By: Ali Habous
The Nice Guys is one of those movies that we don’t get to see often these days, it is simply one of the best films of 2016 so far. Not because it is unique or special, but because it is the comedy that we need and deserve. It is the buddy comedy that we have been waiting for! Shane Black, the mastermind behind movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Lethal Weapon is the man to thank for that. All the comedies we see nowadays are about sex, drugs, hangovers…. and out of nowhere we suddenly have an old fashion buddy detective comedy that is both well-made and funny.
The movie is about two private detectives crossing the same path in a search for a missing teenager. While the tone is not serious and the story is ridiculous at best, that is pretty much what the filmmakers have in mind as the pleasures derived from this one are a dozen in many different aspects. The acting is great, with obvious chemistry between Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. The mood and atmosphere are spot on with the 70’s vibe and the soundtrack is as cool as a cucumber. The screenplay is witty and hilarious at times, and it shows confidence and it was a probably a blast to write.
The Nice Guys is absurd in the best way possible. It delivers the action, the laughs, and even a few unexpected twists from someone who knows what he is doing and having a great time doing it. Both Crow and Gosling are not known for their funny sides but here they shine together and deliver some very fluid scenes. Looking at the box office receipts for this one, I was disappointed to see that this movie did not generate a lot of interest when it came out in theaters. Sadly, everyone these days are waiting for the next big budget superhero or disaster movie to enjoy the huge scale, actions scenes, or the unbelievable visual effects. The rare 70s feel in The Nice Guys is genuine (not since L.A Confidential has it been done as well, which was completely opposite in tone) and it is without a doubt one of the most original and thoroughly enjoyable movies of the year. If you are planning to have a movie night this is a must watch or the “nice” guys might not stay so nice.
Rating: 8/10
The Nice Guys is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray