The Netflix Crime Thriller Comedy That’s Become A Modern Classic

Directed and co-written by Shane Black, The Nice Guys is set in the tumultuous Los Angeles of 1977. Everyone’s favorite Ken, Ryan Gosling, plays Holland March, a struggling private investigator, while Russell Crowe portrays Jackson Healy, a tough enforcer for hire. The two form an unlikely partnership to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl named Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley).The Nice Guy opens with March being hired to investigate the alleged survival of a deceased porn star and the plot unfolds into a captivating storyline involving Amelia’s connection to a controversial film project. As March and Healy delve deeper into the investigation, they face dangerous encounters, including a murder investigation and confrontations with hired thugs, all while being pursued by a ruthless hitman, John Boy, played by Matt Bomer.

What sets The Nice Guys apart from typical buddy cop comedies is its clever blend of action, mystery, and comedy. Director Shane Black infuses the film with his signature humor, balancing witty dialogue and sharp banter with darker aspects of the story. Gosling and Crowe deliver stellar performances, portraying their flawed characters with nuance and charisma while injecting knee-slapping wit.

Angourie Rice plays March’s daughter Holly, a charming addition to the film who counterbalances her father’s bumbling antics. Between Rice and Gosling, the pair create a memorable and endearing dynamic. The Nice Guys also features a strong ensemble cast, including Matt Bomer, Yaya DaCosta, Keith David, and others.Beneath the humor and action, The Nice Guys subtly explores themes of corporate corruption, environmental issues, and societal disparities during a transformative period in American history. While the film entertains with comedic performances and a gritty plot, it seamlessly weaves in this social commentary.

Upon its release, critics praised The Nice Guys for its refreshing take on the buddy comedy genre, earning a 91 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, while the critics loved the film, the numbers barely reflected the feeling. Despite its critical success, the film achieved moderate commercial success, grossing $62 million worldwide against a $50 million budget.The Nice Guys was released in May 2016, sharing an opening weekend with The Angry Birds Movie, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. It finished fourth behind these movies, with experts arguing The Nice Guys could have performed better if it didn’t share an opening with Neighbors 2, a comedy that was targeting the same demographic.

Seven years after its release, fans remain eager for a sequel, hoping to see Gosling and Crowe reunite on screen. Shane Black’s adept direction and the on-screen chemistry between the lead actors make The Nice Guys a joy for fans of action, comedy, and mystery alike. While a sequel is not currently in the works, this comedy thriller is available to watch on Netflix.