3 reasons to see 'The Fall Guy' this weekend
as if Ryan Gosling wasn’t reason enough
I have a responsibility, no, an utter obligation, to tell you to do yourself a favor and see The Fall Guy, in a movie theater, this weekend.
For those of you who, unlike my friends and I, didn't circle this action-rom-com's release date from the moment the first teaser-trailer dropped, allow me to convince you now.
First of all, what's your problem? As I mentioned, it's an action-rom-com (a rare genre these days), it's a theater-lover's stunt-driven dream that's not a Marvel movie, it's starring Ryan Gosling, the scene-stealing, Academy-award winning, Matchbox 20-guitar playing, (way more than just) Ken doll, heartthrob of our time, and it also happens to be well-written.
I guess a lot of people must have missed that memo, as headlines about its low opening weekend box office numbers feature adjectives like “bleak” and “bummer.”
In some ways, I get it. To the naked eye, The Fall Guy seems like it might be kind of dumb.
But please, for the love of Gos, let me assure you, it is not dumb. It’s way funnier and smarter and sweeter than it needs to be. Also, you do not even need to care about action movies, or stunts, or romcoms, or even Ryan Gosling to enjoy this movie. It's just so goddamn fun.
I also have some ulterior motives. I am a person who loves movies and a person who loves going to the movies, and am constantly distraught over what the future of movies and movie theaters look like.
On dating apps, where I do a lot of not dating, the first line of my bio states that I am “looking for a kind partner who will share their fountain soda with me at the movies.” I am serious about the movie-going experience. And fountain soda.
It is with all this information in mind that I present to you three very good reasons to grab your friends, a massive bucket of popcorn (or pop your own if you’re on a budget like me) and treat yourself to the magic of The Fall Guy this weekend.
It’s a movie by movie lovers, for movie lovers
The Fall Guy is based on a 1980s action-adventure television show of the same name and is essentially a love letter to stunt people. The director, David Leitch, is a stuntman himself, and the movie is stacked with little nods to the stunt industry but also the film industry itself. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but it is clear, almost immediately, that this is a movie made by people who love the craft and love sharing it with people. In that way, it is a movie that should be taken seriously.
It’s realistic (sort of)
Bear with me. Consider the romantic comedy genre. In most cases, the world in which the main characters live is usually pretty faithful to reality, but the romance and relationship, along with its trials and tribulations, are not. There are outrageous miscommunications, completely bogus scenarios and the same tedious template that finds our lovers in some sort of epic conflict, only to come back together in the end. At a New Year’s Eve party.
In The Fall Guy, the exact opposite is true. The movie's world is larger than life, and finds its characters in totally wacky scenarios, and yet the two leading characters have a very natural, relatable chemistry and story that never descends into absurdity. I wish more writers understood that this is a far more satisfying way to portray romance, and treats its audience like the adults that they are.
Speaking of romance, in today’s world, a heteronormative, monogamous relationship that doesn't involve a tennis ball, might feel stale, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying something that feels really fresh and mature.
We are, somehow, still reaching peak Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is one of our greatest actors. Longtime fans were not surprised that he made Ken totally his own, diving straight into the character earnestly, without embarrassment or ego. Gosling is a joy to watch because while we expect him to be good, he always manages to be even better. And this film is the latest example of that rise to perfection. His comedic timing is approaching Nic Cage levels, his character work swings effortlessly between vulnerability and grit - á la Patrick Swayze's greatest hits, and that handsome mug that ties it all together? Let's just say this face has never smoldered as long and as hard as in this film.
More Ryan Gosling leaning into his silly side forever, please.
Love,
Jamie & Rachel