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The Nice Guys poster

The Nice Guys

year 2016decade 10sdirector Shane Blackgenre Comedy thriller

116 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Russell Crowe Jackson Healy
Ryan Gosling Holland March
Angourie Rice Holly March
Matt Bomer John Boy
Margaret Qualley Amelia Kuttner
Yaya DaCosta Tally
Keith David Older Guy
Beau Knapp Blueface
Kim Basinger Judith Kuttner

The Nice Guys | The Rewatchables

host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Rob Mahoney theme_run CR Month
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Producer credits not yet identified.

Roger Ebert's review

Rating not yet verified
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:18Read transcript
  • After correcting the death year to2013, the participants joke about asking ChatGPT to invent an Ebert response. Three and three-and-a-half stars are guesses, not a critic’s rating.
  • They imagine Ebert appreciating Gosling and the goofy genre approach.

Most Rewatchable Scene

Opening crash, the first confrontation and bathroom comedy are nominated.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:42Read transcript
  • The helicopter view and car tumbling through the house launch the movie effectively; the crash visible behind the child is admired.
  • Jackson beating up March, the shut-up game and failed cookie-jar gun retrieval are an early personal favorite.
  • March cutting his wrist while breaking a window and his high-pitched fracture scream are celebrated.
  • The bathroom gun/cigarette/pants business and Holly asking Healy to beat up Janet are nominated.

Most Rewatchable Scene

The porn party is the final shared scene choice.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:29:36Read transcript
  • The little kid on the bike bragging about his big dick is an early most rewatchable scene choice.
  • The party combines mermaids, soundtrack, fight, death, the fall down the hill and inability to speak; multiple participants choose it.
  • Dropping the body onto dinner, shooting through the hot tub and the elevator retreat are additional favorites.
  • The Nixon story and callback, fake porn film and auto-show finale are enjoyed before agreement on the party.
  • The child’s exchange among the ashes of the house remains an illustration of the film’s special comic tone.

The most GIFable moment

The elevator retreat is the most GIFable moment.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:33Read transcript
  • The short elevator sequence and March’s frightened shaking after seeing violence are singled out.

The most "year the movie came out" thing

John Boy is the1977 choice; R-rated comedies evoke2016.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:33:21Read transcript
  • Gas shortage, killer bees, Tower Records, Comedy Store and smog rallies are candidates, with the mole-bearing John Boy chosen.
  • Men shaving in their cars are another period nomination.
  • The abundance of R rated comedies in2016 is contrasted with their present scarcity.

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Action comedy is beloved but exceptionally hard to make well.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:35:15Read transcript
  • Getting the leads and chemistry right is considered essential; Pineapple Express and Hot Fuzz join this film as successful examples.

Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award

Organic endings that invite another adventure are enjoyed.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:37Read transcript
  • The final detective-agency setup makes a sequel feel possible without forcing it, deepening regret that no follow-up happened.
  • The research says they read the script instantaneously and agreed to do it if the other did; it was a pleasure to make.

Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award

Alcoholic detectives and accidental gunshots are additional pleasures.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:37Read transcript
  • A barely functioning alcoholic private detective is enjoyed as a reliable trope.
  • Someone tripping with a gun and accidentally shooting another person is a favorite recurring gag.

What’s Aged the Best?

Seedy seventies Los Angeles, running jokes and the actors endure.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:12Read transcript
  • The period setting, young Qualley, the and-stuff correction and memorable lines are praised; the Crowe/Basinger reunion means little to one participant.
  • Crowe’s reported claim of gaining weight for the role prompts joking comparisons with athletes returning overweight.
  • Dive bars, adult theaters, bookstores and the airport hotel’s multiple bars create an appealingly seedy setting.
  • The running jokes about Janet and her sister are enjoyed, especially Gosling talking to kids like adults and the daughter driving.
  • Hannibal Burris as the killer bee in the back seat while the driver sleeps is great.
  • Suspicion of corporations remains timely. The automaker conspiracy is questioned as overcomplication but defended for the smog-related comedy it enables.
  • Gosling’s subsequent rise strengthens appreciation of the performance.

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Several party and closing songs are nominated without one final choice.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:03Read transcript
  • Kiss Rock and Roll or Night and America Horse with No Name are initial alternatives.
  • Get Down on It is another participant’s choice.
  • September at the party and Al Green over the closing credits are also liked, alongside bands playing on a roof.

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Disputed: Holly’s familiar child role or Basinger

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:08Read transcript
  • Holly’s savvy child-with-a-heart-of-gold trope and presence on every adventure are questioned despite praise for Rice; her restraint on Healy supplies the story’s heart.
  • Her desire to save men who nearly killed her is considered odd.
  • Basinger feels outside the film’s comic register, especially beside Tally’s better-fitting performance.

What’s Aged the Worst?

Basinger’s tone and Atlanta standing in for Los Angeles.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:32Read transcript
  • Basinger’s tonal mismatch is nominated.
  • The film mostly holds up, but narrow streets and foliage sometimes expose Atlanta locations rather than Los Angeles.

Recasting Couch

Andie MacDowell is the enthusiastically received Basinger replacement.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:55Read transcript
  • A performer with comic energy is wanted; Hunter and McDormand receive support, while Lane and an earlier Stone are considered.
  • Moore is considered but her fit with comedy is questioned.
  • MacDowell is greeted as an excellent idea, with the real mother/daughter connection noted and Qualley’s possible career preferences left speculative.
  • Basinger’s straight approach is contrasted with other actors recognizing the film as funny; shooting-order explanations are guesses.

Hans Gruber Scale Villain Ranking

Blueface gets nine; John Boy at least seven-and-a-half.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:55Read transcript
  • Blueface is scored nine despite limited screen time; John Boy receives at least seven-and-a-half. The spoken denominator is not specified.
  • John Boy misses many shots and is outwitted by teenagers, but still feels creepy and menacing.

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Sequels should exist; Crowe’s peak and unrealized career

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:42Read transcript
  • A third installment ought to be approaching; early-eighties Hollywood or Mexico would offer settings, and Gosling’s present stature is thought sufficient to revive it.
  • One participant calls this Crowe’s best performance, with The Insider the main rival, because he combines action, comedy and emotional warmth.
  • Others debate Gladiator’s irreplaceable star presence versus a conventional role overshadowed by Joaquin; The Insider remains a strong counterexample.
  • Crowe is compared with Shaquille O’ Neal: an early dominant peak, later conditioning/career frustrations and this film as a strong sidekick championship.

Apex Mountain

Proof of Life is offered as Crowe’s apex.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:21Read transcript
  • A participant invokes the previously held Proof of Life apex preference while responding to the Nice Guys claim.

Casting What-Ifs

No additional casting what-ifs

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:11Read transcript
  • The only recalled production story is the leads agreeing conditionally on each other; Basinger’s hypothetical replacements were discussed separately.

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

The child on the bicycle is the final heat-check preference.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:55Read transcript
  • Misty Mountains and Blueface are considered, but the one-scene child performance is called a legendary heat check; the spoken performer name is incomplete.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Sequel wishes, Holly’s book and Gosling’s comedy influences.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:24Read transcript
  • Crowe reportedly told Howard Stern he wanted sequels to this and LA Confidential; Holly’s book is identified as A Cat Among the Pigeons.
  • Gosling reportedly discovered Abbott and Costello through library movies because his parents would not pay for Blockbuster rentals.

Apex Mountain

Gosling’s2016 case leads a broad set of qualified apex arguments.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:02Read transcript
  • Crowe is an apex only for the participant defending that personal preference.
  • Nice Guys plus La La Land support Gosling’s2016 apex, challenged by post-Barbie stature; a post-apex comeback interpretation is offered for Barbie.
  • 1977 itself is praised as a great year, with Star Wars and Reggie Jackson cited.
  • Keith David’s fight-scene apex remains They Live; a momentary Avery Brooks confusion is corrected.
  • Black’s apex is rejected here: Iron Man3 is floated, then writing Lethal Weapon is preferred.
  • Rice and Qualley are too early to judge; father-daughter movies and Basinger are rejected. The auto show receives support, while John Boy belongs to The Waltons.
  • Window-breaking going wrong and the red1967 Mustang receive support.
  • Retro porn is rejected in favor of Boogie Nights.

Cruise or Hanks?

Hanks

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:08Read transcript
  • Cruise is imagined as John Boy with a bad wig and few lines, or as Shattuck.
  • Hanks as Healy is floated, then late-eighties Hanks as March is preferred; the explicit official lead-role answer is Hanks.

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Scorsese

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:41Read transcript
  • A darker party-heavy version with more cocaine, Rolling Stones and no daughter is imagined.

Best Hang / Worst Hang

Best: Holly, March, and Amelia; worst: Blueface and Chet

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:02Read transcript
  • The daughter is an ironic best-hang choice, and March would be fun at a bar. Blueface is repeatedly rejected as company.
  • Amelia’s anti-corporate speech appeals to another participant, who dislikes Chet; another defends Chet.

Picking Nits

Driving, evidence handling and detective luck

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:42Read transcript
  • A thirteen-year-old steering a heavy car seems difficult even for1977.
  • Amelia’s fall is explained by a fire escape, but her long barefoot running and pristine dress remain questionable.
  • The accessible crime-scene evidence and police failure to detain the protagonists despite many bodies are questioned.
  • The inability-to-smell backstory is questioned and compared with a bizarre tragic anecdote in Gremlins; the speakers do not establish medical or gas-safety facts.
  • The convoluted plot and suit-based deduction strain belief, though repeated lucky breaks and failure to save Amelia are appreciated as antiheroic choices.

Picking Nits

Wet cigarettes should not light after the pool fall.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:16Read transcript
  • The shocking shooting does not cut away: the murder is shown in cold blood, making the child’s presence feel more dangerous.
  • March’s pack would be soaked after falling in the pool. The mermaid-tank example is challenged because he wore only boxers there; the pool example stands.

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

The original partnership should return in Mexico or periodic television adventures.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:22Read transcript
  • A Mexican Detectives sequel reportedly wanted by the leads is endorsed; occasional three-episode returns like Sherlock are another proposal.
  • Anchorman and Austin Powers illustrate possible delayed commercial growth; Crowe’s age is a concern but the characters’ decline could accommodate it.
  • Retiring Crowe and adding a younger partner is raised and rejected as losing the essential pairing.

Is This Movie Better With…?

Zane Lowe interviewing John Boy.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:45Read transcript
  • An exaggerated interview praises John Boy’s mole and identity; the impression drifts toward a South African accent and a Blood Diamond hybrid is suggested.

Just One Oscar

Gosling’s performance

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:47Read transcript
  • Gosling is chosen, with screenplay second; reactions, eyebrow raises and delivery elevate lines beyond what is on the page.
  • The2016 acting field prompts hypothetical Gosling replacements and a confused discussion of double nominations. Same-category eligibility is not established by these guesses.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

How long does the agency last?

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:56Read transcript
  • Healy’s possible early death and March losing custody are speculative threats to the agency’s future.

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Secret-handshake props include the hat, cow notes and agency ad.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:40Read transcript
  • Misty Mountains or How Do You Like My Car Big Boy posters are possible recognizable choices.
  • The navy-blue mesh Dodgers hat is a personal favorite; whether it was custom-made remains unknown.
  • Pink cow sticky notes are wanted for marking travel information.
  • An enlarged detective-agency advertisement is another choice.

Best Double Feature

The Nice Guys poster
The Nice Guys
Poster unavailable
No Sudden Move
Poster unavailable
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Poster unavailable
Michael Clayton
Poster unavailable
The Pelican Brief
Poster unavailable
The Other Guys
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:25Read transcript
  • No Sudden Move is chosen for its Detroit crime connection.
  • Kiss Kiss Bang Bang feels obvious; Michael Clayton or The Pelican Brief would pair corporate-conspiracy drama with comedy.
  • Another choice is this film followed by The Other Guys for a Guys Night.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Why communicate the conspiracy through a porn film?

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:36Read transcript
  • Taking evidence to a journalist seems more effective; the stated fear of controlled media is challenged.
  • Stoned logic makes the porn movie seem the only mechanism to solve the problem; the message is not even in the beginning, so the audience must watch for it.

More from the conversation

CR Month continues. The twelve-film audience ballot was expected to favor The Goonies; bot-voting comments are jokes.
Approx. transcript time · 00:00:51Read transcript
The initial box-office disappointment is described as an immediately beloved cult film. Its dialogue, physical comedy and central chemistry reward both close viewing and casual rewatches; a sequel is missed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:45Read transcript
A thirteen-film list of later movies set in the seventies prompts enthusiasm for cars, smoking, clothing, party conversation without phones and government cynicism. Semi-Pro is debated as a weaker example.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:15Read transcript
Rockford Files and other seventies television frame the sleazy Los Angeles atmosphere; screen fantasies of the city are contrasted with present-day driving distances and traffic.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:13Read transcript
An annual acting MVP award is proposed: Nice Guys and La La Land make Gosling a candidate. Dual-release comparisons include Norton, Hanks, DiCaprio and Cruise; this is an imagined award, not an actual honor.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:17Read transcript
Gosling’s comic range, silent expressions and willingness to look foolish are celebrated. The bathroom-door sequence, poolside cigarette and unflattering alcoholic character illustrate an ego-free performance.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:06Read transcript
A reported Beatty refusal of Misery is contrasted with Gosling embracing a loser. The film was discovered theatrically by some and later through home viewing by others.
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:36Read transcript
Shane Black’s recurring cynical characters still wanting to do one decent thing connect this film with his earlier action comedies.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:26Read transcript
The convoluted conspiracy is easier to follow on repeat viewing. Crowe is considered an essential counterweight whose chemistry with Gosling restores attention to his talent after a career downturn.
Approx. transcript time · 00:17:14Read transcript
Crowe’s recent role choices are contrasted with his early leading-man peak; his gruff principled character is praised.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:56Read transcript
Rice’s child performance is celebrated and compared with Qualley’s subsequent stardom. A breakout-star award is floated for Rice but expressly withheld because she is only twenty-five.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:02Read transcript
The film is reported to draw on Brett Halliday’s Blue Murder, with a script begun in2001 and a possible CBS series before the1977 setting. A50-million budget and62.8-million gross are spoken figures; gross is not established profit.
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:14Read transcript
Angry Birds and Neighbors2 are recalled as release competition. Black’s influence on expensive speculative scripts and buddy-action films is praised, alongside disappointment with Predator and Play Dirty.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:35Read transcript
The complicated plot rewards repeated viewing through background jokes, particularly Janet’s bowling and the corpse dropped onto a dinner table.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:06Read transcript
The Other Guys was also in the audience poll; its rooftop misdirect and relationship gag are praised.
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:12Read transcript
A special bizarre-uncredited-cameo award goes to Downey as Sid’s corpse. His partnership with Black is discussed, and the heavy makeup/night-shoot demands surprise the speakers.
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:56Read transcript
An awkward-walk-in-scene flex choice is Holly watching pornography beside an adult performer discussing sex.
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:53Read transcript
Craig proposes a best tone-setting opening award inspired by Kobe Bryant running through Pau Gasol. The opening car crash and Black’s earlier shocking openings are examples.
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:14Read transcript
Project Hail Mary viewing plans and its lengthy runtime interrupt the apex discussion.
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:07Read transcript
The speakers rediscover their earlier Blood Diamond episode and joke about podcast volume, memory and the most referenced basketball player. Vaccine and AI remarks are jokes, not causal medical claims or verified counts.
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:37Read transcript
Modern car seats prompt memories of unrestrained childhood car travel and pretending to steer from a parent’s lap; these are recollections, not safety guidance.
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:39Read transcript
Craig calls it the best comedy of the last decade and praises the delicate mix of dark violence, buddy chemistry and absence of a conventional romance. The lucky victory remains emotionally satisfying.
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:08Read transcript
The film evokes an era of adult productions aspiring to plot and craft, leading to New Beverly screenings and speculative audience jokes.
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:28Read transcript
CR Month has one episode left. Future Hunt for Red October and Aliens episodes are discussed without firm scheduling; Sorcerer’s passionate poll support and Soldado viewing are tangents.
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:40Read transcript
LA Confidential is announced as next week’s CR Month finale; a Netflix availability claim is explicitly corrected to Amazon Prime. The acquisition comment is a joke, not company metadata.
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:29Read transcript