Summary
Reviews for The Nice Guys praise the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe and the sweet father-daughter bond portrayed in the black comedy.
The movie's modest $62.8 million box office collection belies its unexpected resurgence in popularity, potentially fueled by streaming platforms and positive word of mouth. This newfound love and admiration for The Nice Guys could significantly boost the prospects of a sequel.
The Nice Guys, a movie featuring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, was released seven years ago but is currently receiving immense admiration from viewers and even demands for a sequel. Directed by Shane Black, this black comedy follows enforcer Jackson Healy (played by Crowe) and private investigator Holland March (played by Gosling) as their cases become intertwined with the disappearance of a young girl named Amelia (played by Margaret Qualley). Despite initially receiving positive reviews, the movie had a mediocre box office performance, earning only $62.8 million on a $50 million budget. However, in recent years, The Nice Guys has experienced a gradual resurgence in popularity as more viewers discover it through streaming platforms and word of mouth. Recently, the movie became a trending topic on Twitter as users expressed their appreciation for it. Check out the comments below:
One commentator admits to watching the movie "50 times" because of the strong chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, as well as the touching father-daughter relationship between Holland and Holly March (Angourie Rice).
In a retweet, another user shares a fanmade clip of the film, particularly highlighting Gosling's character. They express their belief that the actor thoroughly enjoyed working on this movie alongside Barbie.
A user uploaded a video clip featuring Crowe and Gosling at a movie press conference. During the conference, they were asked about a possible sequel, to which Crowe stated he was occupied while Gosling showed greater enthusiasm. The user then expresses their desire for a sequel set in the '80s.
In response to the same video, another commentator observes that more individuals are beginning to discover The Nice Guys. They believe that this growing esteem could increase the possibility of a sequel.
A reviewer praises the black comedy, highlighting the film's excellent comedic elements, stunning '70s production design, and the brilliant chemistry between Gosling and Crowe.
A different user shares their astonishment at the absence of a sequel to The Nice Guys even after a span of seven years.
Lastly, a post about Gosling's movie prompted a commentator to share their favorite. Their top pick was The Nice Guys, where they praised Gosling's exceptional performance and echoed the desire for a sequel.
Why The Nice Guys Is Experiencing A Sudden Upturn Seven Years Later
The box office disappointment of The Nice Guys can be attributed to poor timing and underwhelming marketing, despite the presence of two highly talented actors from Hollywood. The release date of May 2016, which fell in a crowded window of other major releases like Captain America: Civil War and X-Men: Apocalypse, posed a significant challenge for this black comedy. Furthermore, The Nice Guys had to contend with competition from Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and The Angry Birds Movie, as they all catered to the same R-rated comedy demographic. Considering the established brand recognition of Neighbors 2, it's likely that audiences were more inclined towards the familiar sequel rather than a relatively unknown original comedy like The Nice Guys.
Despite its box office failure, The Nice Guys received favorable reviews from critics, earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was praised for its performances by Gosling and Crowe, the well-balanced blend of silliness and mystery, and the authentic portrayal of the 1970s setting. Through word of mouth and streaming, the movie gained a growing following and became a highly underrated comedy in recent years. Memorable moments like the bathroom stall scene, the "and stuff" quote, and Holland's death-defying accidents, which became a recurring joke, further added to its appeal.
Although there have been previous attempts to make a sequel, they were hindered by the film's lackluster box office performance. In 2018, Black expressed his eagerness to create a sequel, stating that he would readily do it if given the opportunity. However, he acknowledged that the disappointing financial outcome hindered those plans. In 2017, Fox had committed to reboot the movie with a female-led series, but no significant progress has been made in that regard. The main cast has approached the topic with a more lighthearted attitude, with Crowe humorously suggesting a title for a potential sequel. While most ideas and progress for a follow-up project remain stagnant, there is now a heightened appreciation for The Nice Guys, which could potentially spark interest in a sequel.
Source: Various (see above), Rotten Tomatoes