Jack Barry’s review published on Letterboxd:
A fun funny funky uneven swing for the fences in the way of a buddy-cop sorta double-private-eye thing, set in 1976 Los Angeles, with Ryan Gosling & Russell Crowe bouncin’ off of each other quite enjoyably.
Written & Directed by SHANE BLACK, who’s not quite got the surest way with mixing tones, even though he does a helluva job tryin’. His earlier movie “KISS KISS BANG BANG” had a similar jarring clash of tones somewhat, but ya know what? Who cares? His Flicks Are Fun.
Back in his 20’s, Black broke payday records for his screenplays - “DIE HARD”. “LONG KISS GOODNIGHT”. That weird one with Bruce Willis and the football. Anyway, since he’s rolled into directing his own work, he’s made a couple enjoyable flicks. This is one of ‘em.
* SPECIAL NOTE on this one: All the performances were Damn Good. Crowe is Solid. Gosling has a certain way with physical comedy in this one which was quite delightfully surprising. He’s like one of those Silent Comedians from back in the day in certain moments here. He’s just Great.
AND THEN there’s the Girl. Whoever the young actress is who plays Gosling’s 13-year-old daughter in this, she’s Great. So Charismatic. Steals every scene she’s in , with Gosling AND Crowe. It’s Beautiful.
Everybody in this flick - at least before they get offed - is having a real good time. And that’s what this flick is essentially - A Real Fun Time.
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