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A Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Rated R; Directed by Shane Black; Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan Video Review |
| Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer show me a good time | |
“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” showed up in the movie theatres earlier this year without much fanfare. A film noir comedy, written and directed by Shane Black (writer of “Lethal Weapon”), the movie stuck around for a few weeks and disappeared. What a shame. This is one of those surprising movies that sneak up on you and become one of your favorites.
Starring two of Hollywood’s bad boys traveling down the road to nowhere, Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” shows why these two actors still deserve a trip down the road to success. Downey plays Harry Lockhart, a petty thief, who after a botched robbery, accidentally finds himself at a casting call. He goes along with it to hide from the cops. His performance earns him a trip to Los Angeles for another audition. The producer (Larry Miller) has Harry team up with a detective for some research. Gay Perry (Val Kilmer) is the cynical detective who knows Hollywood, and yes, he is gay. As Perry tries to show Harry the ropes they stumble upon a murder. Within 24 hours there is another death. The bright side among all the bodies is that Harry meets up with his old high school crush, Harmony (Michelle Monaghan).
The script offers a decent mystery, but the real delight is in the characters. Harry and Perry are fun to watch as they try to figure out what’s going on, while Harmony is a quirky enough heroine that she doesn’t bog down the action. From the beginning you know this movie doesn’t take itself seriously. Harry’s narration is hilarious and Downey delivers it with a wicked humor.
Robert Downey is the charmer in this film. His Harry Lockhart is not the brightest thief, but he does have a heart that gets him tangled up into a situation beyond his control. When things get a little heavy for Harry, Downey plays it perfectly. Val Kilmer’s Perry is full of sarcasm and does his best to stay, or at least seem, cool. The scenes between Downey and Kilmer keep you grinning and wanting more. Michelle Monaghan (“Mission Impossible III”) plays Harmony with smarts and enthusiasm. How could Harry not fall for her? The cast of “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” won me over. You can’t help but root for them.
Shane Black’s first stint as a director is successful. Though the movie didn’t make money at the box office it wasn’t the director’s fault. He kept a light touch throughout and kept things going at a nice clip. There’s no time to get bored.
It is a shame that a movie deserving of more attention just didn’t get the chance. I hope it wins approval on DVD. Clever writing, smart direction, and a gifted Robert Downey, Jr. deserve viewing.
DilettanteVille 
September 8, 2006 at 9:02 pm
Just finished watching this movie. It’s so great! I loved every minute of it. I’m in the middle of the commentary right now, and it’s hilarious, too.
I wish I could have seen it in the theater!
September 8, 2006 at 9:07 pm
Isn’t it great? I’m glad that you loved it as much as me!
January 10, 2007 at 11:07 pm
hey there….not that i only saw this movie now or so..i ve seen this movie last july….hilarious to the core, Robert Downey Jr. sure is gifted. He was vey good in The Scanner Darkly too…too bad he doesn’t get main roles in some of his upcoming movies…anyway will be waiting for Ironman
January 10, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Iron Man? Is he going to be in that? Wait, I just checked the IMDB. He’s going to play Iron Man. Wow.
Yeah, Downey is great and it’s a shame he hurt his leading man career, but he may be able to build something back up. Yet, he probably plays more interesting characters when he takes on the supporting roles.
I didn’t see A Scanner Darkly. How was it?
January 11, 2007 at 6:46 am
Scanner Darkly was not bad..if u could sit thro the movie,then u’ll know that it’s a good movie…it’s “first impression is the best impression” kinda movie.good tho’ Downey was good.