Prepare to dive headfirst into the sleazy, neon-soaked world of The Nice Guys (2016), a buddy cop comedy with razor-sharp wit and retro style. Directed by Shane Black, this hilarious noir mystery stars Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as an unlikely pair unraveling a conspiracy in 1970s Los Angeles. Packed with car chases, awkward brawls, and one-liners for days, this film became an instant cult favorite.
Think you caught all the clues, crashes, and classic vibes? Take this 10-question trivia quiz and prove you’re no rookie when it comes to The Nice Guys.
The Nice Guys Trivia Questions & Answers
1) Who plays private investigator Holland March in The Nice Guys (2016)?
Correct Answer: Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling delivers a masterclass in physical comedy as Holland March — a down-on-his-luck private eye with questionable ethics and a knack for getting hurt. His performance balances charm, slapstick, and surprising emotional depth.
2) Who plays the enforcer Jackson Healy?
Correct Answer: Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe plays Jackson Healy, a no-nonsense “tough guy for hire” who punches people for a living — and maybe enjoys it a little too much. His chemistry with Gosling forms the film’s beating heart, playing perfectly off their opposite personalities.
3) In which city is the film set?
Correct Answer: Los Angeles
The story unfolds in 1970s Los Angeles, a city of smog, sleaze, and stylish chaos. From glitzy parties to grimy back alleys, the setting oozes with noir atmosphere and retro detail, enhancing the mystery and humor.
4) What decade does the story take place in?
Correct Answer: 1970s
Set in 1977, the film is dripping with period authenticity — from disco beats and gas shortages to wide-lapel suits and outdated tech. The ’70s aesthetic isn’t just for style; it’s central to the satire and storytelling.
5) What industry is at the center of the conspiracy in the film?
Correct Answer: Pornographic
While the conspiracy initially appears linked to the adult film industry, it’s soon revealed to be a cover-up tied to the automobile industry’s suppression of catalytic converter research. The use of a porn film as exposé material is peak Shane Black absurdity.
6) What unusual object does March hide a gun in during a party?
Correct Answer: A bathroom stall tank
In a classic bumbling detective move, March hides a pistol in a toilet’s tank at a decadent Hollywood party. When he later retrieves it — soaked and fumbling — it results in one of many comic misadventures.
7) What is the name of the missing girl March and Healy are searching for?
Correct Answer: Amelia
Amelia Kuttner is the environmental activist who disappears after appearing in an adult film with a hidden agenda. Her disappearance is the inciting incident that throws March and Healy together — and deeper into the conspiracy.
8) What is the name of Holland March’s intelligent daughter?
Correct Answer: Holly
Holly March, played by Angourie Rice, is the film’s moral compass. Witty, resourceful, and more responsible than her father, she constantly bails him out — both literally and figuratively. Her presence adds heart and levity.
9) Which actor plays the assassin known as John Boy?
Correct Answer: Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer plays John Boy, the clean-cut, cold-blooded hitman with a misleadingly wholesome appearance. His nickname is a darkly comic reference to The Waltons, adding an eerie twist to his polite exterior.
10) What kind of film ends up being key evidence in exposing the conspiracy?
Correct Answer: Experimental porn film
The bizarre centerpiece of the case is a pornographic “art film” that doubles as a political exposé, revealing auto industry corruption. This unconventional narrative tool is both a satirical jab at ’70s film trends and a clever plot device.
