The Nice Guys makes its comedy out of a partnership that never becomes entirely efficient. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are excellent together, and the dialogue is sharp enough to carry the untidy plot.
Spoiler-free review.
Ryan Gosling is very funny in The Nice Guys because he is willing to let embarrassment last. Holland March does not recover his dignity as quickly as he would like. Russell Crowe gives him a heavier, less talkative presence to work against. The partnership is enjoyable before the investigation has done much to justify it.
Shane Black keeps the dialogue moving with interruptions. The characters are trying to get things done while also dealing with the person next to them. A simple question can quickly turn into a debate about who's more capable. The jokes come from the tension between these two personalities, not just random punchlines.
Angourie Rice is a valuable part of the balance. Her presence prevents the two men from becoming the only measure of common sense in the film. I liked how often a confident adult claim is exposed as inadequate. The period setting gives the story some texture, but the changing relationships are the stronger attraction.
The mystery is complicated and sometimes adds more layers than needed. I didn't mind getting lost in the details as much as I enjoyed watching the group tackle the next problem. It's not a big flaw in a comedy this well-acted. The film has enough charm and timing to make the extra steps worth it.
2016 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.
The Nice Guys makes its comedy out of a partnership that never becomes entirely efficient. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are excellent together, and the dialogue is sharp enough to carry the untidy plot.
— Desly