Director: Shane Black
Cast:Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen, Dash Mihok, Rockmond Dunbar
Plot: A murder mystery brings together a private detective (Kilmer), a struggling actress (Monaghan) and a thief masquerading as an actor (Downey Jr).
Shane Black has a way with words. 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' was his dialogue heavy directorial debut and was ,in this reviewer's opinion, the reason he was selected to direct the upcoming 'Iron Man' sequel starring none other than this film's leading man Robert Downey Jr. Shane Black seems a perfect fit for the franchise because judging by 'KKBB' he will effortlessly transfer his writing skills to Tony Stark and co. Its one to look forward to.
But enough about 'Iron Man'; 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' deserves you're full attention because putting it plainly - it's brilliant.This is undoubtedly one of the smartest comedies I have seen in recent years and just further the theory that Robert Downey Jr has never performed badly in a movie (I really can't think of a film I haven't liked him in). Here he plays Harry Lockhart, a petty crook who inadvertently becomes Hollywood's next big thing and is shipped off to California to play the role of a detective. While there he rides along with private eye Gay Perry (Val Kilmer) to prepare for the role when they, of course, witness a murder.
A small taste of 'KKBB'
Now if that plot sounds complicated and unbelievable, don't worry because it is and it's suppose to be. The dialogue is like greased lightning and the story moves like a freight train. You blink and you miss a plot point. This may sound like a bad thing, but thanks to Black's script and brilliant direction you will be completely engrossed in this most intriguing of murder mysteries. Throw in a fantastic Michelle Monaghan as Harmony a flailing actress who believes her sister's death is connected to Harry's murder and you have one hell of plot.
Downey Jr, Kilmer and Monaghan are great in the three lead roles, creating the kind of chemistry Walter White would be proud of. The fire lines of dialogue back and forth eliciting a similar brand of quick humour usually found in Downey Jr films. This is a laugh out loud funny movie at times with a range of jokes spanning from clever dialogue to ridiculous slapstick/gross out humour. This may not be for everyone because it moves so quick and is somewhat hard to follow at times, but is just hugely enjoyable.
'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is a very very dark comedy filled plenty of violence, swearing and smart snappy quips. This movie was seemingly made just for me because it's not often you get a detective murder film that is both a great story and completely hilarious. The performances are strong, the direction's unique and the mystery's interesting; is there any more that needs saying. Just go watch one of the most under rated and sadly forgotten films of the past decade.
Rating:
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