Thomas’s review published on Letterboxd:
“The Nice Guys” is a clever, energetic, and immensely entertaining blend of neo noir and absurd buddy comedy. Like a mix of “Chinatown”, “The Big Lebowski”, and “Lethal Weapon.”
Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe have to be one of my favorite comedic duos of movie history. Their individual performances are outstanding (Gosling is so underrated as a comedic actor) and their chemistry is truly phenomenal. Definitely one of the best examples of the “unlikely partner” formular I know of. I also love Gosling´s unusual but endearing father/daughter relationship with Angourie Rice (the third MVP), and Margaret Qualley, Keith David, and Kim Basinger leave good impressions, as well.
Furthermore, the film features an incredibly tight screenplay, which includes snappy and highly enjoyable dialogue, fantastic humor, excellent tempo, flow, and comedic timing, and a complex but zany and engaging mystery plot. Actually, the plot is quite convoluted, but in a self-aware, ironic way that makes good-natured fun of the neo noir genre. And ultimately, the main selling point of the movie isn´t the story, it´s following these loveable, quirky characters stumble from one absurd situation to the next. And that journey is just gripping and laugh out loud funny. On top of that, I also enjoy the charming and pleasant 70s vibe and aesthetic, colorful mise-en-scène, and exciting and well-filmed action.
“The Nice Guys” is smart, dorky, cheeky, hilarious, and a total blast from beginning to end. It´s one of my favorite comedies of the last decade and has all the ingredients of a cult film.
