87North Productions and Entertainment 360’s The Fall Guy (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is an ode to the stunt doubles who do risky action scenes for actors but part of their job is to hide their identity!
Hollywood stunt performer Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), who mainly works as a stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), is grievously injured during a stunt gone wrong. He abandons his career and his girlfriend, camera operator Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt). Months later, Tom Ryder’s producer, Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), coaxes Colt to return to the job for a film Jody Moreno is directing for her. Colt is shocked to learn on set that contrary to what Gail had told him, Jody never asked for him as she was still angry about their break-up. Gail reveals that Tom Ryder has disappeared after getting involved with drugs, and she puts Colt on the job to trace him before the shooting of her film is cancelled.
In his pursuit to help Jody’s film, Colt gets entangled in a case of murder he never committed. Meanwhile, Colt and Jody’s love story has begun again. Trying to prove his innocence, Colt gets lucky when he gets hold of Tom Ryder’s phone which is in possession of his PA, Alma Milan (Stephanie Hsu). What happens thereafter? Is Colt able to prove that he didn’t commit any murder? Who was the killer? And who was murdered? Is Colt able to ensure that Jody’s film, Metalstorm, is completed? Does Tom Ryder report for shooting?
Drew Pearce has written a fairly interesting story based on Glen A. Larson’s TV series of the same name. His screenplay gets verbose and a bit boring in the first half but the drama becomes more engaging in the last one hour. Yet, it doesn’t consume the audience completely.
Ryan Gosling is charismatic as stunt double Colt Seavers. He does a fine job. Emily Blunt is good as Jody Moreno. Aaron Taylor-Johnson provides decent support as actor Tom Ryder. Hannah Waddingham gives a pretty good account of herself as producer Gail Meyer. Winston Duke makes his presence amply felt as stunt coordinator Dan Tucker. Stephanie Hsu is adequate as Tom Ryder’s PA, Alma Milan. Teresa Palmer is okay as Tom Ryder’s girlfriend and co-star, Iggy Starr. Jason Momoa adds star value in a cameo appearance as himself. Lee Majors and Heather Thomas are okay as police officers. Others do as desired.
David Leitch’s direction is fairly nice but his narration does get boring at places. Dominic Lewis’ music and background score are good but should’ve been better. Jonathan Sela’s cinematography is excellent. Production designing is okay. Elisabet Ronaldsdóttir’s editing is reasonably sharp. Dubbing is appropriate.
On the whole, The Fall Guy is an ordinary fare.
Released on 3-5-’24 at Gemini (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak everywhere.