With the amount of work that goes into filmmaking, there’s no denying that movies deserve to be experienced on the big screen. That might sound pompous to a degree, but it’s true, and it’s especially true for films designed to shine with sight and sound in a darkened room and on a big silver screen scene. Understandably, going to the movies today is a luxury and a tremendous privilege, so many factors contribute to making this idea a reality. However, if you’re considering doing it for at least one film this year, let it be David Leitch’s The Fall Guy.
We’ve already gushed plenty about The Fall Guy and dove deep into why the film is an exceptional love letter to the stunt community and the romance genre. But it’s also a film that comes to life brilliantly on the silver screen. It demands every bit of attention, and it deserves it. The cost of living is unjustly expensive in most states here in the US. Ticket prices are unreasonably costly, and it’s entirely understandable why someone would want to watch something in the comfort of their own home. There’s also the added detail that some people quite literally can’t get away because of their responsibilities, health concerns, and personal reasons we aren’t entitled to know.
However, if you can get to a theater, or you have to choose one film this month, let it be The Fall Guy. There’s so much about the film that sparkles in every frame, but more than anything, it’s the kind of story we need more of. The story is riveting, and the heart is exceptional, but ultimately, the box office gross could maybe—hopefully—signal to executives that people want more movies like this in their lives. As a critic, it’s incredible how many non-moviegoers I’m seeing come out of this movie, gushing about it excitedly.
We don’t have many theatrical experiences the way we used to before the pandemic drastically changed things. It’s understandable why people are hesitant. If this weren’t part of my job, I’d be reluctant, too. I get it. But there’s something deeply special about The Fall Guy, and at the top of the list is that it’s a movie that will leave people with a ton of adrenaline and joy. It’s for the romance fans. It’s for the action fans. It’s for fans of both. It’s for people who maybe just haven’t seen a good movie in a while and miss the kind of comedic beats we end up quoting for days and days to come afterward. It has something for everybody, and that’s not something we can say about every movie.
More than anything, unique storytelling is rare. We keep seeing darker stories on our screens, and The Fall Guy tells a more nuanced story with layers to dissect that could lead to loads of exciting discourse about films that want to be unapologetically romantic while they honor a group of people viewers don’t often think about. It’s a reminder of why movies are special and why they’re exciting. It’s a reminder of the fact that the theatrical experience is supposed to be fun and every part of this movie feels like the perfect escape into an exciting world that’s big and bold and wildly hilarious.
So if you can, watch it while it’s still in theaters. Make it a family night. A date night. Whatever it is. If nothing else, you’ll have an absolute best with a perfect cast at its helm.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Universal Pictures