Review of Kiss Kiss... Bang Bang (1966) by Joe A — 23 Apr 2012

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a fun, oddball mystery/thriller written and directed by Lethal Weapon scribe Shane Black. Kiss finds aspiring actor, Harry (Robert Downey Jr.) studying being a detective for a role with P.

I., Perry (Val Kilmer) and actually getting in the middle of a real murder mystery the also involves an aspiring actress, Harmony (Michelle Monaghan) who is from Harry's past. What really makes this eccentric flick work is not only great performances from all three leads but, the incredible chemistry they have together.

The films itself is entertaining enough but, it's the trio of Downey, Kilmer and Monaghan that really make Black's witty but, eclectic script work. They are a delight together and it is really fun to watch them solve this Hollywood murder mystery with us along for the ride.

Black knows what he's got here and let's his stars take this modern day noir and run with it, delivering Black's crisp and entertaining dialog with just enough seriousness to make us take the story serious but, with enough of a wink so we are in on the fun.

They make you forget that sometimes Kiss is too quirky for it's own good or that the pacing is a bit uneven till the last act when the film starts to resemble one of Black's Lethal Weapon movies.

All in all and underrated and very entertaining thriller that makes us realize why we love Downey and Monaghan and regret the sad derailment of Val Kilmer's career.