--- title: "The Fall Guy: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-fall-guy/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-fall-guy" critics_score: 78 critics_reviews: 20 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Fall Guy (2024): what the critics said Critics' score 78 from 20 reviews: 17 positive, 2 mixed, 1 negative. The consensus is warm and unusually narrow. Almost every review lands on the same two things: the pairing of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, whose screwball rapport most critics find the film’s real engine, and the stunt work, which David Leitch’s background as a stuntman is credited with putting front and centre. Several reviews call it a romantic comedy wearing an action film’s clothes, and mean it as praise. The reservations, where they appear, are about the script: The Times finds it lazy and incoherent, Little White Lies calls the dialogue cheesy and the chemistry flat, and a handful of otherwise positive notices mention an overcomplicated plot and a final act that runs long. The New York Times thinks Blunt is underused. The one outright rejection comes from The Wrap, which finds the action poorly presented and the humour forced. Even the doubters concede the leads are charming; the argument is over whether charm is enough. ## The Telegraph — Robbie Collin Rating ★★★★★. 30 April 2024. Director David Leitch delivers a witty, fresh and inventive action comedy propelled by strong chemistry from its leads. It offers pure old-fashioned high-wire showmanship celebrating stunt work and movie-star charm. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt/) ## Empire — Kelechi Ehenulo Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 29 April 2024. The review calls the film a gloriously entertaining comedy and love-letter to stunt performers. The dynamite pairing of Gosling and Blunt is singled out as the real fun, delivering feel-good romantic charm alongside incredible stunts. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-fall-guy/) ## Variety — Peter Debruge Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 12 March 2024. Festival review. The critic praises the surprisingly romantic reboot with Gosling delivering one of his most appealing characters as a stuntman hero, blending action heroics with screwball romance chemistry alongside Blunt at the center of an epic stunt spectacular, though the action is not Leitch's best. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt-1235939513/) ## The AV Club — Matthew Jackson Rating B+. 14 March 2024. Festival review. The critic sees it as a crowd-pleasing action-comedy romp that succeeds mightily thanks to its charm. Gosling and Blunt's partnership and the stunt work are singled out for delivering fun and palpable joy. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/the-fall-guy-movie-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt-1851330852) ## Los Angeles Times — Glenn Whipp Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 2 May 2024. The critic highlights exceptional stunt work from former stuntman director David Leitch and praises the film as a romantic comedy that coasts on the charisma of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, noting audiences will remember the leads' interplay more than the cannon rolls. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-05-02/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt-david-leitch-stunts) ## Radio Times — Terry Staunton Rating 4/5. 1 May 2024. The review celebrates the dazzling chemistry between Gosling and Blunt and the film's confident blend of romcom and action-mystery. It praises the script's affection for cinema and well-structured homage to blockbusters. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-fall-guy-review/) ## The i Paper — Francesca Steele Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 1 May 2024. The critic describes it as outrageously entertaining with dynamite chemistry between Gosling and Blunt that elevates the film. Practical stunts and meta Hollywood references are highlighted as strengths in this uplifting blockbuster. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/the-fall-guy-review-3032456) ## Time Out — Phil de Semlyen Rating 4/5. 2 May 2024. The critic lauds the frisky romcom nested in a full-throttle action movie, crediting Gosling and Blunt's delightful chemistry and Leitch's direction. It singles out the star power and explosive set pieces as making for a perfect Friday night film. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-fall-guy) ## Total Film — James Mottram Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 24 April 2024. The critic finds The Fall Guy an effervescent, fun comedy with sparkling Gosling/Blunt chemistry and strong action sequences. They single out the lead pairing and director Leitch's stunt expertise for particular praise while noting it is a bit too long in the final act. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-fall-guy-review/) ## The New York Times — Manohla Dargis Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 2 May 2024. The critic finds the film divertingly slick and playful nonsense centered on a stuntman who endures repeated brutalization, with Ryan Gosling's charm carrying the swaggering action sequences; the story is largely irrelevant and Emily Blunt is underused. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/movies/fall-guy-ryan-gosling.html) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 2 May 2024. It is a goofy summer crowd-pleaser with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's nice rapport and moments of tenderness amid the action. The film prioritizes bangs and crashes over romance or deeper satire, delivering solid popcorn entertainment. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/may/02/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt-david-leitch) ## The New Yorker — Richard Brody Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 2 May 2024. The critic calls the action-comedy gravity-defying fun that sticks its landings as a romantic comedy with inventive stunts and insider craft details from director David Leitch, but faults the thin characterization and chilly efficiency that leaves little room for the leads' chemistry to develop. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/05/13/the-fall-guy-movie-review) ## Little White Lies — Hannah Strong Rating 3/3/2. 1 May 2024. The review highlights impressive stuntwork as the film's strongest element but criticizes the weak script, cheesy dialogue and lacklustre chemistry. It calls the film an affectionate but forgettable tribute to stunt performers. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-fall-guy) ## Financial Times — Danny Leigh Rating ★★★☆☆. 1 May 2024. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt lend easy charm and frictionless charisma to this madcap action comedy caper. The film affirms the value of brand-name movie stars amid its Hollywood satire and salute to stunt workers. [Read the review](https://www.ft.com/content/b55f7107-e361-4927-a819-c45d43426e95) ## IndieWire — Katie Rife 13 March 2024. Festival review. The review calls it a giddy example of cheerful and enthusiastic popcorn filmmaking. Ryan Gosling's lead performance is highlighted as delivering terrific popcorn entertainment. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-1234964295/) ## Screen Daily 13 March 2024. Festival review. The critic finds Gosling at peak star power in a fun, high-flying action flick that captures the energy of filmmaking and stunt work. It notes the film is a thrilling spectacle but not Leitch's best. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-fall-guy-sxsw-review/5191524.article) ## Sight and Sound 30 April 2024. The critic praises the film's witty meta-romcom elements and action sequences that highlight stunt work, noting the strong chemistry between Gosling and Blunt. Some script gags feel forced and the action is occasionally undercut by cuts. [Read the review](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/fall-guy-witty-action-packed-tribute-stunt-performers) ## Slant Magazine — Derek Smith 30 April 2024. The critic finds that movie-star charisma elevates a bland action-comedy only so far. The magnetic performances and romantic undercurrent from Gosling and Blunt are singled out as providing the main charm amid derivative stretches. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Lovia Gyarkye 13 March 2024. Festival review. The critic finds the film an entertaining action-comedy with heart that feels human in a rare way for big studio fare. Gosling and Blunt's charming performances and strong chemistry are singled out as a true delight. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt-1235850754/) ## The Times — Kevin Maher Rating ★★☆☆☆. 30 April 2024. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt show oodles of chemistry but the script is a mess of lazy incoherence and clichés. The film is ultimately tedious despite the stars' efforts and the director's stunt background. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/the-fall-guy-film-review-ryan-gosling-and-emily-blunt-cant-save-this-h5pn6jhhz) ## Vulture — Bilge Ebiri 13 March 2024. Festival review. The review describes the film as a funny, romantic, stunt-filled delight and an act of pure movie love. The genuine romance and splendid chemistry between Gosling and Blunt are singled out as what powers the picture emotionally. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/article/the-fall-guy-movie-review-ryan-gosling.html) ## Collider — Perri Nemiroff Rating 9/10. 13 March 2024. Festival review. The critic calls the film a moviemaking lover’s dream come true and an exceedingly entertaining ride that functions as a big-hearted ode to the artists behind movie magic. She singles out the expertly crafted action sequences, from the stunt choreography to the cinematography and editing, for particular praise. [Read the review](https://collider.com/the-fall-guy-review/) ## /Film — Jacob Hall Rating 9/10. 12 March 2024. Festival review. The critic calls it pure entertainment with sparkling chemistry between Gosling and Blunt, great action and romance blend, and a tribute to stunt performers. They single out the fun, old-school pleasures and the stunt work. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/1538317/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-and-stunt-team-lead-spectacular-time-at-the-movies-sxsw-2024/) ## Film Stories — Simon Brew Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 2 May 2024. The critic praises it as a fun, nostalgic blockbuster with great stunts, laughs, and a charming romance between Gosling and Blunt. They single out the respect for stunt work and the chemistry of the leads. [Read the review](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/the-fall-guy-review-a-terrific-rom-com-and-a-love-letter-to-movie-stunts/) ## Deadline — Valerie Complex Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 13 March 2024. Festival review. The critic praises the film as a hilarious and thoughtful tribute to stunt performers, highlighting its kinetic action sequences, self-aware humor, and emotional exploration of the sacrifices involved. They single out the strong chemistry between Gosling and Blunt along with Leitch’s direction for praise, while noting minor issues with one female character’s development. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2024/03/the-fall-guy-review-a-high-flying-tribute-hollywoods-unsung-stunt-heroes-sxsw-1235857374/) ## NME — Matthew Turner Rating 4/5. 30 April 2024. The critic describes it as a wildly entertaining blend of action comedy and screwball romance with off-the-scale chemistry between the leads. They single out the sparkling script, thrilling stunts, and Gosling and Blunt's comic/romantic interplay for praise. [Read the review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-3752182) ## Digital Spy — Mireia Mullor Rating 3/5. 29 April 2024. The critic calls it a great old-school Hollywood action comedy that is extremely enjoyable and full of star power. They praise Gosling and Blunt's chemistry and the heartfelt tribute to stunt work while noting an overcomplicated plot and some tone-deaf jokes as flaws. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a60588319/the-fall-guy-review/) ## The Wrap — Chase Hutchinson Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 12 March 2024. Festival review. The critic calls the film a dull action-comedy misfire that quickly runs out of steam despite charming leads and spectacular stunts. They single out the lack of genuine thrills, forced humor, and poor presentation of action sequences for complaint. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-gosling-the-fall-guy-review-emily-blunt/) ## Den of Geek — David Crow Rating 4 out of 5. 13 March 2024. Festival review. The critic praises the irresistible chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt along with the film's fizzy, retro Hollywood charm and stunt work. They single out the leads' screwball banter and old-school physical comedy for praise while noting the shaggy plot and some jarring VFX as drawbacks. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-fall-guy-review-ryan-gosling-emily-blunt/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-fall-guy.md