As a Ryan Gosling Fan, Don’t Miss This One Movie!
This weekend, I’m thrilled to check out the latest Ryan Gosling film, Project Hail Mary.
This sci-fi tale follows a science teacher (Gosling) who awakens aboard a spaceship, clueless about how he arrived there.
While Project Hail Mary promises to be an entertaining sci-fi adventure, I want to take a moment to shine a light on a lesser-known Gosling gem.
The Nice Guys is an excellent period buddy cop comedy featuring Gosling alongside Russell Crowe, and it remains significantly underrated to this day.
Here’s why The Nice Guys is one of my top Gosling films and why it should be on your watch list next.
‘The Nice Guys’ Is a Terrific Hangout Movie
The Nice Guys centers on private investigator Holland March (Gosling), who is commissioned by Mrs. Glenn (Lois Smith) to locate her missing pornstar niece, Misty Mountains (Murielle Telio). This leads March to a young woman named Amelia (Margaret Qualley). To shake March off her trail, Amelia hires Jackson Healey (Crowe), a tough enforcer, who breaks into March’s home and injures his arm. However, when Amelia truly goes missing and appears to be hunted by more sinister characters than either of them, March and Healey reluctantly team up.
Despite the engaging plot of The Nice Guys, the true draw of the film lies elsewhere. In fact, the wacky mystery can be quickly overlooked. The film shines brightest when you focus on the performances, character interactions, and incredible chemistry between Crowe and Gosling. It feels more like The Big Lebowski or Inherent Vice rather than a film like Zodiac. The nostalgic vibe and detailed production design capture the essence of ’70s Los Angeles, with a laugh-out-loud script and characters, big or small, that never fail to surprise. It’s a film you’ll want to revisit time and again.
‘The Nice Guys’ Revitalizes the Buddy Comedy Genre
Shane Black’s film pays homage to classic buddy comedies of the past, such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and The Odd Couple. This charm is largely due to Black’s witty screenplay, which has delighted audiences time and again. If you’re not familiar with Black’s work, you’ve likely enjoyed films like The Long Kiss Goodnight, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Iron Man 3. Ultimately, Black knows what makes a buddy comedy great. He focuses less on action and spectacle (though there are some thrilling action sequences) and more on character-driven humor, sharp dialogue, and clever use of slapstick.
By downplaying intricate plot details, Black allows for a comedy rich in characterization, pacing, timing, and genuinely funny lines. The Nice Guys feels like the kind of film that’s rarely made anymore, which could explain its passionate cult following and the disappointment over its modest box office performance back in 2016. The real secret to the film’s success as a buddy comedy lies in the unexpected chemistry between Gosling and Crowe.
The Comedic Chemistry Between Gosling and Crowe Is Unmatched
When you think of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, they may not seem like the most obvious buddy cop pairing in a comedy film — in fact, Crowe’s comedic chops might surprise you. However, once you watch The Nice Guys, it becomes clear that their dynamic is incredibly natural. Both actors are well-known for their serious, dramatic roles (especially Crowe), but The Nice Guys showcases their comedic talents wonderfully. Their characters act as perfect foils: the “straight man” macho Healey and the clumsy, cowardly March.
This clash of personalities is the primary source of the film’s quirky humor and why it has become a cult classic. Crowe and Gosling complement each other impeccably, perfectly syncing their comedic timing and exchanging rapid-fire banter with ease. They don’t just deliver clever dialogue; there’s also plenty of slapstick and physical comedy for the actors to enjoy. Gosling’s exaggerated reactions and the hilarious bathroom brawl stand out, but it’s Crowe’s understated responses that add the perfect finishing touch.
