Autistic Reviewers Opinion Of This Movie.

Rating: 8/10 (25 May 2016)

Shane Black is known for his involvement in the development of late 80's buddy cop film Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, Iron Man 3 and this solo underrated crime comedy flick Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Black returns with a new feature film that packs not only the key elements of his works but a solid buddy cop movie that definitely feels like a new Lethal Weapon film for the new generation.
The plot follows two men; tough enforcer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) and private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) who has been down on his luck since the death of his wife but tries to raise his young per-teen daughter who paths cross when they discover Holly (Angourie Rice). At first Healy manages to get March off the case for a search of a fading adult film star in the 1970's, but it soon discovered that both men will need to work together when dead bodies surface and they are targeted by hit men. As they draw deeper into the case, a bigger conspiracy unfolds and both men are driven to solve the case.
The Nice Guys plays so well; firstly the direction and the script are well presented that Black himself could write and vision, what is shown on screen is pretty much enjoyable with the production set detailed to high standards (the film is set around the 70's), it's soundtrack is catchy and nostalgic and costumes are presentable for the story's set era. The script is smart, funny and very much a noir mystery, I won't say too much on what is involved but knowing that Black's style of storytelling is a cult following, it surprises to be engaging throughout without a dull moment existing.
Another strong key element that makes the movie work so well it's is great leads Crowe and Gosling, I don't think anyone would ever see these two in a film together but the chemistry they share is often smart, funny and forms the element purpose of a buddy cop film. Crowe manages to be the tough guy as we all see him, but he does give a convincing performance of a man that seems to roll with it. Gosling manages to run with the humour of his fallen character, showing his struggles of being an alcoholic and raising his daughter. Angourie Rice is an Australian actress from the deeply moving These Final Hours, here she show cases not to top over the leads or affect the plot but she serves well as both comic relief and support for the leading characters. The supporting cast handle themselves well, there is no miscast whatsoever.
Overall, The Nice Guys plays out like a nod to noir crime thrillers of the 70's, old school action flicks of the era while it carries a feeling and tone of a buddy cop action/comedy that helps to keep the audience watching the plot unfold and see its leads play out in hilarious ways. Well worth a watch if you love Black's style of film or your just in the mood for a film that packs crime and comedy into the one.
Nick - 4/5