Directed by : Shane Black
Written by : Shane Black, Anthony Bagarozzi
Starring : Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice
Release Date : May 15, 2016
If you're familiar with Shane Black's works like "Lethal Weapon," "The Last Boy Scout," or "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," then you should know what to expect from "The Nice Guys." This is another one of Black's Buddy-crime-thriller-comedic-films. Many would argue that his movies are derivative of each other and his particular formula can be tiring for some people. Here's the thing though, his movies are generally very fun and entertaining, and I honestly thought this one is definitely no exception.
The story itself about a mystery that starts from the death of a famous porn actress, that involves a missing woman, and somehow ties in to a much bigger and very dangerous criminal conspiracy, might be too convoluted for some movie goers. That's just the plot though, and the real reason to see this movie is for the clever action sequences, the witty dialogue, the sight gags, the comedic coincidences, the compelling characters, and the nostalgia factor of the setting being based in 1977's smog heavy Los Angeles. From scene to scene, things move at such a good and energetic pace, that I couldn't help but enjoy seeing the story play out.
Even with the direction and the writing, this movie wouldn't have worked so well if it wasn't for it's two primary actors, Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy; the thug with a heart, and Ryan Gosling as Holland March; the bungling private investigator. The two together make a fantastic comedic-duo, and their chemistry is fantastic. Hold on, I should have said "the THREE primary actors" and how the "THREE together" make a fantastic comedic-trio. I have to specifically point out Angourie Rice as Holly March, who is the precocious daughter of Holland that's pretty much the heart of the team, and quite the smart detective herself with a smart mouth. Rice does an amazing job holding her own against Crowe and Gosling, and arguably steals every scene she's in.
Despite the criticism against Shane Black for seemingly doing the same thing over and over again, "The Nice Guys" proves that repeating something that is fun to watch, and doing it rather well, is enough to make a very enjoyable movie. What more should I ask for than to be well entertained.
LOVED IT enjoyedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
P.S. Check out this comedic trailer for the movie...
