The Fall Guy Pulses Forward at Full Speed

Not since Jaqueline Smith has anyone looked gorgeous when taking off a full face helmet, yet Ryan Gosling rises up to the challenge and succeeds spectacularly.  The Fall Guy takes its name from the 1980’s TV show starring Lee Majors about a stuntman/bounty hunter.  Truthfully, this movie has little to do with the TV show but what it lacks in homage it more then makes up for daringness.  Gosling is sharp as a stuntman seeking atonement from his true love (Emily Blunt.)  He is contemplative, fun and proves he is more then capable of the comedy and action fusion that is demanded of him.  Moreover, the supporting cast is dripping with talent, from the ever-endearing Emily Blunt, chameleon Aaron Taylor-Johnson and director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2.)  While jam packed stunts will be the main draw for the masses, it’s worth noting that the chemistry between Gosling and Blunt is almost too good to be true.  It has been a long time since I have seen a couple onscreen be so effortlessly playful with one another and I found it both refreshing and inspiring.  The banter between these two will leave you smiling and perhaps questioning whether this is reality or just (REALLY)good acting.  It is this exact point however that brings me to my first criticism of the film.  In both The Fall Guy trailers there are some super cute moments between Blunt and Gosling that were scratched from the movie.  Nothing annoys me more than seeing something in a trailer that initially grabs my attention (and I am anticipating,) only to be disappointed at its removal in the final cut.  Sorry David Leitch you dropped the ball with that one.  Secondly, as much as I love the song I Was Made For Lovin’ You I don’t want to hear it repeated on a loop throughout the entire movie.  How about a little Bon Jovi or Aerosmith as an option for the official soundtrack?  Regardless of a few sticking points The Fall Guy delivers everything that you would expect from a true summer blockbuster.  So get off that couch and head to the cinema with me.

Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes puts the waste in wasteland

Decades before this newest incarnation there was Charleston Heston and the remnants of the Statue of Liberty…and that was awe inspiring.  Nevertheless, since 1968 there have been countless spinoffs and retellings all of which I have trouble remembering.  I recall Woody Harrelson and Keri Russell were part of the saga and there was an origin story with James Franco that was good, but there is nothing wow-wee about each story.  On its own Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes is adequate.  The voice artistry of Owen Teague (Noa) and Peter Macon (Raka) is well performed with Teague portraying an honest vulnerability through his words (a departure from his role in The Stand 2021.)   The CGI is exceptional with a heightened realism that brings vibrancy to a tortured tribe and desolate world.  The plot is capped off with a powerful scene in which Noa and his fellow apes encounter a children's book that shows a drawing of a caged monkey in a zoo.  All these elements should be meaningful enough but there is nothing new that is being offered.  Essentially, its the same story over and over and over again with each version sadly blurring into its predecessor.