugs, Colt says to Jody “You look amazing.”

     A producer and Colt have a conversation with the phrase “sexy bacon” being repeatedly spoken. Jody’s new film is about an alien who

after a fling with a human, has “banging” experiences with others (a subtle nod to promiscuity). A guy in an alien suit reveals he fell in “love

with my wife’s sister.”

   Some male characters (including Colt) go shirtless. An actor moons someone (offscreen). Female characters wear tight, revealing outfits

that bare cleavage and leg.

Violence: No one said being a stuntman is easy. As such, Colt is set on fire, thrown through glass windows, and hit by cars. He fights

bad guys in a club, using his fists and bottles of champagne. Colt barges through a locked door and fights someone in a dangling metal

garbage compactor. Shady characters spray bullets at him and Dan. An actor’s girlfriend fights Colt using a prop ninja sword.

     Alma kicks/hits a dude with her feet and folder. Jody punches one producer, and gets into a scuffle with an alien mascot, stabbing his

leg with a pen. Dan and the stunt team rig a set with explosives and chemicals. They fight/punch the bad guys in their midst. Dan throws

one guy over a marble counter. Glass shatters, and bullets tear pillow/furniture fabric.

     A few cars get damaged. A dog named Jean Claude bites several men in their groin areas when commanded. Guys douse Colt in

gasoline as part of a murder suicide before he turns the tables on them. A boat collides with chemicals on a bay, resulting in a massive

explosion. Colt is tortured through punches (we see his bruised face).

     A helicopter spins out of control as some characters grapple for an audio piece. VFX is shown for a film as Colt battles aliens. One

character inadvertently dies after bringing his phone into a pyrokinetics zone. Another guy is found dead in a tub of ice. Colt falls from a

high height and injures his back. A guy is kicked hard into furniture resulting in his death.

     Language: One or two f-words, along with a huge smattering of the s-word, God’s name, Jesus’s name, and h—-. A few uses each of b—-

ch, d—n, p—-, a—-, and d—-k. God’s name is paired with d—-n a few times. Colt flips the bird on two or three separate occasions.

     Drugs/Alcohol: Several characters (including Colt and Jody) consume alcohol. Colt is given a Shirley Temple which is (intentionally)

drugged. Ironically, this doesn’t impact his fighting abilities, but in the next few scenes, he sees unicorns. When the drug wears off, Colt

touches an officer’s face to make sure it’s completely out.

     Jodi and others drink in a karaoke bar. A female producer orders some shots of tequila. Colt ices his hand in an alcoholic drink. As

mentioned, he uses champagne bottles as weapons against shady guys. Colt and Jody talk about drinking “spicy margaritas.”

     Other Negative Elements: (Spoiler Warning): Actor Tom Ryder and his producer Gail orchestrated Colt’s return. It starts when Tom

murders Henry (his second stunt partner). He then calls Gail who assures him she’ll take care of everything. It includes technology

deepfaking Colt, therefore framing him for Henry’s death. Tom also was the cause of Colt’s injury. He acts arrogantly on multiple

occasions.

     When Colt arrives, Jody isn’t too thrilled. Gail lies to Jody, and spreads false information about Colt. She even tries to bribe a police

officer to let her off the hook. Tom Ryder’s security guards are not merciful either: they laugh when Colt says Tom’s phone is gone, then (as

mentioned above) douse Colt in gasoline.

     Conclusion: The Fall Guy is a great film. Based on the 1980s TV show of the same name, this film hits viewers with nostalgia. Even some

actors from the show appear too. Also, given the fact that Deadpool 2 director David Leitch was a part time stuntman, this film is a loving

tribute to the stunt people in Hollywood.

     However, a few content concerns need caution. The violence while not graphic, is wince-inducing in multiple scenes. Language

sometimes hits the salty mark with curse words flying left and right. Even sensual innuendos, while subtle, are hard to ignore. Also, since

our society has AI powered technology, The Fall Guy somewhat leans into it. These concerns might give viewers pause.

     However, The Fall Guy scores points with lessons on perseverance, communication, and forgiveness. It lauds creative work and vilifies

negative behavior. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have great onscreen chemistry that is believable. Hannah Waddingham (Apple TV’s Ted

Lasso) provides some comic relief. Even Aaron Taylor Johnson plays prideful Tom Ryder to a brilliant T.

     We live in a society where giving up is (most often) the norm. People say phrases such as “Just let it go,” “You aren’t doing yourself any

favors,” and “If you keep quiet about this, I won’t wreck your career.” While these statements have some truth to them, they also have

another side. In the case of The Fall Guy, the last phrase is disquieting because it serves as a way to manipulate someone.

     However, Colt (despite his flaws) refuses to fall prey to manipulative tactics. In doing so, he not only wins Jody back, but also confronts

Tom regarding his arrogant behavior. Colt is a great film hero and given Ryan Goslings’ charm, makes him likable.

     The Bible is clear on the subjects of deception and perseverance. For the former, Proverbs 10:9 (NCV) states “The honest person will

live in safety, but the dishonest will be caught.” For the latter, James 1:12 (NIV) comes to mind; “Blessed is the one who perseveres under

trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

     We like Colt are flawed people who have made mistakes. How we choose to move forward is up to us. Colt initially pushes away Jody,

but realizes that it wasn’t the best choice. As he is roped into a shady plot, his determined attitude becomes admirable.

     Gail and Tom on the other hand don’t give much thought to their duplicitous actions. Instead, they keep thinking “As long as we keep

this under wraps, no one will know.” However, Gail and Tom’s plan backfires as Colt exposes them for who they truly are.

     Although The Fall Guy isn’t a Christian film, it nevertheless portrays the characters as more than one dimensional. The film gives us

insight into their actions and doesn’t excuse the lying and deception we witness. The film is charming, romantic, action-packed, and oh-so-

fun. If you are a huge fan of Ryan Gosling or Hannah Waddingham, The Fall Guy might be your cup of tea.