So, The Fall Guy starring Ryan Gosling hit theaters, and surprise, surprise—it didn’t exactly set the critics ablaze with excitement. Which, frankly, is a real shame, because this movie had everything you could ask for in a fun, action-packed throwback. But did it get the credit it deserved? Absolutely not. Instead, it got buried under a pile of overrated sequels and pretentious Oscar bait. What a world.
Let’s talk about timing. Whoever decided to release The Fall Guy in the middle of blockbuster season must have been playing a cruel joke. How was a movie based on a classic 1980s TV show supposed to compete with the latest superhero cash grab? Sure, Ryan Gosling is a big name, but even he couldn’t fight off the tidal wave of franchise fatigue clogging up cinemas. It’s like serving up a perfectly cooked steak in the middle of an all-you-can-eat buffet of mediocrity—of course, it got overlooked.
And the marketing? Don’t get me started. Apparently, someone thought it was a brilliant idea to lean into the nostalgia for a TV show most people under 40 probably never heard of. Because nothing screams box office gold like a niche reference, right? The younger crowd had no clue what they were looking at, and the older crowd was too busy rolling their eyes at Hollywood’s latest attempt to mine their childhood memories for profit. But here’s the thing: the movie itself was a blast—a fun, self-aware romp that paid homage to its roots while still delivering fresh, exciting action.
Critics, as usual, missed the point entirely. Sure, some begrudgingly admitted that Gosling was great—as if that’s a surprise to anyone—but they couldn’t resist taking shots at the movie for being “derivative” or “lacking depth.” Give me a break. Not every film needs to be a soul-searching drama or a mind-bending thriller. The Fall Guy knew exactly what it was and delivered it with style. It’s a movie about a stuntman who gets caught up in real danger—no, it’s not reinventing the wheel, but who cares when the ride is this much fun?
Ryan Gosling absolutely nailed it in the lead role, bringing his A-game to a character who’s equal parts charming, beaten-down, and hilariously out of his depth. The action scenes? Top-notch, with stunts that would make the original show proud. The whole thing had a light, breezy feel that made it impossible not to enjoy—unless you’re a critic, apparently, who wouldn’t know a good time if it smacked them in the face.
And let’s not forget the soundtrack, which was a pitch-perfect blend of retro tunes and modern beats that kept the energy high from start to finish. The film’s direction was sharp, with a sense of fun and adventure that’s sorely lacking in most of today’s overly serious action flicks. The Fall Guy was never trying to be more than a good time at the movies, and it succeeded brilliantly.
Thankfully, an extended cut is now available for free streaming on Peacock. It is an excellent chance to watch what is one of the most entertaining popcorn films my family has watched in ages. Watch the trailer for the extended cut here or below.
In the end, it’s the kind of movie that deserved a lot more love than it got. It’s the perfect antidote to the overblown, CGI-heavy spectacles dominating the box office—a reminder that sometimes, a little bit of nostalgia, a lot of heart, and some well-executed stunts are all you need for a great night out. So if you missed it, do yourself a favor and give The Fall Guy a chance. You’ll wonder why it didn’t get the credit it truly deserved.
