The buddy-cop genre is one that not only Shane Black mastered, but nearly invented. Best known as the writer of the first two Lethal Weapon movies, and as his directorial debut, Black has risen through the ranks. His rise in Hollywood got him a place in Marvel's arsenal of directors, taking part in Iron Man 3. Though Iron Man 3 was one of the most polarizing Marvel movies to date due to the major plot twist in the middle of the film, Black captivated me, and I was excited for whatever he chose to be his follow-up project. The Nice Guys, is the project an more.
The Nice Guys takes place in the 1970s and follows two detectives, bad-ass tough guy Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe), and loser drunk Holland March (Ryan Gosling), as they try and solve the mysterious murder of porn star Misty Mountains. Along the way, the two detectives are forced to work together, and get used to the completely different lifestyle choices as the adapt together. The formula is a classic one, take the serious guy and the comedic, funny guy and team them together for a bigger purpose. However, it is done with such hilarity and absurdity in almost a Lebowski-esque tone, that Black makes the movie feel brand new. Throwing in beautiful set design, and fitting costumes, Black portrays the 1970s as an era of absolute uncertainty and serious moral upheaval. The film constantly questions what the real truth of not only the mystery is, but of the times. Everyone believes that what they are doing is right, but the point is that there is certain perception of the truthful reality. All of these themes are thrown in the most fun and hilarious movie so far this year. Though it is only June, The Nice Guys was easily the most fun I've had at the movies all year, and so far, I have to say it was my favorite of the year.
Grade: 10/10
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