Things are slow for private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling). A struggling single father, he jumps at the chance to track down missing porn star Misty Mountain for cash. Also hired for the same job is Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe) known as a heavy hitting “fixer.” He adroitly breaks March’s left forearm for emphasis before they become bumbling buddies. Along the way they follow the trail of the mysterious Amelia who seems to hold key to the mysterious disappearance of Misty.
Tied to the 1970’s Los Angeles era, “The Nice Guys” is listed as a comedy-drama. It fails on both counts. The script is a mess. Crowe is paunchy and lethargic, a far cry from “The Gladiator.” The only good acting performance is by Angourie Rice as March’s daughter Holly who is wise beyond her years.
Chase scenes are unconvincing. Nudity and adult language are flaunted without reason. If there is a redeeming feature for this nearly two hour show, I did not discover it. This is a two thumbs down movie for me only because I do not have a third.
“The Nice Guys” is playing at the Rialto and Old Mill Theaters in The Villages.
Villager Jack Petro reviews movies and local theater for Villages-News.com