The Nice Guys: Is This 70s Buddy Cop Flick Worth Your Time? (Spoiler: Absolutely)
Ever scroll endlessly for a good movie? Something that makes you laugh and demands no brain effort? Meet a hidden gem from 2016: The Nice Guys.
Shane Black directed this film. He created classics like Lethal Weapon and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The Nice Guys transports you to 1977 Los Angeles. Picture disco, shady private eyes, and wild mayhem. Worth your precious time? Let's find out.
Is It Worth Watching? Spoiler Alert: Yes!
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Buckle up. Critics love The Nice Guys. A review states: "With furious pace and strong chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, The Nice Guys checks every box for an R-rated enjoyment." Can anyone argue that?
The film showcases buddy cop chemistry. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe interact like veterans. It's funny, action-packed, and full of mystery. Seeking entertainment mixed with wit? Look no further.
Based on a True Story? Kind Of...
Before you expect a biopic, let’s clarify. The Nice Guys is loosely inspired by true events, especially the smog issues in mid-20th century Los Angeles. Yes, smog. 1970s LA air quality was disaster-level.
The film draws from this real issue but is not a documentary. Sources say, "The movie captures the zeitgeist of the decade instead of adhering to facts strictly." Think of "true story" more as colorful ambiance than historic accuracy. It grounds the fun without limiting it.
Setting the Scene: Welcome to 1977 Los Angeles
Imagine Los Angeles, 1977. Polyester rules, gas prices climb (well, relatively), and private eyes abound. Our protagonist, Holland March (Gosling), is "a down-on-his-luck private eye." He tends to trip over clues instead of finding them, but has a certain charm.
The film captures 70s LA's sleazy vibe perfectly. From fashion to music, you'll feel like time traveling. Just remember to hold your breath during outdoor scenes; stick with the smog theme.
Filmed in Atlanta? Hollywood Trickery!
A dash of movie magic for you. While set in Los Angeles, "The Nice Guys" shot in Atlanta, with some outdoor scenes in Los Angeles. Yes, Atlanta stood in for the City of Angels. Who knew Georgia could look so Californian?
This happens often in filmmaking for tax perks and practical reasons. But don't fret; enough exterior shots keep the atmosphere genuine. While Gosling and Crowe enjoyed southern sweet tea off-camera, the film delivers its 70s LA promise.
Plot Thickens: Disappearance and Unlikely Partnerships
What's the story? "Fate turns them into unlikely partners after Amelia (Margaret Qualley) vanishes." This sets up the chaotic pairing of Holland March and Jackson Healy (Crowe), "a hired enforcer who hurts people for a living." They get caught in a case reluctantly.
The Amelia case isn't just another missing person story; it ties to massive conspiracies involving the car industry and, yes, smog. Toss in some porn stars, corrupt officials, and chaotic violence; you've got a plot that's both twisty and entertaining.
Meet the Misfit Crew: Cast and Characters
The Nice Guys shines thanks to its excellent cast. Let’s meet the characters who bring this 70s vibe to life.
Ryan Gosling as Holland March: The Lovable Mess
Ryan Gosling as Holland March is comedy gold. He plays a hapless private eye with charm and clumsiness. He earned a good paycheck too; "$7 million for The Nice Guys, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter." Not bad for stumbling into trouble.
March is no role model. "Holland’s young daughter drives him home after he drinks too much is an early sign of his drinking problems." Holland has issues. Yet, this imperfect vulnerability makes him relatable, even when he messes up fiercely.
Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy: The Muscle with a Heart (Maybe)
Matching Gosling's salary, "Russell Crowe was also well-paid." He excels as Jackson Healy, a tough guy with dry humor. "Jackson Healy (Crowe) is a hired enforcer." You’d not want to cross him, yet maybe a decent soul hides within.
Fun note: Crowe transformed physically for the role. "He gained significant weight primarily for his part in The Nice Guys, intentionally adding over 50 pounds for authenticity." His additional weight adds to Healy's imposing presence.
Angourie Rice as Holly March: The Surprisingly Responsible One
Stealing scenes is Angourie Rice as Holly March, Holland's grounded daughter. "Angourie Rice was 13 during filming as Ryan Gosling's daughter in The Nice Guys." Despite youth, Holly is often the voice of reason, frequently rescuing her dad from trouble.
She showcases a wonderful contrast to adult chaos. "The Nice Guys is comedic yet weary. “The days of ladies and gentlemen are over,” says March, lamenting Holly’s crude world." Holly signals a generation losing innocence but facing life's challenges with humor.
And for trivia, "Angourie comes from an Aboriginal word meaning tail-feather of a seagull." A lovely name for a bright young star.
Margaret Qualley as Amelia: The Catalyst
Margaret Qualley plays Amelia, the woman whose disappearance fuels the plot. "A young woman named Amelia (Margaret Qualley) mysteriously disappears leading to unlikely partnerships." She's not on screen as much as Gosling or Crowe but drives the story forward. Her fate unlocks conspiracies that bond Holland and Healy.
Her disappearance triggers numerous unfortunate events for the bad guys. "Dying in a hit-and-run, Blue Face confesses to Healy that their boss sent a hitman named John Boy."
Amelia, March and his family to prevent further witnesses. Poor Amelia is indeed in trouble. Anyone who tries to help her faces danger.
Robert Downey Jr.: Blink and You'll Miss Him
Wait, Robert Downey Jr. is in The Nice Guys? Sort of. "Robert Downey Jr. has an uncredited cameo as a corpse in The Nice Guys." Yes, you read that right. He plays a dead body. It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, but it’s a fun Easter egg for fans. SlashFilm explained this sneak. Commitment to the role!
Lexi Johnson and Judith Kutner: Faces in the Crowd
We also have Lexi Johnson, credited as "Pocahontas" in the film. "Lexi Johnson The Nice Guys (2016) - Lexi Johnson as Pocahontas." Her role is brief but colors the characters in the movie. Then there's Judith Kutner. Not a household name, but plays a key part. "Judith Kutner is the main antagonist from The Nice Guys." Yes, she is the big bad, the puppet master behind the scenes. Holland and Healy ultimately face her off.
Misty Mountains: A Name You Won't Forget
And let's not forget Misty Mountains. A "fading porn star," her death at the movie's beginning sets events in motion. "In 1977 Los Angeles, a boy named Bobby witnesses fading porn star Misty Mountains (Murielle Telio) die in a car crash." Misty's demise is Holland March's mystery. It leads him down a rabbit hole of conspiracy and danger.
Sequel Dreams: Will We Ever See More Nice Guys?
After watching The Nice Guys, you might want more of Holland and Healy's adventures. So, will there be a sequel? Sadly, answer is likely no. "No, no plans for a sequel due to its box office performance."
Despite critical acclaim and a strong cult following, The Nice Guys wasn't a box office smash. Ryan Gosling even jokingly blamed another movie for the lack of sequel. "The Angry Birds was the main reason for no sequel." Apparently, animated birds stole box office thunder. Ouch.
However, there's hope, albeit faint. "Emily Blunt expressed interest in a sequel, even in a cameo role." Emily Blunt joining the Nice Guys universe? Amazing! But for now, a sequel is wishful thinking.
Reception and Success: Cult Classic in the Making
While it didn't set box office on fire, The Nice Guys was a hit with critics. "It received positive reviews for its humor, mystery, and performances of Crowe and Gosling." Reviewers praised the witty script and chemistry between leads. Larsen On Film provides a glowing review.
Financially, it was modest. "It grossed $63 million on a $50 million budget." While technically profitable, it didn’t hit blockbuster numbers studios crave. This lukewarm performance is often cited for no sequel. "The Nice Guys was a box office flop in 2016." Ouch, "flop" is harsh, but it didn’t break the bank.
Despite initial disappointment, The Nice Guys has gained followers. "Since its release, it gained a cult following for Gosling and Crowe's chemistry and comedy." People are discovering the movie and appreciating its humor, action, and 70s cool. It’s becoming a modern cult classic, improving with every viewing.
To put box office numbers in perspective: "The Angry Birds Movie had more than three times the opening weekend gross of The Nice Guys, with Angry Birds at $38 million and The Nice Guys at $11.2 million." Yes, animated birds outperformed. Irony thick enough to spread on toast. But hey, cult classics start as underdogs.
Russell Crowe: Beyond the Nice Guy
Russell Crowe is a fascinating Hollywood figure. Known for intense performances and a colorful personality. Let’s delve into Crowe-specific details.
Weight Gain for the Role: Method Acting or Just Enjoying Craft Services?
We've touched on it. Worth reiterating: Crowe bulked up for The Nice Guys. "Russell Crowe gained significant weight for movie roles, especially for The Nice Guys." This wasn’t just for this film; he has gained weight for roles before. Dedication to physical transformation, even needing a bigger trailer.
Gladiator Days: A Throwback
Speaking of transformations, let’s recall Crowe’s Gladiator days. "Russell Crowe was 35 years old while filming Gladiator in 1999." Hard to believe it's been so long! Gladiator solidified Crowe’s leading man status and action star role. From Roman general to 70s enforcer, his career varies.
Health Battles: Wear and Tear of Action Movies
All those action roles take a toll. "The 'Gladiator' star - who turned 60 in April - revealed many ailments from filming action sequences." He battles arthritis in his left shoulder after two operations but isn’t keen on a third surgery. Ouch. Decades of stunts have left him with injuries. Sounds like he earned a long vacation, somewhere with no action sequences.
Relationships: Love and Life Off-Screen
Crowe's personal life has been spotlighted. "Russell Crowe has been in a relationship with Britney Theriot since 2020." Before that, he was married to Danielle Spencer. "Danielle Spencer Russell Crowe / Wife (m. 2003–2018)." Their marriage lasted 15 years. Interestingly, rumors exist about a brief connection with Jodie Foster. "Yes, Jodie Foster and Russell Crowe had a short romantic relationship in 1999." Hollywood romances can be fleeting while friendships can last.
Friendship Circle: Hollywood Bromances
Crowe built solid friendships in the industry. He formed a "club" with Leonardo DiCaprio early in their careers. "It was a strange dynamic," Crowe says over tea with DiCaprio. "You had Gene Hackman and Sharon Stone among actors who had been around for 30 years." They forged friendship and started their own club.
Crowe counts Tom Cruise as a contemporary and friend. "Crowe became a contemporary of actor Tom Cruise." Two stars, two big personalities – that’s a friendship worth seeing more of. Then Nicole Kidman.I stood behind you and you didn’t talk to me.” Shoey or not, Kidman and Crowe remain friends." Apparently, a shoey (drinking beer from a shoe) is part of their friendship story. Hollywood, right?
A long-distance bromance exists with Paul Bettany. "'Crowe and Bettany are great mates, though it's tough for them to have a beer living 27 hours apart." Time zones hinder pub crawls.
Fluent in Italian? Multilingual Crowe
Did you know Russell Crowe speaks fluent Italian? Apparently, "Russell shocked fans by speaking fluent Italian while promoting his band, Indoor Garden Party, on its European Tour." Who knew Maximus was
also Massimo? He may star in an Italian film soon.
Dress Code Drama: Restaurant Refusal
Even stars face dress code rules. "Russell Crowe and Britney Theriot were turned away from a Japanese restaurant in Australia due to not meeting the "smart casual" dress code." Imagine Crowe being denied entry for lack of "smart casual." The irony is rich.
Political Leanings: Labor Supporter
Crowe's political views are clear. "He supports the Australian Labor Party (ALP)." So, you see it. Russell Crowe, action star, Leonardo‘s friend, fluent in Italian, and an ALP supporter. A man of many sides.
Robert Downey Jr.: More Than Just Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. is another Hollywood icon. Let's look into details about him beyond his cameo in The Nice Guys.
Net Worth: Rich, But Not Quite a Billionaire
Is Robert Downey Jr. a billionaire? The internet loves discussing celebrity wealth. "No, he is not a billionaire, but he has a net worth of $300 million." Not quite billion, but quite well-off. $300 million buys many iron suits.
Friendship with Chris Evans: Captain America Connection
RDJ and Chris Evans, Iron Man and Captain America, share a unique friendship. "When RDJ convinced Evans to take Captain America in 2010, their meaningful friendship began." RDJ played a key role in bringing Evans to the Marvel Universe. A superhero origin story for a friendship.
Future Role: Dr. Doom? Payday Alert!
What's next for RDJ? Rumors are buzzing about a major Marvel return. "He is set to earn over $100 million for playing Dr. Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars." Dr. Doom? That's villainous! And $100 million? A superhero paycheck. RDJ's Hollywood reign thrives.
Angourie Rice: Rising Star Power
Angourie Rice is making her name in Hollywood. Let's examine details about this talented actress.
Age at the Time: Teen Talent
At what age did Angourie Rice appear in The Nice Guys? "Rice was 13 years old when she played Ryan Gosling's daughter in the 2014 movie." Thirteen! Younger than some viewers of The Nice Guys. Her performance is even more remarkable given her age at filming.
Beyond Nice Guys: Other Works
The Nice Guys isn’t her only role. "Rice has appeared in Nowhere Boys: The Book of Shadows, Jasper Jones, and Spider-Man: Homecoming." She has been busy! From indie films like Jasper Jones to blockbusters like Spider-Man, Rice is crafting an impressive filmography. Watch her closely; she is rising.
More Movie Morsels: Extra Details
Before we end our dive into The Nice Guys, here are more interesting tidbits.
R Rating Reason: Adult Content Alert
Why is The Nice Guys rated R? One reason is "Exploitative female nudity throughout the movie." It isn't for kids. The R rating also covers violence, language, and drug use, but "exploitative female nudity" is highlighted as a specific reason. Consider yourself warned.
Car of Choice: 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet
For car lovers, The Nice Guys presents cool rides. Notably, "The actors filmed scenes in a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet in Los Angeles." A classic 1969 convertible? That's serious 70s style. The cars in the film are characters, too.
The Big Bad: Judith Kutner as the Antagonist
The main villain deserves mention. "Judith Kutner is the antagonist in the 2016 crime comedy The Nice Guys." Many shady characters exist in The Nice Guys, but Judith Kutner pulls the strings causing trouble for Holland and Healy. She is the brains and a formidable foe.
In conclusion, The Nice Guys deserves more appreciation. It’s funny, stylish, and showcases incredible chemistry between stars. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. Just don’t watch it with kids.
For another perspective on the film, read this review from Make The Switch, highlighting Angourie Rice's standout performance.
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