The Fall Guy

Rather than toiling in anonymity, the stuntman becomes the action hero in The Fall Guy, a breezy and amusing action-comedy based on the eponymous 1980s television series.

Like its predecessor, the film is first and foremost an affectionate tribute to stunt performers, one of those behind-the-scenes jobs where you do the toughest work and receive little of the credit.

This contemporary reimagining is not focused on nostalgia, although there’s a certain throwback sensibility — plus some references and a cool vintage soundtrack for fans to appreciate — with a sincerity alongside the silliness.

“Maybe I spend so much time riding shotgun in somebody else’s story that I forgot how to tell my own,” explains Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), who’s made a living as a stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

Beneath the macho posturing and tough-guy exterior, Colt is anxious and insecure just like anyone else would be. Every thumbs-up conceals physical and psychological wounds.

Forced into retirement after an on-set mishap, he’s coaxed into one final role working on a cheesy science-fiction Western epic starring Ryder, described as “High Noon at the edge of the universe.”

Colt’s real incentive is trying to rekindle a romance with Jody (Emily Blunt), an actress making her directorial debut. While navigating this awkward mix of explosions and pickup lines, his resilience and pain tolerance comes in handy.

Colt hopes for a happy ending before an incident involving Ryder causes Jody to rely on Colt like never before.

Stunt work is the background of director David Leitch (Deadpool 2), who expertly choreographs the film’s array of old-school car crashes, fistfights, and pyrotechnics.

Stepping into the role originally popularized by Lee Majors, Gosling’s almost effortless charm and charisma provides an easy rooting interest. His adversarial chemistry with Blunt sells the central love story more than the overzealous screenplay by Drew Pearce (Iron Man 3).

As Colt loses his grip on reality, the film bogs down in a conspiracy plot that lacks intrigue. Still, there are more hits than misses in the collection of sight gags and one-liners.

The latest exploration of art imitating life in Hollywood is an exaggerated glimpse into the hierarchy on a big-budget film set driven by ego, power, and money.

Keenly self-aware and refusing to take itself too seriously, The Fall Guy is best when it just lets loose and maximizes the mayhem.

Rated PG-13, 126 minutes.