​Ryan Gosling Plays a Stuntman While His Stuntmen Work Hard To Make Him Look Good

The irony of a film about a stuntman is that the lead actor relies on stuntmen to act out most of this movie. The Fall Guy (2024), starring Ryan Reynolds, is a PG-13 rated film released by Universal Studios on May 3, 2024. I expect young children to love the stunts in the film, but is this film suitable for children? I answer your content questions in this Christian Movie Review of The Fall Guy.

First, the 2024 film is loosely based on the hit 1980s TV series that aired from 1981 to 1986. The main character, played by Ryan Gosling, is stuntman Colt Seavers, who was played by Lee Majors in the original series. That series ran for five years on ABC and was known for its cameo appearances of major stars.

Christian Movie Review of The Fall Guy – Synopsis

Studio Synopsis:

He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?

From real life stunt man and director David Leitch, the blockbuster director of Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and the producer of John Wick, Nobody and Violent Night, comes his most personal film yet. A new hilarious, hard-driving, all-star apex-action thriller and love letter to action movies and the hard-working and under-appreciated crew of people who make them: The Fall Guy

​My Synopsis:

Colt Seavers is a stuntman for Tom Ryder who is a famous star. When a dangerous stunt causes a serious injury, Colt quits his job and gets a job as a valet at a restaurant. Not only does he ghos his girlfriend, Jody, but he leaves his former life behind. However, when he receives a call to come and help out with a movie that Jody is directing, he returns ready to rekindle their romance. The plot becomes complicated when he realizes that Jody doesn’t want him on the set, but the real actor is missing. 

​Christian Movie Review – The Fall Guy: What Parents Want to Know

Language:

There is plenty of foul language in this film. Let’s start with taking God’s name in vain – 3 uses of g-d, 5 g-dd-mn, and a Chr-st.

There was a moment when I questioned whether they said the f-word. I think they did, but it was quiet and not everyone will pick up on it.

Additionally, there is other strong language including sh-t, sh-tty, b-llsh-t, d-mn, a-shole, pus-y, b-tch, balls, and h-ll. 

Other milder language includes freaking, and sexy bacon. 

Violence: 

A movie about a stuntman is sure to be heavy on the violence. From movie stunts that include intense action scenes such as flipping cars, driving through explosives, being set on fire and crashing into walls, and a car careening across a canyon, this movie is definitely full of action.

Additionally, the subplot involves murder, a dead body, and villains who are trying to frame the stuntman. Furthermore, a dog bites men in the “balls.” 

Spiritual Content: 

A person mentions “prayer hands emojis.” 

Other Content: 

The main character is given a “Shirley Temple” that has been drugged. He hallucinates and sees unicorns as well as other visual disturbances. Alcohol is drunk throughout the film. 

A subplot includes a romance. Within the context of that romance, many suggestive things are said and a couple kisses several times. 

A person repeatedly flips off people, often with both hands.

Positive Content:

One character struggles with expressing his emotions, but he has a breakthrough and opens up. 

You Saw The Film Before Reading Reviews – Teachable Moments

Often, I get messages from people that saw a film before they read the reviews. If this is you (or if you saw it and want ideas on how to teach with this film), here are some teachable suggestions.

What does God’s word say about foul language? Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

​Stunt guys are referred to as unsung heroes. What is an unsung hero? “One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them.” Who in society is really an unsung hero? Individuals such as Martin Luther King, Jr., fireman, police officers – think of others.

One scene is filmed with the use of split screens. What other films have used this technique? Pillow Talk. When Harry Met Sally. 

Other suggestions:

Watch a couple episodes of the original Fall Guy and compare the two characters of Colt Seavers. In the original series, Colt was a stuntman, but he was also a bounty hunter.

Research and find out how much stuntmen make. What is the average salary versus what is the pay for a stuntman to a big actor?

Christian Review of The Fall Guy – My Viewing Recommendations:

In a film about stunt performers, Ryan Gosling’s character Colt Seavers does stunt work for the “star.” However, in the original series, it is said that Lee Majors performed most of his own stunts. But ironically, a movie about a stuntman is played by a huge Hollywood actor, Ryan Gosling, who has stunt people perform most of his stunts. If you try to analyze when Ryan is actually on the screen, 

Overall, this is a cute film with way too much foul language. For this reason, I do not recommend anyone under the age of 13 see this film. 

About The Fall Guy:

Rating: PG-13 for action and violence, drug content, and some strong language

Release Date; May 3, 2024

Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes

Genre: Action/Romantic Comedy

Studio: 87North Productions, Entertainment 360

Directed by: David Leitch

Screenplay by: Drew Pearce

​Based on The Fall Guy by Glen A. Larson

Produced by: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Ryan Gosling, Guymon Casady

Edited by: Elisabet Ronaldsdottir

Music by: Dominic Lewis

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

The Cast of The Fall Guy:

Colt Seavers played by Ryan Gosling

Jody Moreno played by Emily Blunt

Tom Ryder played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Dan Tucker played by Winston Duke

Gail Meyer played by Hannah Waddingham

Iggy Starr played by Teresa Palmer

Alma Milan played by Stephanie Hsu

Cameo appearances by The Original Fall Guy Lee Majors. Heather Thomas, who played the role of Jody Banks in the original series, also has a cameo role.

Other films in the theater at this time:

Unsung Hero

The Long Game

Fun Facts About the Original Television Series:

• Lee Majors performed many of his own stunts
• Some episodes featured cameo appearances by famous actors/actresses or other “celebrities” at the time.
• The first episode had a cameo appearance by Farrah Fawcett even though they were separated at the time
• Other cameo appearances included Robert Wagner, Milton Berle, Tom Selleck, Richard Burton, Pat Boone, Roy Rogers and Trigger, and even a vocal cameo by Howard Cosell.