The Nice Guys Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two guys stumble into a conspiracy about air pollution and porn, mostly by falling down and hurting themselves a lot.

🍿 The Nice Guys: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Investigation

In 1977 Los Angeles, Holland March, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, is hired by a woman to find her niece, Misty Mountains, a recently deceased porn star. Simultaneously, Jackson Healy, a hired enforcer, is paid by Amelia Kuttner to make March leave her alone. Their paths collide, setting off a chain of events that leads to a larger conspiracy.

Unlikely Partnership

Healy and March are attacked, leading them to believe they’re both after something valuable. They reluctantly team up, navigating a seedy underbelly of pornographers, thugs, and government officials. March’s quick-witted daughter, Holly, often assists in their investigation, proving to be surprisingly adept at detective work.

The Environmental Conspiracy

The investigation reveals Amelia was working on a film exposing a conspiracy between Detroit automakers and government officials to suppress catalytic converters, leading to increased air pollution. Misty Mountains was involved in this project. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous the situation becomes, with powerful forces trying to silence them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe): A less-than-legitimate enforcer who teams up with Holland March to investigate a conspiracy in 1970s Los Angeles.
• Holland March (Ryan Gosling): A bumbling, alcoholic private investigator who gets entangled in a complex case with Jackson Healy.
• Holly March (Angourie Rice): Holland’s precocious and morally upright daughter who often acts as the voice of reason and helps with the investigation.
• Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley): A young woman targeted for exposing a conspiracy related to automotive emissions and the porn industry.
• John Boy (Matt Bomer): A ruthless and efficient hitman dispatched to eliminate anyone involved in revealing the automotive conspiracy.
• Judith Kuttner (Kim Basinger): A high-ranking Justice Department official and Amelia’s mother, complicit in covering up the automotive conspiracy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Holland March: “I’m a licensed private investigator. I’m also an alcoholic, but that’s not really relevant.” – March introduces himself, highlighting his questionable qualifications for the job.
• Jackson Healy: “You know, for a smart guy, you’re really dumb.” – Healy often comments on March’s intelligence and decision-making skills, or lack thereof.
• Jackson Healy: “You’re a terrible shot, March.” – Said after March displays his ineptitude with a firearm during a dangerous situation.
• Judith Kuttner: “What’s good for Detroit is good for America.” – Judith justifies her actions by echoing a common sentiment of the time, prioritizing the auto industry over environmental concerns.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $36,261,763
• Worldwide Gross: $71,261,763

💥 The Nice Guys Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved “The Nice Guys”! The film is funny, fast-paced, and stylish. Gosling and Crowe have amazing chemistry together, and I was laughing constantly throughout the movie. The 70s setting is also well done, providing a cool backdrop for the action. The plot gets a little convoluted, but honestly, I didn’t even care. I especially liked the scene when Gosling falls out of the window. A must-see for fans of action comedies!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate buddy comedies”
  • “Those who enjoy 1970s-set movies”
  • “Fans of Shane Black’s writing style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A smart, funny, and stylish neo-noir, The Nice Guys overcomes a messy plot with sharp writing and the impeccable chemistry of its leads.
• IGN: “The Nice Guys is a raucous, hilarious throwback to buddy cop movies of the ’80s, elevated by the impeccable chemistry between Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Shane Black’s trademark wit and action are on full display, making for a highly entertaining ride.
• The Guardian: “Shane Black’s The Nice Guys is a blast of buddy-cop action, crime, and comedy set in a smoggy 1970s Los Angeles. Crowe and Gosling are dynamite together.

Audience Reactions

The comedic timing between Crowe and Gosling is perfect; every scene is hilarious.: The chemistry between the two leads is the highlight for most viewers, making it a genuinely funny film.

The 70s setting is visually stunning and adds a unique layer to the story.: Many appreciate the detailed recreation of 1970s Los Angeles, from the fashion to the music.

Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining buddy cop movie with great chemistry between the leads, elevated by Shane Black’s signature style and humor, despite some plot issues.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Initially conceived as a TV series, the project was retooled into a film when the plot development stalled.”
• “Director Shane Black has a history with buddy cop films, having written the screenplay for ‘Lethal Weapon’.”
• “The movie subtly incorporates nods to the 1970s, including posters for ‘Jaws 2’ and mentions of Tower Records.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Nice Guys?

The Nice Guys is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are also widely available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Nice Guys, you might like these similar films:

• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): Also directed by Shane Black, this film features a similar blend of crime, comedy, and witty dialogue.
• Lethal Weapon (1987): Another buddy cop film with action and humor, written by Shane Black, but with a darker tone.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): A neo-noir crime film set in Los Angeles, exploring corruption and conspiracy, though with a more serious tone.
• Inherent Vice (2014): A neo-noir mystery comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles, sharing a similar atmosphere and tone with a convoluted plot.

🛒 The Nice Guys Related Products

• The Nice Guys [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in stunning high definition with special features, including behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes. A perfect addition to any movie collection.
• The Art of The Nice Guys: Dive deeper into the making of the film with this behind-the-scenes book, featuring concept art, storyboards, and interviews with the cast and crew. A must-have for true fans.
• Retro 70s Sunglasses: Emulate the cool style of “The Nice Guys” with these vintage-inspired sunglasses. A fun and stylish way to show your love for the movie.
• 1977 Los Angeles: A Virtual Tour: Explore a virtual recreation of 1977 Los Angeles inspired by the movie. Solve mini-mysteries and discover hidden easter eggs.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Nice Guys features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” – performed by The Temptations
• “September” – performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
• “Boogie Shoes” – performed by KC and The Sunshine Band
• “Lonely Boy” – performed by Andrew Gold

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ryan Gosling Crashes Russell Crowe’s AACTA Speech

Check out this hilarious clip where Ryan Gosling playfully crashes Russell Crowe’s acceptance speech, adding a touch of comedy to the formal event. It’s a fun glimpse into their off-screen camaraderie.

Russell Crowe Thinks He Doesn’t Need Ryan Gosling

Join Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe on The Late Show as they engage in a witty back-and-forth, teasing and challenging each other. Their playful dynamic is sure to keep you entertained and give you a glimpse into their close friendship.

Russell Crowe Does Zero Preparation For Movie Role #Shorts

Russell Crowe reveals his unconventional approach to acting in this intriguing interview clip. Learn about his philosophy of embracing spontaneity and why he believes preparation can sometimes hinder creativity.

✨ Rate