In 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star.In 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star.In 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star.
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- 9 wins & 34 nominations total
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Featured reviews
Great comedy mystery film! Needs Sequel from Crowe & Gosling.
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.
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.
Stylish but scattershot
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.
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.
Great Cast all brilliant.
My British/Irish humour puts me at variance with US comedy. This film was funny because of the subtlety and great acting. I rarely like films when a child tags along because often the child behaves with a pretence superior to the adults but in this film the young girl was outstanding and can be taken seriously and believable.
This is one easy to follow adventure with lots of funny bits. The story is not the star, the cast and the way they blend is well done. Rarely do you see a film when the whole cast are brilliant.
Absurdist parody of neo-noir private detective movies
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.
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.
Ryan Gosling as a ragdoll
This was an ecstatics spectacle. Ryan Gosling just keeps falling off and tumbling and walking out unscathed in search of the truth. And the beautiful vibe of 1970s Los Angeles is brought it to perfection.
Did you know
- TriviaThe project initially was proposed as a TV series but was retooled as a film after the plot seemed to be going nowhere.
- GoofsHolland March yells for someone to call 911. It was 1977-78 and while 911 was an emergency system that was used as early as 1968 in Alabama, it was not formally introduced to Los Angeles until October 1, 1984.
- Quotes
Holland March: Look on the bright side. Nobody got hurt.
Jackson Healy: People got hurt.
Holland March: I'm saying, I think they died quickly. So I don't think they got hurt.
- Alternate versionsIn the censored version, bikinis were put on for many of the nudity scenes. The opening did not include a center spread and the naked body of Misty Mountains.
- SoundtracksPapa Was a Rollin' Stone
Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong
Performed by The Temptations
Courtesy of Motown Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Dos tipos peligrosos
- Filming locations
- Northyards Blvd at North Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, USA(street scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $50,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $36,261,763
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,203,270
- May 22, 2016
- Gross worldwide
- $71,261,763
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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