When I first got into podcasting about movies with Christopher Spicer just over three years ago, he was adamant that Ryan Gosling was someone that I should be adoring as a talent. I had not seen many films of his, and I was not easily swayed that the former Young Hercules and alum from Breaker High was all that intriguing an acting prospect. To set me straight, we decided to podcast a noir film staring Gosling called Gangster Squad. I, with all conviction, can say that my opinion did not change the day that we visually ingested that lumpy and lukewarm dish.
I have to admit that since that time I have been won around on Gosling through films like Drive, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Blue Valentine. The man can act and throws himself fully into his rolls, but would I find him appropriate in the comedy genre? That is what The Nice Guys would answer. Once again, I went to the theatres to see a Gosling noir film and I was hoping that my eyes would be opened to another aspect of his talents.
There was no disappointment with The Nice Guys. From Gosling's tremendously in-depth and well rounded comedic chops, to the tight script that plays out like an old school mystery, this was a film that happily ate my admission price and made me more than willing to quickly tell others about it as soon as I left the screening.
The film is set in 1977 Los Angeles, with Gosling playing a private detective (Holland March) and Russell Crowe playing the part of an enforcer named Jackson Healy. Circumstances bring them together as they have to solve the case of a suicide of a famous porn star. It is the typical place setting for a buddy cop comedy, except these two are neither cops nor are they buddies. The ground that this film embarks from may feel familiar and comforting, and that's because it is. It is the type of film that we have seen before in the past, back before everything in the theatres was about reboots and sequels. The pure energy of this film is the old friend that we have been missing for the past twenty years, and meeting up with them for two hours in the theatre is pure joy.
Much of the enjoyment comes from the interactions between Gosling and Crowe, who play off each other as though they have been in many films prior to this one. Crowe plays the straight man, and delivers his lines with the steadiness and stone face needed to juxtapose the antics of his co-star. Not only are they funny together, but they are captivating as well. From beating up bad guys to talking about Richard Nixon and how he relates to angels, it is entertaining to see the two actors playing off each other.
Behind the two stars, you have a fast paced plot penned by Anthony Bagarozzi and director Shane Black. There are no wasted scenes to be found in this film as it flows and delivers the unfolding of the mystery at a steady pace. A lot of times I can predict what the final outcome will be, but that didn't happen in this case until the movie was wrapping up. It was a breathe of fresh air in today's cinematic climate.
One thing that needs to be mentioned is the great detail that is paid to the wardrobe, hair, and set pieces. This truly does feel like a well done period piece. It goes a long way in taking the audience to 1970s Los Angeles, immersing the viewers in the sights and sounds of the location.
The film may not be for everyone. I found that out when an older couple got up and walked out during the screening I was in. It is an R-rated film, and movie goers need only look at the plot synopsis which mentions the porn industry to get an understanding of the type of content that will be in it. There is nudity in the film, but it is not gratuitous in the way that an 80s Jean-Claude Van Damme movie would use it.
If you are looking for something that is geared towards adults and feels like a blast from cinema past, The Nice Guys is just waiting for you to get your ticket, park your arse in the seat, and enjoy the ride that it will take you on. It is a terrific blend of comedy and action, with Gosling's performance being the standout. The man can do comedy, there is no doubting that. And there is no doubting that you will love your time spent with The Nice Guys.
Rating - 3.5 out of 4 stars
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