The Nice Guys (2016) - Review of the 4K Ultra HD Edition

      The Nice Guys, 2016.

      Directed by Shane Black.

      Featuring Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Keith David, and Kim Basinger.

      SYNOPSIS:

      If you're a follower of Shane Black’s 2016 movie The Nice Guys, starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as an unlikely duo brimming with on-screen chemistry, then you might want to grab this release in 4K Ultra HD. However, be aware that it does not include a digital copy code, nor the previously released Blu-ray, and the bonus features remain minimal. Nevertheless, it’s still a worthy purchase, even as a spontaneous buy.

      I missed The Nice Guys when it first came out in 2016, so I was excited to watch this new 4K Ultra HD version of the film. Co-written and directed by Shane Black, it is set in 1970s Los Angeles and follows Gosling and Crowe in a buddy story infused with elements of film noir.

      Gosling plays Holland March, a private investigator hired to locate the adult film star Misty Mountains (a clever nod to Led Zeppelin), whose aunt insists she spotted her after her tragic death. He encounters Crowe's character, Jackson Healy, an enforcer who assaults March when he shows interest in Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley) during his investigation.

      After Healy is attacked by two thugs for his involvement with Amelia, he decides she may be in peril and partners with March to find her. Their journey leads them into the 1970s porn industry in LA, culminating at an auto show where a shocking secret will be unveiled.

      This summary simplifies the plot, but The Nice Guys is the kind of film where you just need to enjoy the experience, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Trust me, there is a connection between the porn industry and the auto show that feels quite natural.

      Gosling and Crowe are both entertaining to watch; Gosling’s quirky nature complements Crowe’s stubborn character well. Their chemistry is fantastic, and numerous humorous moments arise as March seems ready to take on a heroic role, only to mismanage the situation. Of course, he has his redeeming moments, and Healy also experiences a fulfilling character arc influenced by March’s daughter, Holly (Angourie Rice).

      This new 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. represents the film's debut on this format, although it appears to be sourced from the same 2K digital intermediate as the 2016 Blu-ray. That said, it looked and sounded impressive on my setup, and I believe you’ll feel positively about it too if you give it a try.

      Unfortunately, the Blu-ray is not included, nor is there a digital copy code, whereas the earlier Blu-ray release did come with one. The bonus features are also limited, comprising two brief featurettes, Always Bet on Black and Worst. Detectives. Ever. Making The Nice Guys, which run just under 12 minutes combined. They are worth viewing, particularly the latter, as it explores co-writer/director Shane Black’s extensive career and the challenges this project faced before its completion.

      I hope for a more comprehensive release in the future, as The Nice Guys is an undervalued gem that deserves more recognition.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Brad Cook