Ryan Gosling plays a struggling private eye in 70s LA, who teams up with an enforcer (Russell Crowe) to solve a complicated case. While the dialogue is sometimes fun and the action is capable, it’s Gosling’s physical flair and comic timing that’s the film’s best asset (this would be no surprise if you saw him on “SNL”). He and Crowe have decent chemistry, but it’s young Angourie Rice (as the adept daughter) who adds character appeal. While the dialogue is uneven and the momentum falters, it’s an enjoyable attempt at a quirky buddy comedy (writer/director Shane Black is best known for his involvement with the “Lethal Weapon” series).
(3.5 / 5)