The Nice Guys: A Groovy Blast!

​The Nice Guys blends nostalgic ‘70s vibes with a charming, leading duo (Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling) and gives the audience hilarious results. 

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One of the freshest comedies you’ll probably see all year, The Nice Guys takes a dying buddy-cop genre and refuels it. Director Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and Iron Man 3) throws sex, violence and laughs at the audience with nostalgic ‘70s culture running through their blood. When you think of the buddy-cop genre the most popular film that comes to mind is Lethal Weapon starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

Back in the ‘80s, Lethal Weapon helped refine the action genre while also immersing laughs throughout. Since then, films have tried to grab that same successful formula as that Lethal Weapon had, but none could match. The Nice Guys is probably the closest film that hits the same sweet spot that Lethal Weapon triggered years ago. Crowe shows us his first comedy chops, while Gosling is just flat out funny as the goofy private eye. Their irresistible chemistry hits a summer sweet spot we have all been waiting for.

It’s Los Angeles, 1970 something, and we are introduced to a mismatched pair of private eyes (Crowe and Gosling) who are investigating an apparent suicide of a fading porn star. It’s a comedy L.A. noir filled with groovy music, slapstick humor and violent shoot em’ up scenes. The leading pair are a real hoot that add structure to the film, alongside Black’s slick direction. And the real star that steals the show is actress Angourie Rice, who plays Gosling’s teenage daughter. Rice is sharp, sassy and trying to succeed as a younger private eye just like her dad.

​The Nice Guys is one of the best comedies of the year because the jokes are funny, the leading pair soar and the popcorn charisma taste so good. A guilty pleasure that will delightfully entertain from beginning until end. This crime caper is funny as hell and hits that perfect blend of comedy and action. They say, “nice guys finish last” … not in this circumstance. 

The Nice Guys is rated R (Restricted). For violence, sexuality, nudity, language and brief drug use.