Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara , based on child development research. How do we rate?
High-octane smiles in stunt romcom; action violence, drugs.
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The Fall Guy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is THE FALL GUY, an experienced stunt performer who recently suffered a near-career- (and life-) ending injury on set. During his first post-recovery gig, trouble brews when Colt learns the movie's self-centered star, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), is missing, and that first-time director Jody (Emily Blunt)—who also happens to be Colt's former girlfriend—is frantically trying to save the film. Can he save the day? (Be sure to watch through closing credits, which show the actual stunt performers doing the stunts you just saw in the movie.)
Is It Any Good?
Director David Leitch's reimagining of the 1980s TV series starring Lee Majors is a kick, a happy adrenaline rush that's a fun pick for families with teens to watch together. You can absolutely enjoy it without having ever seen the original show, but fans should be assured that Leitch brings back what matters: the reveal of the grueling, dangerous work that stunt performers do to entertain us and the easy, casual cool of Colt Seavers. Colt, who's as aspirational as it gets (especially as played by Gosling), is also a great role model because he's effortlessly humble. It feels like humility is a quality that entertainment seems to have forgotten in recent years—a lapse that's spilled over into real life, too. But as the catchy theme song goes (here performed with energetic verve by Blake Shelton), a stunt performer knows: "I might fall from a tall building, I might roll a brand-new car, because I'm the unknown stuntman, who made Redford such a star."
Other than Colt and Jody, the characters are comedically exaggerated and the story isn't based in reality. This is another nod to the silliness of '80s action TV—remember, this was the era of Mr. T and Kitt the talking car. But the plot doesn't really matter all that much. Instead, Leitch offers moviegoers a peek of what life is like on set—including laughing at the earned characteristics of those in certain roles (the frazzled, diet soda-slurping producer, the egomaniac movie star, the assistant director who manages through threats, etc.). And he gives gives us the joy of feeling like we're part of the film crew, riding wires, dodging bullets, and laughing alongside Colt. Yes, it's maybe a little goofy, but The Fall Guy is also just so much fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage, humility, and resilience it takes to work as a stunt performer. How is that shown in The Fall Guy? Why are these important character strengths, no matter your age or profession?
How did the action violence make you feel? Did you ever feel like it was "real" or feel afraid or worried? Did the behind-the-scenes glimpses—both as seen through Colt's eyes and the actual making-of footage during the credits—impact how you internalized the violence and peril?
Is drug use glamorized in The Fall Guy? If getting high is shown as funny, even if the character isn't enjoying it, does that unintentionally make drug use look fun? Why, or why not?
Did you learn anything about how movies are made from watching? Why do you think the fake (and real) movie filmed in Australia?
Why is Jody's occupation a notable example of female representation? Why is it important to show her doing her job extensively and capably? Why do you think there are so few female movie directors when there are more women than men graduating from film school? What can we, as moviegoers, do to change that?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 3, 2024
- On DVD or streaming: May 21, 2024
- Cast: Ryan Gosling , Emily Blunt , Hannah Waddingham , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Winston Duke
- Director: David Leitch
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Humility
- Run time: 126 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: action and violence, drug content and some strong language
- Last updated: August 18, 2024
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