ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

First reviews for Ryan Gosling's The Fall Guy are in - but what do the critics say?

Action and adrenaline are in plenty supply where this epic reboot is concerned

First reviews for Ryan Gosling's The Fall Guy are in - but what do the critics say?

By Danielle de Wolfe

14 March 2024

The first reviews for Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's new action-comedy The Fall Guy have landed - and it's safe to say it's a film that's impressing the critics.

The new Universal Pictures release sees Barbie star Gosling swap Ken for Action Man as he transforms into the ultimate Hollywood stunt double, Colt.

Self-assured doesn't quite cut it where this thumbs-up loving chap is concerned, with Gosling's character described as a Guinness World Record holding cannon-roll expert who's drawn back into the film industry, only to cross paths with Jody Moreno (Blunt) on the set of his latest blockbuster.

An 80s reboot that's set to hit cinemas on May 3, laugh-out-loud moments and action sequences are served up in equal measure courtesy of this first-look trailer.

However, unlike 99% of Hollywood action-led rom-coms (a loose label that doesn't feel entirely accurate here), it's one that well and truly delves beneath the surface.

And now, early reviews have left the blockbuster flying high on Rotten Tomatoes, scooping a hefty 90% approval rating where critics are concerned.

The Hollywood Reporter describes The Fall Guy as a "rare big studio film that feels human" with Gosling's character one "who’d rather reach for a movie quote than express himself".

Summing up the experience, it continues: "Charming performances from Gosling and Blunt, coupled with their strong chemistry, make The Fall Guy a true delight... Blunt not only flexes her own comedy muscles, she also stretches her character, preventing frenzied creative Jody from becoming too one-note."

Meanwhile, Collider writes: "I truly had a massive grin on my face from start to finish watching The Fall Guy. It’s an extremely well-crafted action movie that’s absolutely buzzing with energy and charm for all 125 minutes of its running time."

And is it any wonder, given the calibre of the line-up?

Gosling and Blunt are joined by the film's on-screen Hollywood lead Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train) who goes missing, as well as Winston Duke (Black Panther), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and Stephanie Hsu (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once) to name but a few.

Variety describes The Fall Guy as: "Funny, it’s sexy, and it features the boy-toy version of “Barbie” scene-stealer Ryan Gosling — which is to say, this time around, he embodies the ultimate action figure."

And Vulture? "Maybe the most surprising thing about The Fall Guy is how genuinely romantic it is."

The AV Club has described the film as "...a blast of fun at the movies worthy of the biggest tub of popcorn you can find. It’s two hours of movie stars being absolute charm machines, and sometimes that’s all you really need."

Speaking of the release at the film's SXSW premier, Gosling said: “I was on a kid’s action TV show called Young Hercules, and I’ve basically had a stunt double my whole life.

“There’s this sort of accepted dynamic where they come on set, they do all the cool stuff, they risk everything, and then they disappear into the shadows and we all pretend as if they were never there.

"Everyone else on set gets credit, but there’s kind of unspoken understanding that they won’t,” before joking - "That ends today!”

The Fall Guy lands in cinemas on May 3.