10 Spectacular Movies That Helped Redeem 2016
9. The Nice Guys
Throwback
movies are usually a disappointment – wallowing in nostalgia and refusing to
innovate in any meaningful way – but, The Nice Guys is an exception, using
conventions to fashion an experience grounded in a modern sensibility. The
premise is immediately compelling, and the characters are appreciable, their
contrasting natures – though a staple of the genre – immensely amusing, as well
as somewhat refreshing to see in 2016.
The director/writer – Shane Black – the mastermind behind Iron Man 3, brings his trademark charm to the project, and the entire thing has a unique sense of personality, despite its referential qualities, imitating aspects of 80s buddy-cop dramas, as well as pulp detective novels.
The result is a wonderful amalgamation of the two, which somehow balances the conventions of the previous decades, whilst establishing its own unique sense of distinctiveness.