In The Fall Guy, we are introduced to Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a stuntman working for the notoriously self-absorbed actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Following an on-set accident resulting in a broken back, Colt retires from his career. Some time later, Ryder’s producer contacts him, urgently requesting his involvement in the new film, which is being directed by Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt). Colt and Jody had a prior relationship, and he views this as an opportunity to rectify his past actions. He travels to Australia, only to discover that the situation is not as presented, and his life may be in danger.
The Fall Guy originated as a TV series in 1981, running for five seasons until 1986. While its popularity in Sweden may have been limited, I recall watching it, possibly on Sky Channel or later on TV3. The series, starring Lee Majors (Six Million Dollar Man) as Colt Seavers, depicted him as both a stuntman and a bounty hunter. In the US system, bounty hunters apprehend individuals who have absconded after posting bail. The series was entertaining, and upon learning of a feature film adaptation directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, Atomic Blonde, Hobbs & Shaw), I anticipated a high-quality production. My expectations were partially met.
A primary issue with The Fall Guy film is the apparent lack of constraint on the actors’ performances. The dialogue volume is unusually high for an action movie, perhaps rivaled only by the extended version of The Fall Guy itself. The narrative momentum is significantly delayed, with the core storyline not truly initiating until nearly an hour into the film. Prior to this, excessive dialogue dominates. One sequence depicts Jody, harboring resentment, repeatedly subjecting Colt to a fire stunt while interrogating him about his reasons for leaving her. While intended as humor, the scene falls short of this mark.
Even after the central plot emerges, the dialogue remains prevalent. In one scene, Colt, in an intoxicated state, spends time conversing with Jody on the phone in a hotel room instead of fulfilling his intended purpose. While technically well-executed, this sequence is misplaced and further hinders the film’s progression.
The extended version incorporates a deleted action sequence, the removal of which is perplexing given the film’s need for more ACTION and less dialogue. Its inclusion, in place of unnecessary content, would have been beneficial. Furthermore, the chemistry between Gosling and Blunt seems lacking. The anticipated spark is absent, resulting in a sense of emptiness.
When the film finally gains momentum, it does so effectively, with well-executed and engaging action sequences. Certain comedic elements also succeed, and the musical selections are notable. The film offers insights into the filmmaking process, often portrayed with realism. However, the absence of law enforcement during an extended car chase and subsequent altercation involving a garbage truck traversing Sydney’s streets strains credibility. This may reflect budgetary limitations or a script deficiency that overlooked the logical involvement of the police.
The UHD edition presents visuals in 2160p, 4K with Dolby Vision, resulting in a near three-dimensional image quality, particularly enhancing the night sequences. A boat chase scene exhibits exceptional contrast between light and dark elements. The Dolby Atmos audio track is also of high caliber, delivering impactful sound during the aforementioned garbage truck chase, with nuanced clarity in the quieter moments.
The case indicates a substantial amount of bonus material, but initially, the disc appeared empty. Upon closer inspection, a disclaimer states “English version only”, implying that selecting “Svenska” at startup disables access to these features. This is an unusual implementation. The likely explanation is the lack of Swedish subtitles for the bonus content, although these are often absent regardless, and the material should ideally be accessible in all cases. Once accessed, the bonus material offers various interesting documentaries and insights into the film’s production.
In conclusion, I had hoped to enjoy The Fall Guy more fully. However, the film falls short of its potential. A reduction of 20 minutes and a faster narrative pace could have positioned it as a leading action film of 2024. Instead, it falters towards the end. The quality of the UHD edition elevates the overall score, but not sufficiently to warrant a strong recommendation.
For fans of the original series, it is advisable to remain seated during the end credits!
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted objectively, with a focus on the interests of our readers and consumers.
