The Nice Guys

This film boasts some impressive elements but falls short in key areas that detract from its overall effectiveness. The film's performances are undoubtedly a highlight; both Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling deliver charismatic portrayals, and their chemistry is genuinely enjoyable. They bring a comedic flair and a sense of fun that makes their dynamic engaging, providing some much-needed levity amidst the chaos.

The cinematography and production design are also worth noting. The film captures the 1970s Los Angeles setting with a stylish and authentic feel. The attention to detail in the sets and costumes helps immerse me in the period, and the visual flair adds a certain charm to the movie.

However, these positives are overshadowed by several notable flaws for me. The plot often feels meandering and disjointed, making it difficult to follow and engage with. There are numerous twists and turns, but they tend to be more confusing than intriguing. The film struggles with setting up conflicts in a way that feels coherent, which undermines the suspense and stakes.

Additionally, the film's cynicism can be a bit off-putting. While it aims for a noir-inspired tone, the relentless focus on dark humor and satire sometimes feels heavy-handed, overshadowing the more nuanced aspects of the story. The film's attempt at being both a comedy and a thriller results in a tone that feels inconsistent, which can be jarring.

On the whole, The Nice Guys is a film that shines with its performances and visual style but falters with its disjointed plot and overbearing cynicism. While the stylish execution and charismatic leads offer some entertainment value, the film's lack of coherent conflict and confusing narrative detract from its overall impact. If you appreciate a period piece with flair, it might be worth a watch, but don't expect a tightly woven story.

It's an absurdist parody of neo-noir private detective movies set in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. It follows a barely competent, recently widowed private eye named Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and a bodyguard tough guy named Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe). Holland lives with his 13-year-old daughter, Holly (Angourie Rice), in a rented home since his house blew up from a gas leak that killed his wife.

They both become involved in a complex plot in which they try to find Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley), a young woman sought by violent men for unclear reasons. As the bizarre plot unfolds, they intersect with Amelia's mother, Judith (Kim Basinger), a high Justice Department official, and Judith's assistant, Tally (Yaya DaCosta). They also encounter three hitmen pursuing Amelia--Older Guy (Keith David), Blueface (Beau Knapp), and John Boy (Matt Bomer). A porno star, Misty Mountains (Murielle Telio), also makes a brief appearance at the film's beginning.

"The Nice Guys" is off-the-wall with lots of physical comedy that borders on cartoonish, making the frequent violence seem less real. Angourie Rice is great as a kid who's smarter than her father but hampered by higher ethical standards. The script is funny, and Gosling and Crowe carry their roles well. It is pretty sexist. But if you like neo-noir, you may like this take-off.

I'll admit that I am unfamiliar with most of Shane Black's original works, watching The Nice Guys made me want to go back and take a look at his earlier films. The characters were well written, even better cast, and fit well with the theme of the film. There was rare a dull moment, it seemed I was either enjoying the dark comedic tone, or getting engaged in the plot. While the first two thirds of the film seemed excellent, the writers set themselves up for a fantastic finish, but were unable to capitalize on that potential. The script seemed to suddenly turn very basic, with things "falling" into place almost too miraculously to be true. I never felt like I had truly been given an ending worthy of a classic detective story, but the fast pace of the film and humor was enough to make it very enjoyable.

2 words sum up this film - FUN ENTERTAINMENT. Def rewatchable too. Yet reviews require lots more words. Sets, music, people's mannerisms, clothes and important issues of 1970s are accurate.

Great chemistry between Crowe & Ryan. Entire Cast well chosen & all give very good believable performances. Solid plot & very good script with lots of unique comedy incl few plot twists.

This is what theatre films used to be - just FUN and intelligent enough not to insult the audience, with good believable action befitting 2 lead characters & their ages.

Fight scenes & brief domestic issues add to characters depth, are realistic, and do not drag nor prolong film. This DEF needs a sequel with SAME degree of QUALITY and 2 leads Crowe & Gosling .

Relax, and experience a great time watching this film. You will not regret time spent.

I Really liked this movie,all the way up until shortly after the one hour mark. Than it just took a 180 turn for the worse,and ended up getting really really stupid.Which was quite annoying.

In the beginning it was funny and charming and full of good quips back and forth, between the two leads.

Some of the situations was a bit over the top,but you could live with em,cause the rest of the movie held up fine. But than comes the one hour mark,and things start going down hill. Up until now,Russel has been the smart one and Ryan was the dorky drunk guy. But than suddenly they both turn into dumb and dumber.And that just ruined it for me.After that I lost total interest in the movie.