Unlike most biopics that attempt to cram an entire life story into a lengthy runtime, The Smashing Machine adopts a more focused, documentary-style approach. Safdie doesn’t set out to show us Kerr’s whole arc from childhood to retirement. Instead, he zeroes in on a narrow, volatile stretch of Kerr’s life. He frames it with the textures of a cinematic documentary. The film even leans into “talking heads,” styled so convincingly that you could almost mistake parts of it for a feature-length doc. It’s a refreshing break from formula, though it comes with its own trade-offs.

That stripped-down scope means we’re not given much room to attach ourselves emotionally to Kerr — or his fellow fighter and friend, Mark Coleman — unless we already know them from the MMA world. The film offers snapshots of pain, triumph, and personal unraveling, but rarely digs into backstory or inner psychology. You don’t walk away knowing what makes Kerr tick; you walk away knowing how he endured. For some, that observational space may feel cold, keeping the film from reaching the kind of emotional buildup we expect from sports dramas.

The Smashing Machine pushes Dwayne Johnson into his first dramatic role, with Benny Safdie capturing Mark Kerr’s story in raw, docu-style form.

Still, Safdie’s vision is uncompromising. He leans into rawness over narrative polish, letting the discomfort and fractured moments carry weight. The camera lingers on sweat, bruises, and silences in a way that feels authentic. This approach doesn’t always make the film conventionally satisfying, but it does make it memorable.

At the heart of this experiment is Johnson, who gives the most stripped-back performance of his career. Gone are the raised eyebrows and self-aware charm. Instead, he plays a man haunted by physical punishment and personal demons. And for the most part, he’s terrific. You see him shedding layers of his Hollywood persona and working hard at embodying Kerr’s vulnerability. At times, his performance hits raw notes that show a genuine commitment to the craft. At other moments, it feels like you’re watching an actor still finding his footing in dramatic terrain — he tries, but the technique isn’t fully locked in. That said, the effort is undeniable, and the risks he takes here are leaps beyond anything he’s attempted before.

Overall, The Smashing Machine isn’t built for crowd-pleasing arcs or emotional uplift. This piece spotlights a character in all their imperfect glory. Though it has some rough edges, these very elements evoke strong emotions and vivid imagery that linger long after. Although Johnson’s performance may not be flawless, it’s undeniably a turning point. Safdie pushes him out of his comfort zone, and even when it’s rough, it’s fascinating to watch. If nothing else, this film proves Johnson can stretch himself in ways most audiences never thought possible.

Rating: 3.5/5 atoms

The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3rd.

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The Fall Guy centers on Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a stuntman trying to find purpose after an accident puts him out of work. The plot thickens when Colt’s return on a high-profile action movie leads him into a web of intrigue involving deceit, betrayal, and crime. Eventually, blurring the lines between film stunts and real danger.

Director David Leitch, a former stuntman himself, brings a unique perspective to The Fall Guy. His experience in crafting visually stunning and tightly choreographed action scenes, as seen in his previous works like Hobbs & Shaw and Deadpool 2, is evident in this film. Leitch’s expertise not only elevates the story but also seamlessly integrates jaw-dropping stunts with narrative depth. His direction ensures that the film is not just about the spectacle but also about the people behind it, adding an authentic touch to the film.

Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Colt Seavers is a standout in The Fall Guy. His charismatic and deeply relatable performance brings the character to life, making his struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences. Alongside Gosling, Emily Blunt’s dynamic performance as Jody Moreno adds a layer of complexity to the story. Their performances, combined with the film’s engaging narrative, further enhance the audience’s emotional connection to the film. 

The Fall Guy is a thoughtful tribute to the stunt community, packed with enough thrills and heart to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

Additionally, Drew Pearce’s screenplay is sharp and witty. It thoughtfully acknowledges the original TV series while standing firmly on its own. Pearce’s writing not only entertains but also embeds a more profound commentary on the challenges faced by stunt professionals in a rapidly changing industry.

Visually, The Fall Guy is a thrilling spectacle. The elaborate and meticulously planned action sequences testify to the skill and risk involved in stunt work. Leitch’s signature style—fluid camera movements, innovative angles, and precise choreography—turns each stunt sequence into a jaw-dropping spectacle. Also, with its vivid cinematography, the film’s aesthetic draws audiences into the behind-the-scenes magic of movie-making.

Simply put, The Fall Guy is a testament to the passion and perseverance of those who put themselves on the line for entertainment. The film explores themes such as identity, recognition, and the personal costs of artistic dedication and is thought-provoking and inspiring. It challenges the audience to appreciate the craft of stunt work and the real danger these professionals face. It’s an endearing love letter to the stunt community, and it leaves audiences with a revitalized admiration for the industry’s unsung heroes.

Overall, The Fall Guy is a thoughtful tribute to the stunt community, packed with enough thrills and heart to keep audiences engaged from start to finish. This film is a must-watch for those who love action cinema and are curious about the unsung heroes who make it all possible. In an era where CGI often dominates the screen, The Fall Guy brings back real stunts’ raw, exhilarating appeal. This is Leitch’s thank you and love letter to an industry he loves and continues to put on the forefront.

Rating: 4/5 atoms

The Fall Guy hits theaters on May 3rd.

The post The Fall Guy Review – A Thrilling Salute to Hollywood’s Unsung Heroes appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Here’s my reaction:

Business Insider correspondent Jason Guerrasio says the film “is worthy of all the hype.”

Today, Universal Pictures has released three comedic videos, showcasing stars Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt and Hannah Waddingham, and director Leitch as they develop marketing ideas for the movie. These include marketing the marketing for a movie about movies, recruiting social media celebrities Khaby Lame and Dude with Sign, and bringing basketball superstars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randall to prove that they’re real movie buffs.

About The Fall Guy

The film is directed by David Leitch, a former stuntman who is now a director with credits including Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.

Ryan Gosling (Barbie, La La Land, Drive) stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, having left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie—being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno, played Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, A Quiet Place films, Sicario)—goes missing.

While the film’s ruthless producer (Hannah Waddingham; Ted Lasso), maneuvers to keep the disappearance of star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson; Bullet Train) a secret from the studio and the media, Colt performs the film’s most outrageous stunts while trying (with limited success) to charm his way back into Jody’s good graces. But as the mystery around the missing star deepens, Colt will find himself ensnared in a sinister, criminal plot that will push him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.

Inspired by the hit 1980s TV series, The Fall Guy also stars Winston Duke (Black Panther franchise) and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once).

From a screenplay by Hobbs & Shaw screenwriter Drew Pearce, The Fall Guy is produced by Kelly McCormick (Bullet Train, Nobody, Atomic Blonde) and David Leitch for their company 87North, and by Ryan Gosling and by Guymon Casady (Game of Thrones, Steve Jobs and executive producer of the upcoming series Ripley) for Entertainment 360. The film is executive produced by Drew Pearce, Entertainment 360’s Geoff Shaevitz and the creator of the original Fall Guy television series, Glen A. Larson.

The Fall Guy releases in theaters on May 3, 2024.

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