A movie I liked more than I thought I would, but still forgot about almost five minutes after getting home.
What Works: As Ryan Gosling has proven in “Crazy, Stupid Love” and last year’s “The Big Short,” he has a knack for comedy, and this is his most strictly comedic role yet. Also, he and Russel Crowe have a surprising amount of buddy-chemistry. Although maybe it shouldn’t surprise since this is a Shane Black film, and he has an ability to make strange pairings (Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in “Lethal Weapon,” or Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) work. Plus, the movie is great counter-programming in a summer drowning in generic superhero films or sequels nobody asked for, and there’s a lot right with a version of “Inherent Vice” that’s actually enjoyable to watch.
What Doesn’t: A good diversion? Yes, but still a diversion. You could go the rest of your life without seeing this film, and never really miss anything. Only a little while later, it was hard to remember a single scene.
What I Would Have Done Differently: Lots of films evaporate after you see them, and saying “Nice Guys” will give you a good time while you’re watching it is frankly more than you can say for most other films in theaters.