Two private eyes pool their resources in order to solve a series of
murders surrounding a porno film and the automotive industry. COMEDY/CRIME
|
The Nice Guys (2016)Directed by Shane Black
Written by Shane Black and Anthony Bagarozzi Starring Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Yaya DaCosta, Keith David, Beau Knapp, Kim Basinger, Daisy Tahan, Lois Smith, Murielle Telio |
The Nice Guys was one of the funniest films of the year and a huge surprise hit for both Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. I never would've thought these two actors would have great chemistry, let alone comedic talent, but they help turn what could've been a sleeper hit into a critical and financial success. This is a film that shows the lighter side of murder, or rather the people you call when somebody's ass needs kicking. Crowe is an unlicensed detective, while Gosling is licensed but also terrible at his job. Together, they have to solve the possible murder of a porn star named Misty Mountains. I'm so glad this movie was good, or it could've ended up as a bad joke.
While Crowe and Gosling repeatedly steal the show with their banter and bickering, the supporting cast deserves praise for keeping up with them. The standout was young newcomer Angourie Rice, who played Holly March, the daughter of Gosling's character Holland March. She held her own among these two powerhouse talents and I hope she has a long and promising career. I also must give props to Matt Bomer, who played a terrifying hitman named John Boy, giving the film a running Waltons gag. Bomer was vicious and cold-blooded, providing one of the year's scariest villains in an otherwise hilarious film. I think that The Nice Guys could be the next Lethal Weapon series, as Crowe and Gosling have terrific chemistry that I would very much like to see onscreen again. The film deals with the seediness of the porno industry, but still manages to keep a positive spin on things and remain funny and quirky. There's a lot of callbacks to classic comedy duos like Abbott and Costello, showing that comedy really is timeless. I've no doubt that this will end up being one of the most enjoyable films of the year. |