Frat Boy At the Movies: The Nice Guys
on May 30, 2016 at 12:01 am
Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe star in a movie directed by and co-written by one of my favorites, Shane Black. This is a comedy/crime drama centering around the murder of a porn star in 1970’s Los Angeles. Gosling plays Holland, a private detective with a young daughter and possibly a drinking problem. Crowe is Jackson Healy, a thug that’s got a good streak in him. The murder and then the bigger mystery reveal themselves to the duo during their (sorta) random encounter while both are doing their jobs.
Black, who has written movies like Lethal Weapon, The Long Kiss Goodnight and the very underrated Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, brings his usual ear for snappy patter amongst lowlifes, interesting twists and mystery. Buck Rogers, Gil Gerard, makes a cameo as well as character actor favorite, David Keith in a supporting bad guy role.
The movie is a fun trip back to the 70’s without getting all in your face about the 70’s, if you know what I mean. Yet the plot and the bigger mystery could not have taken place in any other time period really. Kim Basinger is also in this, but to be honest, I didn’t recognize her right away. Val Kilmer’s son plays Chet, the projectionist.
Can’t really talk too much about it, without giving the plot away. Funny stuff, good action and boobies galore! Would love to see a sequel. What more can you ask, bros?
I give The Nice Guys 9 out of 10 keggers.
