This summer’s movie lineup felt like it was going to be a winner, but disappointment reigned - until The Nice Guys arrived on the scene. It’s a detective comedy that kept me in stitches; I haven’t laughed this much since Stephen Chow’s Journey to the West.
The story trails two very different detectives: March (Ryan Gosling), a fast-talking but rather unsteady investigator, and Haley (Russell Crowe), a no-nonsense enforcer. Their mission? Track down Amelia, a girl tied to the mysterious death of a porn star. While the storyline feels a bit all over the place at first, it finally threads together, leading to a punchy climax. With its crime-noir edge, The Nice Guys keeps you guessing at every turn, just when you think they’ve hit a dead end.
But what sets the film apart is its wicked humor, perfectly in line with Shane Black’s style from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The comedy shines through the absurd scenarios, sharp dialogue, and oddball character quirks, delivering laughs in unexpected ways that kept the entire audience entertained. For someone like me, who doesn’t crack up easily, The Nice Guys brings a refreshingly unique approach to comedy that stands out in today’s movie scene.
Against a backdrop of Detroit choking on auto emissions, the movie even slips in a bizarre “hippie” solution to pollution: adult entertainment! While clearly played for laughs, the idea slyly hints at how art could connect with everyday people to stir awareness around social issues. It’s a nudge to creators everywhere, encouraging a “make love, not war” mindset. (Vietnamese filmmakers, take note!)
P.S. I might need another viewing next week, despite any censored scenes. Because it’s hilarious, it’s a much-needed break, it nails that ’70s aesthetic, and well... Ryan Gosling!
Trung Rwo
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