The Nice Guys Review

The Nice Guys is directed and written by Shane Black and stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling and Angourie Rice. Black's third feature film in the directors chair, The Nice Guys follows Jackson Healy (Crowe), a hired enforcer, and Holland March (Gosling) a private investigator, as they work together to look into the apparent death of a fading porn star.

Shane Black is easily one of Hollywood's most underrated talents when it comes to writing and directing. The Nice Guys is rich in sharp, witty dialogue and fans of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang will find much to love hear. Gosling and Crowe have sizzling chemistry on screen, their constant bickering and goofing is uproariously entertaining whilst Gosling's physical acting is simply superb (watch his cheekbones during one elevator ride). Rice, who plays Holland's daughter, is another well utilised character and is played with rebellious flair.

The 1970s backdrop is beautifully constructed: the cars, houses and technology are adequately designed whilst the gentle, jazzy musical score perfectly undermines the film. The narrative is also intriguing enough as their case takes numerous twists whilst the action beats are far more exhilarating then blockbuster movies; shootouts and stand offs are either done amusingly or riddled with suspense, sometimes even simultaneously. 

The Nice Guys is a clear sign that Hollywood is not done with buddy cop films and shows Black is the king of the genre with another gem under his belt. Easily one of 2016's best in a year that has hurled disappointment after disappointment in our faces.