Universal Studios
Let me begin this review by stating that this movie has absolutely no right whatsoever to be as good as it is.
When I first heard that they were making a movie version of the 1980’s Glen A. Larsen’s hit TV show starring Lee Majors, I was more than skeptical. I was a big fan of that silly show, not gonna lie, Heather Thomas may have had a lot to do with why. Ha ha.
When I read that Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt were starring and that former stuntman, writer, producer and director David Leitch was helming it, I became intrigued.
I mean, how many movie redos of TV shows actually have been good? They have really been hit or miss.
So the question is, would this be the former or the latter?
I loved it so much.
The writing by Drew Pearce is witty, and hilarious. I haven’t laughed this much at a movie in an extremely long time. Full belly laughs all around. The entire cast was fully on point in their delivery and comedic timing of the sharp dialogue.
This movie is the purest definition of the classic Summer Blockbuster. Full of humor, romance, action, and of course insane stunts.
The “back of the box” plot description goes as follows. When Colt Seaver, stuntman to the world’s greatest action hero, Tom Ryder is injured during a particularly dangerous stunt, he leaves show business to become a restaurant parking valet. When his former producer calls him to return because the production of Ryder’s new film is in trouble he resists until he learns that his former love, Jody Moreno is now the film’s director. Seaver returns and gets way more than he bargained for. Ryder is actually missing, and Ryder is tasked to find him before the studios finds out Ryder has disappeared and shut down Jody’s film. Murder, intrigue, mystery, and insane stunts ensue.
Ryan Gosling is perfectly cast as this generation’s Colt Seavers, the world’s greatest stuntman and personal stunt man to world wide action star, Tom Ryder. Between this and last year’s Barbie, Ryan Gosling is really proving himself to be the new Summer Blockbuster King. Also he is a comedic treasure.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is cast as Ryder and he embodies all the prima donna pissy and arrogance of a huge movie star with aplomb. He is so enjoyable.
Emily Blunt is brilliant as Jody Moreno. I always love her in everything she is in. She and Gosling are so great. They play off each other well. They have so much chemistry. I love how awkward they are together. Her awkward sweetness offsetting her hard-assed shell and his goofy faux machismo hiding a sensitive heart are the perfect couple. I would 100% watch a straight up rom-com with the two of them.
I really can’t convey in words just how happy this film made me feel. It is absolutely ridiculous and stupid. It knows it and it does not care because everyone involved is having so much fun making it. The best part is, they also made a fantastically well made movie. I was disarmed at just how smart this film was and not just a run of the mill action film.
What I experienced was a sublime and entertaining love letter to the art of stunts and stunt teams.
The absolute care taken to really honor these unsung heroes of filmmaking while poking fun at not only themselves but the entire world of movie making is a chef’s kiss. It still blows my mind that there is no Academy Award for Stunts.
Hopefully, this movie changes the Academy’s mind to honor these integral craftspeople.
Extras are plentiful, including both the theatrical and extended cut. Also included are an audio commentary, gag reel, alternate takes, a stunt feature, and several featurettes.
There is such love and joy involved in the making of this film. It really shines through in every viewing. It honestly gets better every time I watch it. If you haven’t watched this banger of a film, I HIGHLY recommend it if you want a fun well written action comedy that is way smarter than it should be, where every single stunt is a work of art.
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