The Nice Guys is a 2016 American neo-noir comedy film

Plot Summary

The movie opens with the death of a porn star named Misty Mountains, which leads to the discovery of a conspiracy involving the auto industry, the US Department of Justice, and organized crime. Jackson Healy, a tough enforcer, is hired to protect Amelia, who is being targeted by unknown assailants. Holland March, a bumbling private investigator, is also hired to find Amelia, but is initially unaware of Healy's involvement.

When Healy is attacked by two men looking for Amelia, he turns to March for help in finding her. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, the two men team up to investigate the case and unravel the conspiracy. Along the way, they encounter several colorful characters, including Amelia's mother (Kim Basinger), a hitman named John Boy (Matt Bomer), and a young girl named Holly (Angourie Rice), who becomes March's unlikely sidekick.

As they dig deeper into the case, Healy and March discover that the conspiracy involves the production of a new type of fuel-efficient automobile, which the auto industry is trying to suppress. The duo eventually uncovers the truth behind Amelia's disappearance and the larger conspiracy, and they confront the culprits in a thrilling and comedic finale.

Themes

The Nice Guys touches on several themes, including corruption in the auto industry, the impact of greed and corporate power on society, and the importance of teamwork and friendship. The film also explores the concept of masculinity, with Healy and March embodying different versions of traditional masculine archetypes, and the female characters often challenging or subverting those stereotypes.

Humor and Style

One of the standout features of The Nice Guys is its humor, which blends slapstick comedy with witty dialogue and clever visual gags. The movie also features several meta-references to the detective and noir genres, including a recurring joke about Healy's career as a "fixer" and a nod to the famous Chinatown plot twist.

The film's style also captures the aesthetic of 1970s Los Angeles, with vibrant colors, retro clothing, and a funk-inspired soundtrack that features songs from Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, and The Temptations.

Performances

The performances in The Nice Guys are excellent, with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling showcasing their comedic chops as the mismatched detective duo. Crowe brings a tough and gruff demeanor to Healy, while Gosling delivers a hilarious and endearing portrayal of the hapless March.

Margaret Qualley also delivers a strong performance as Amelia, conveying her character's intelligence and determination, while Kim Basinger adds gravitas to the film as the mysterious and powerful Judith Kuttner.

Angourie Rice is also a standout as Holly, March's precocious daughter, who provides much of the film's heart and humor with her quippy one-liners and her willingness to help her dad and Healy in their investigation.

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Direction and Cinematography

Shane Black's direction of The Nice Guys is stylish and dynamic, effectively capturing the film's humor and action sequences. The cinematography by Philippe Rousselot is also impressive, with bold and colorful visuals that add to the film's overall aesthetic.