Being more slick in execution, quick in runtime could have made it superior - but nevertheless an entertaining romp which is sure to get better with repeat watches

Rating: 7/10 (11 September 2016)

This is a movie you would want to like even before you watched it. Actually what's not to like - a great teaser trailer showing excellent chemistry between its likable stars, quirky comedy set in the America's favorite period - the 70s, also includes some action, adventure and crime. All they need is just an average script which doesn't completely ruin the setup they have done so far and they manage to do just that - nothing less, nothing more.
Mr. Healy (Russell Crowe) has an unconventional job of being a hit-man for women in distress - no questions asked. Mr. March (Ryan Gosling) is a PI always willing to bend the rules. When they both collide literally when working on things loosely related to each other, they realize that its much bigger than anticipated and have to work together. They are effectively supported by Mr. March's teenage daughter Holly (Angourie Rice) who actually cracks open the case.
Even though it takes a while for the lead actors chemistry to work, it gets magical after you give it some time and patience. The movie suffers from a poor start where the first 15 minutes of its runtime, it just ponders around in a disconnected manner. Once Crowe and Gosling's characters come together and after a brief period of time, the actual plot kicks in. It definitely has an unconventional but a plot with potential, has budget to execute it to scale, able actors to convincingly portray the characters necessary. Instead of using the slick technology and movie making methods to show the action of the 70s period, the movie resorts to the movie making techniques of the actual period which is a shame. It definitely is not an issue with the potential considering Shane Black has helmed the Director's seat for Iron Man 3 and his much older Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is much more tighter (also following similar plot pattern related to homicide in Hollywood).
Angourie Rice playing Holly has a meaty role and she delivers it with aplomb. The overall runtime is a tad too lengthy and easily could have edited out at least 20 minutes or so. Once the overall plot is understood, the runtime looks redundant with unnecessary chases and shootouts where we surely know nothing's gonna happen to the 'Nice Guys'.
Being more slick in execution, quick in runtime could have made it superior - but nevertheless an entertaining romp which is sure to get better with repeat watches.