The Fall Guy

Approximately seven too many needle drops of Yungblud’s cover of KISS’ “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” are sprinkled throughout The Fall Guy. And while some viewers might call that usage “excessive,” it’s appropriate for a movie that specializes in overstuffed entertainment.

Firmly in that “very good, almost great” sweet spot that’s the specialty of director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde; Bullet Train), the tale of stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) attempting to rekindle his romance with camerawoman-turned-director Jody (Emily Blunt) during the production of her big Dune-like action film features super likable actors being their super likable selves amidst one memorable set piece after another.

The loving ode to the stunt community by former stunt coordinator Leitch, screenwriter Drew Pearce’s playful riff on Lee Majors’ ’80s TV series refuses to sit still, yielding numerous high-energy moments. But the flimsy plot driving the film — involving Colt’s clandestine search for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the MIA actor that he doubles for — seems like fodder for a 100-minute movie, not one clocking in at just over two hours.

Audiences who go with the flow, however, are treated to a thrilling and hilarious climax that lives up to the assembled talent’s potential, plus a sizzle reel of the many, many, many stunt performers who make the film as entertaining as it is.

Toss in some cheeky humor at the expense of everyone from Hans Zimmer to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard and the summer movie season is off to a promising start.

Grade: B. Rated PG-13. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., Carolina Cinemark, and Regal Biltmore Grande.

(Photo: Universal Pictures)