Ryan Gosling’s Underrated Comedy Masterpiece

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Shane Black’s The Nice Guys didn’t disappoint at the box office, making approximately $12 million, but it didn’t quite reach the level of success that many might have expected. Other films have achieved classic status with less money. Despite some confusion with Will Ferrell’s The Other Guys, another buddy action movie, there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason why this film hasn’t received more attention over time.

In simpler terms, “The Nice Guys” boasts star-studded performances from actors like Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, along with Margaret Qualley (recently gaining attention for her role in “The Substance”), Matt Bomer (“Magic Mike”), and Angourie Rice (“Mean Girls”). The film’s narrative can be compared to a blend of “Boogie Nights” and “Lethal Weapon”, and it sports a charming neo-noir aesthetic reminiscent of the ’70s. Additionally, the script is filled with memorable lines that will make you laugh out loud.

Given all these factors, it’s not surprising that people are questioning why The Nice Guys isn’t considered a classic in the genre of buddy cop or humorous films more often.

What Is ‘The Nice Guys’ About?

1977 Los Angeles is home to private investigator Holland March and his daughter Holly. One day, March takes on a peculiar case: an elderly woman requests his help in locating her niece, a well-known adult film star named Misty Mountains, who was reported dead just days prior but the old lady insists she saw Misty alive. The trail leads March to a young woman called Amelia. However, Amelia becomes uneasy with March’s investigation, so she hires Jackson Healy – a formidable enforcer known for his violent tactics – to deliver a warning to March, urging him to abandon the case.

In response to being harshly interrogated about Amelia, Healy ultimately teams up with March (implicating Holly in the process), suspecting that she could be in peril. This unexpected pair then embarks on a string of comedic misadventures and seedy escapades to locate Amelia, unravel the mystery surrounding the Misty Mountains, and instill some sense of morality in Holly. The film, titled The Nice Guys, has a distinctly vintage vibe, rich with an excellent soundtrack filled with period-appropriate tracks from artists like the Bee Gees, Al Green, Kiss, and others, making it as much about atmosphere as it is about the storyline.

A Golden Gosling

It’s not a surprise that Ryan Gosling showcases his remarkable comedic skills, and “The Nice Guys” certainly highlights this ability. In fact, many viewers consider it one of his funniest performances to date. While Crowe gives an outstanding performance in the movie as the no-nonsense character, Gosling’s humor shines brilliantly alongside him.

It’s truly enjoyable to watch him. Gosling, in fact, outshines every moment he’s on screen, whether it’s through high-pitched yells or deadpan deliveries of the silliest lines imaginable. He masterfully blends this with a tender side as a single father who is earnestly yet somewhat mistakenly trying to raise his daughter, despite tragically losing his wife. This may very well be what makes “The Nice Guys” a must-see.

Is the Blockbuster Comedy Dead?

It appears that it’s challenging to recall the most recent blockbuster comedy that truly thrived. Movies such as “The Hangover” (2009), “Superbad” (2007), and “We’re the Millers” (2013) are all over a decade old now. Even films like “Borat” (2006), which managed to spawn sequels, didn’t achieve the same level of success for the follow-up. It seems there might be a trend emerging where, since approximately 2010, the public has shown less enthusiasm for a particular style of comedy.

While it’s not necessarily the case that the movie “The Nice Guys” conforms to this pattern, it might have been more of a casualty of its release year than anything else. It certainly carries the style reminiscent of an era in cinema that is now viewed with nostalgia but rarely recreated. At the time when “The Nice Guys” was playing in theaters, there might not have been a demand for what it offered. However, nowadays, “The Nice Guys” seems perfectly suited to the current cultural zeitgeist.

The genre of buddy comedies might take some time to regain mainstream popularity, but The Nice Guys is swiftly becoming a cult favorite. As the years go by, an increasing number of viewers are uncovering this hidden gem and admiring it for its clever dialogue, offbeat action, and exceptional performances. Put simply, The Nice Guys is a delightful watch, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it can feel like a refreshing escape from a bygone era in cinema (9 years ago).

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2025-01-18 22:32