Shane Black's THE NICE GUYS (2016): Wit, Done Right - A Video Essay

This week, we take a look at Shane Black's 2016 film, THE NICE GUYS, and how - damn well - he uses wit.
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[@RobyFN2169dtf]

In celebration of hitting 10,000 subs, I will be doing a Q&A! Reply to this comment with any questions you would like me to answer! Thanks

[@AgentMLGrat]

iamthatroby which movie is the most entertaining to you? A movie that you can see multiple times without growing tired of it. Love your work, keep it coming fam

[@BybeeBunnie]

iamthatroby I discovered your channel a couple hours ago, and I don't have a question. I just wanted to let you know you got me through a really bad mushroom trip and now I'm happy. You did that. You made me happy again. Thank you and have a happy day ❤❤

[@DarrenVanDam]

Did KZbin automatically put the rental option for "The Nice Guys" in the description or did you add that? If so, how did you do it?

[@KyleDevy]

What are your thoughts on Shane blacks the predator.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I watched this last night and was completely underwhelmed. The comic timing was off, Gosling made a herculean effort but still wasn't funny. I actually thought Crowe was naturally funnier, as was the little girl. Gosling just doesn't have the knack. Oh, and btw, there was no such thing as "voicemail' in the 1970s you ignorant zoomer.

[@PerversePoster]

This is one of the most criminally underrated films of all time. When I heard the sequel fell through because of the first movies surprisingly poor performance it broke my heart.

[@Ethanakawalter]

The Nice Guys opened the same Weekend as Captain America Civil War. No wonder it wasn't successful at the box office. Fun fact, RDJ is the corpse when he falls down the hill at the party

[@bunathan2485]

I thought it was really good. It’s a shame it didn’t get recognition

[@andymc96]

Kiss kiss bang bang also

[@andrewsutton2266]

I found the on screen chemistry between Crowe and Gosling to be so overlooked. These characters definitely deserved a sequel

[@Andrew11017]

Andrew Sutton this whole movie is over looked it has a good plot and it is one of the funniest movies i have ever seen, one of the most underrated movies out there

[@andrewhussey4538]

This guy seems really able to pull chemistry on set, he wrote and directed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang too and the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer is equally awesome...

[@marlowename3713]

it’s amazing but a sequel would ruin it

[@Lucifronz]

They really did. The entire film is one big stream of well-timed humor. Not to mention some self-aware jokes like how March realizes he's weirdly unstoppable. Despite his ineptitude, despite his constantly failings and injuries, he always seems to pull through. Like an idiot savant at solving cases. And he's very fun to watch, because you're constantly sighing at his stupidity, but because of it, he's oddly endearing, too. Not just because he has a daughter, either. And Healy, despite being a thug for hire, is surprisingly likeable too. Even though the two characters are at odds the first time they meet, Healy outright breaking March's arm, you find it hard to dislike Healy and part of that is also because he gets along well with March's daughter, showing his softer side. The best kind of buddy films (I'd say "buddy cop" films, but obviously these two are not cops, though it's usually cops) have the two characters conflict with one another, I won't deny that, but what I like about Nice Guys is that they're not constantly on each other's case. They're not shitting on each other from start to finish, they actually build up a neat rapport after a short while of working together and while they make witty, snarky remarks (usually Healy) at each other, they still seem to work together pretty well and aren't screaming in each other's faces in an overly dramatic fashion. The movie is lighthearted even when it's not and I like that. Way more enjoyable to watch. Maybe that's just me, though.

[@Lucifronz]

@spim randsley Nothing wrong with wanting more of a good thing. Even if it doesn't work, the world is no lesser for having one bad movie in it. Only people like you obsess over that and let it ruin what you enjoyed.

[@bamflyer]

The only reason it didn't do well is because the studio didn't believe it would so they spent nothing on advertising it

[@golden1324]

that’s a god damn shame. this movie was truly a gem

[@mirandaosborne7196]

They really didn’t if they did advertise it maybe I would have known it involved porn and not gone and see it with my mom

[@Lucifronz]

I only found out about it because my brother grabbed it and I watched it with him. Never would have thought to watch it before then, but I'm glad I did. It's a damn good movie.

[@mrcritical6751]

Also doesn’t help that it was released around the same time as Star Trek Beyond

[@Lucifronz]

@James Merkle Relatively speaking. A flop for Star Trek Beyond is still probably a big turn-out, just disappointing by comparison. Either way, being in the shadow of a Star Trek film eats away at your potential viewers.

[@Tit0Matic]

I need a sequel to this movie in my life. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are fucking amazing together

[@mickroyster6442]

nice username

[@rysander]

I agree, but I’m worried that a sequel would ruin the vibe. I’m okay with it being a one off. And I think a Nice Guys sequel without Shane Black would be a HUGE mistake. (And I doubt that Shane Black wants to do a Nice Guys sequel [he doesn’t strike me as a sequels kind of director])

[@and8091]

Not everything needs a sequel.

[@anishyande]

Dude Russell Crowe shared your video. Congrats!

[@evil-eyesdude]

Might it be some sequel buzz? I mean he also posted lego Nice Guys asking about the sequel. Fingers crossed. 😅

[@mlgdoritos2315]

where did he share it?

[@willhelm94]

That elevator bit

[@Retrostar619]

The way Gosling's face wobbles with fear always cracks me up!

[@nolanhenry5282]

Agreed. The Nice Guys is an underrated, near-perfect film

[@MaxIronsThird]

underrated - no underappreciated - yes

[@edkar7604]

AGREED

[@toddgarver5397]

It makes me happy to see people on KZbin talking about this underrated gem of a film.

[@newentertainmentorder5053]

great movie

[@tonyc8752]

This is the movie where I thought, "Gosling is a legit great, great actor" Before that, he was just the kid in Remember the Titans to me It's hard to be in a movie with a great actor like Russel Crowe, and yet totally steal every single scene that you are in together. Great script, great acting. And kudos to the daughter who was phenomenal.

[@markparkinson6947]

Tony Carney You should see him in Drive. Pretty good in that movie!

[@synchc]

@@markparkinson6947 Yeah he was but I'm with Tony C. He really showed his acting chops in this. Same with Crowe tbh. The timing and delivery the pair execute is first class.

[@WoodyBanter]

I laughed my ass off when they tossed the dead guy over the hedge only for him to fall onto a table of people eating below

[@C47vin]

😂😂😂😂

[@jerraldwest8531]

I saw this movie on opening night. There were only three other people in the audience. The more the movie made me laugh, the more the mystery had me intrigued, the more a kind of melancholy started to come over me. It honestly broke my heart to see such an incredibly well-crafted masterpiece get so little recognition. This movie is no less than one of the greatest comedies ever made and easily stands shoulder to shoulder with movies like Tootsie, The Holy Grail, and blazing saddles. I just hope that it'll someday gets all the recognition it deserves.

[@ToonrificTariq]

Saw this in a dorm room with a few buddies last year and laughed myself silly because of how clever it is (also, kicking myself in the ass for not seeing it in theaters). Never thought I'd catch an analysis video on it, so I'm impressed! This was pretty dope! You analyized the idea of wit in a way that I never really thought about. Complexity really can make or break your film. Great video!

[@kentuckyfriedchildren5385]

This might just be the most underrated film I've ever seen, kills me that it flopped at the box office, we''l probably never see a sequel.

[@jackreid6412]

Watched it on Netflix going in blind and was one of my top 3 best movies. Quality stuff, I think Ryan gosling just so fun

[@gregmelly4825]

“at least you started drinking again” - greatest film ending ever

[@emiliomiller9831]

When I saw this movie It caught me so off guard with how amazing it was. I was just bored looking for a random movie

[@DebNKY]

Exactly, me too. I was so pleasantly surprised.

[@emmareilly1448]

Saw this movie in the theaters randomly and don’t remember how we decided on this it, but I’m so glad we did because right after I watched it, it had become one of my favorite movies

[@Largentina.]

Did you decide on it because it was the new Shane Black movie?

[@jeremiahmgallagher3508]

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is another underappreciated witty Black movie. RDJ knows how to deliver Black's dialogue perfectly.

[@chandrastar5939]

Ficus

[@pallyjaius]

Whelp, time to watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys again

[@theartofflying3580]

Paladin Jaius can’t wait to get a third movie in that anti-trilogy lol

[@danielbautista3176]

The Art of Flying If this were a trilogy, what would it be called ? Kiss Kiss Bang Bang The Nice Guys (third movie like these)

[@captaindeadpool313]

The titles make them seem like pornos.

[@chandrastar5939]

@@theartofflying3580 the commentary for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is equally brilliant. Three masters of dry wit.

[@angelfvce1262]

The Art of Flying The Art of Self Defense

[@noora8179]

this video has been suggested to me so many damn times that it made me go watch the film and the come back and watch this. now i can rest

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

jabber jay did you like it????? (The movie, that is)

[@heedrightaff8907]

it's criminal you didn't use the "maybe they should get married" clip. that almost hospitalised me

[@DylanTrisko]

The Nice Guys is one of my favorite movies. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are the greatest fuckin power duo. Plus some of the twists and smart pieces are just fuckin awesome.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Well done, sir. Subbed!

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much, dude! Means a lot. Been really enjoying your videos for a while - totally forgot to sub. All subbed now, though. Cheers!

[@efanferdiantowibowo9610]

I bet the nice guys will be infamous movie in couple of years. Some movies do that, not doing well in cinemas but blew up couple years later. Just need netflix to buy them.

[@mysteriously_elora2857]

Predicting the future I see

[@djstarsign]

I think the reason it underperformed is that the trailer made it look like a broad comedy in the vein of the Starsky and Hutch remake. It sort of looked like a movie you could pass. But this movie is actually a work of art. I was not only shocked at how hilarious both Crowe and Gosling were (playing against type as charming leading men), but how much of a WTF movie this was. It's like the Big Sleep, where the actual plot isn't as important in the end. This is a new favorite that I hope will eventually find its audience, the way Big Lebowski did, years after its underwhelming theatrical release.

[@lauridsjensen7757]

This film is way funnier than most comedy movies ever

[@martinfisher954]

Keep on delivering, Roby. You put out some quality content and your ability to so far do it at a consistent rate leaves me pleased.

[@fodsaks]

It's a travesty that The Nice Guys didn't do better and we haven't seen March and Healy again.

[@jamescallahan7000]

The Nice Guys is one of my all time favourites, the writing and performances were absolutely stellar with great chemistry between the leads. The story is so refreshing especially when it comes to a comedy that relies on wit

[@adammillan8332]

Love this movie. "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" was a good one too.

[@Dave.S.TT600]

a 10 out of 10 masterpiece of a movie.

[@TwoWrights]

"Wit is shit. Funny is money." - Mel Brooks

[@VelinSevven]

I feel like this is the new pulp fiction.

[@danielbautista3176]

I agree. This should’ve been nominated for Oscars.

[@skullandmelodiesd.c.3137]

Not new just for this decade and generation, not enough blood

[@theartofflying3580]

Velinite so funny because I think gosling in The Nice Guys looks just like Freddie Nuendike (aka mr orange) in Reservoir Dogs... not exactly when he’s in the suit but that sequence when he’s studying that story to repeat.

[@4231jerome]

mmm leave pulp fiction where it is and just say ‘I liked this movie.’

[@MaxIronsThird]

@@skullandmelodiesd.c.3137 this generation isn't watching The Nice Guys, they're watching Avengers, Jurassic World and Fast and Furious instead.

[@porassrivastava8242]

Tbf anything Gosling is in is amazing

[@mrfuriouser]

Ah, love your work, young gun, but Holly didn't leave him a "voice mail"- she left him a message on his answering machine. Which was a tape recorder. I know, I was there. (The 70's, I mean!)

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

mrfuriouser SHIT! Can't believe I got that one wrong ahaha

[@BlueDaemonful]

Great analysis, this is one of my favourite movies in the last 10 years easily. I'm sad there wasn't a sequel coz these characters are great.

[@TheOriginalIdiot101]

It's great to finally see a video essay on one of my favourite movies, as well of one of the most underrated/overlooked films in the last couple of years

[@titojesusmane9540]

One of those movies you just watch once and fall in love with, after watching in theaters i had to buy the day it came out on bluray

[@The88Cheat]

Your channel is CRIMINALLY underrated.

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

Thank you, man

[@brainrich1358]

This film is so great! So underappreciated. The chemistry between Crowe and Gosling was just superb.

[@DDworld13579]

Good stuff yet again. AMAZING.

[@jessierobideau1342]

This movie is a masterpiece

[@tw4898]

I was so pleasantly surprised by this movie. Also the way Shane Black uses slapstick comedy to a brutal extent on only Ryan Gosling’s character and then at the end does the invincible bit was absolutely brilliant. A witty renewal of slapstick, done right.

[@tejanairn8815]

Such an underrated film. Was so keen when I saw the trailer, and absolutely loved it in the cinema.

[@Zeddyboi86]

And yet, somehow, we still got “The Predator”.

[@darthwatson8274]

This film is absolutely hilarious one of the best films of 2016. This film is a mix between L.A Confidential and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

[@thelordofhellaz]

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is the first movie that Shane Black directed as well as wrote :-)

[@darthwatson8274]

@@thelordofhellaz "What? fcukhead. Badly's an adverb. Who taught you grammar? Get out, vanish"

[@JaneAxon123]

So here's the thing - I know I watched it and I know I liked it, but I can't remember any particular thing about it. I couldn't tell you what happened or describe any scenes or characters or perhaps more importantly how it made me feel. Tarantino movies however, whether I like them or not, I remember completely yet still see different layers whenever I rewatch them.

[@tannersparks6]

Jane Axon i didn't feel this way at all, i vividly remembered the movie but wanted to watch it again because of the story beats and jokes i missed much like tarantino movies

[@tannersparks6]

Jane Axon not saying you're wrong just difference in opinion

[@adwaithratnakaran8017]

@@tannersparks6 "There's two ways to look at things"

[@MaxIronsThird]

well, that's more your problem than the film's.

[@willyboy6820]

I agree completely with you Jane. I do not remember this movie at all beyond the fact that I felt it was well acted. As the narrator does not define the term "wit", the whole video is very subjective. Its not like the narrator defines the elements of wit and then compare this movie to the Avengers or Pulp Fiction. In essence, this is a person who views this movie as "perfect" without any real in-depth analysis. At the end of the day, you either agree or not. I would much rather watch Pulp Fiction again than Nice Guys. But that is just my opinion.

[@raexrockstar]

My brother and I adored this film. It is criminally underrated. The falling scene at the end has me wheezing every time. Great story!

[@alvojnikovic2171]

One of my all time favorites. So glad I saw it in theaters. Absolute classic

[@ChrisBrogan]

I really love your breakdown of all this. And I love this movie. And you did a great job of covering it.

[@8301TheJMan]

Another perfect example of whit done right which is also every bit, or maybe even more, underrated than "The Nice Guys" - is, "Kiss, Kiss Bang, Bang," staring Downey Jr and Val Kilmer, (with the latter being absolutely brilliant in it). Downey Jr was great in it s well, prolly my favorite movie with him in it outside of "Zodiac." In this movie his character was not only the first time, or at least one of them, where he played the sort of quintessential Robert Downey Jr character that he's been type-casted for playing from that point froward, (from Stark to Sherlock and beyond), it's also imo te best version.

[@waveshock]

Well, it's also from Shane Black, who would direct Downey Jr. again in Iron Man 3.

[@felipe5horas]

First time I've heard of this channel and I'm not disappointed.

[@143jcm]

When i first saw the "Thats a lot of blood" scene i was almost crying laughing

[@Prefactor1]

I too am here from Twitter, but I must say, this is one of the best breakdowns of a movie I have seen in a long while. definitely subbed!

[@klarkolofsson]

One of the most underrated movies in my opinion. Good job acknowledging it.

[@thedoncastellani]

im glad this popped in my feed. I forgot how good this movie was.

[@holimount9311]

Great video mate I really like your essays.

[@tahseendavid]

This planet demands a sequel.

[@DelayedBalloon411]

One of my favourite films - great video

[@josebisk]

One of my favorite movie essays.

[@eyedeasneverdie3348]

The Nice Guys and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang seem to be some of the most overlooked films, both have great stories and without humour would still be solid films. But Black's dialogue is like no others, and I've seen both so many times and they still crack me up.

[@FrankieAmadeian.]

Watched this movie a few weeks ago on Netflix. I can't believe I hadn't heard of it before. I absolutely adored the dialogue between Healy and March. It's dumb and witty, but it doesn't feel out of place. It feels realistic; human; natural. This is something I strive towards as an aspiring storywriter. Great video on a great movie.

[@Jindorek]

Entertaining and informative. 8/10 would watch another.

[@markwullenschneider195]

80s kid here. Missed the buddy cop movies. But this on here. Funniest, smart , intriguing movie I’ve seen since “the whackness “ Dream of a sequel;)

[@PimpDragon108]

I flat-out ADORE this film! Truly one of the best films of 2016 that somehow everyone missed!

[@NoTodoEsArte1]

Thanks for making a video on this fucking amazing film, you even made me appreciate it more

[@danielhance1467]

I never would have guessed that Ryan gosling would be able to do comedy as well a he's done drama. I was sold when he hosted SNL, and he was in some of my all time favorite sketches like: Santa baby, papyrus, and the alien sketch with Kate McKinnon.

[@Bollibompa]

Such an impressive analysis. Well done.

[@jakenelson8146]

Great video essay, watched this movie for a second time last night

[@ynordia]

OMG finally someone who has the same taste as me but can also explain what is great about the things he likes. Roby, you are officially my CONSCIOUS subconscious

[@earlhuffington6162]

This is my second time watching this video, I don't know why I didn't subscribe the first time. Great analysis of a criminally underrated movie.

[@devinthadude88able]

This is one of the few films that I want a sequel to

[@JiveTAB]

You've reminded me that I've been dying to watch this movie again for years.

[@skippertrey]

Nicely done, Roby. I forget sometimes how much I love this movie.

[@CitizensRegisterHere]

Gosling cutting his arm wide open from punching through glass with the technique of a rockem socket robot makes me laugh hysterically every time I watch this.

[@c-dat6600]

Fantastic video and film!

[@chriscunningham8703]

It was a great fim & they were perfect together

[@PeterPalmiotti]

Love this movie! I've watched it over a dozen times and still laugh, still get wrapped up in the story, so well done. Both this and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang are a great double feature. ....and Shane, I'm waiting on a third.

[@evanleblanc7645]

Great video! It was really well put together and it really makes me want to watch the movie, but my one gripe is that at 9:27 you reveal what is probably a spoiler in what is essentially a candid shot. Anyways, great video!

[@gothamkid5612]

When people say Gosling cant act... I ask them to watch this and come back to me.

[@techtatcollection]

Couldn't agree more - it's one of the best films I've seen in years! (And you've definitely gained a sub!

[@TheSuhas96]

wow.. this really showed another side to one of my favourite movies.

[@hellreza]

I went to hit like and it was already liked, that's how good your videos are... I felt like I was watching this for the first time lol

[@tkr6536]

I was literally just thinking about this video today and like magic it popped up in my recommended 😂

[@MauriceCalis]

I agree, I thought this movie was hilarious. Surprisingly great. Had to rewatch it again the next day. A lot of movies, I get the point, move on, and sometimes circle back to it a while later. I did not expect to like it so much, but the acting really served the script well.

[@joshuak5798]

Excellent video for an excellent film - subbed!

[@MrPoppaGeorgio]

I agree in soooo many ways. It was such a consistent film. March and heelys characters just go together perfectly. The character development was done well. Gosling was hilarious. It was a great buddy cop/detective movie. Maybe my favorite. Definitely, one of the best films of 2016.

[@Deadforge]

I absolutely love this movie and find it to be a pretty overlooked film.

[@ACKWV]

One of my favourite films it has that aura of a Raymond Chandler story and the humour of a very well written comedy. It’s a fantastic film.

[@ahobbit225]

The Nice Guys is one of my favorite movies. Its also a "go-to" if there is not anything on...CD and boom, good times...

[@toddgeorgeneau2182]

Fantastic video about a fantastic film. Thanks.

[@peterf1]

Every time I'm in a social situation where I can recommend a movie, I pick "The Nice Guys." Sure we know it's underrated and didn't do well at the box office. But it is EXACTLY the wit the screenplay, script and delivery exude that makes it so fun to recommend. The promo videos done for the film aren't bad either.

[@PimpDragon108]

Because of how you appreciate this amazing film, I'm not subscribed! Kudos on a fantastic look at a fantastic film!

[@rixx46]

great assessment of a GREAT MOVIE - gets funnier every time I watch it.

[@DarrenNoFun]

Finally watched the movie lastnight. I think it's one of my new favourites.

[@Parkerr__]

I remember finding Kiss Kiss Bang Bang many years ago and being absolutely blown away. I picked up this movie as soon as I could and was equally blown away. Shane Black is a genius and I eagerly await what comes next from him

[@killerqueen4110]

I saw this movie in theaters. I would give anything to go back to where I was when I first saw it.

[@myleschilton3473]

Great approach to a review.

[@r.dbergman4034]

Loved this movie!!