Review of Kiss Kiss (Bang Bang) (2001) by Dustin P — 04 Oct 2013

On the non-stop recommendations of a friend of mine, it was clear that I had to see Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, if fir nothing else then solely for the purpose of the remarkable charms of Robert Downey Jr. during his comeback period.

Within a few minutes, I was do confused by all my emotions that the film was able to manipulate for me that I was unsure whether to laugh or cry. The theme is amazing in how it messes with you, and it foreshadows a film full of many interesting elements combined into one, and these prove to be, crime, comedy, Neo-noir and buddy film. This proves to be an impeccable mix of genres, structured well and blended very well by director Shane Black and written into a very clever script by the same man. Shane Black's efforts in creating Kiss Kiss Bang Bang are absolutely impeccable, and for a debut feature he should be extremely proud. It's easy to become a fan of his after witnessing this one film, because his debut feature is a very eccentric mix of so many genres which is smart and sad and funny and hard hitting and above all entertaining. This atmosphere flowed the entire film, because Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is so cleverly crafted and created that the viewer can laugh and cry and be surprised by twists and turns, but above all, viewers may find themselves really feeling something. Be it a connection to the characters or an emotional response to the drama, no matter what it is easy to really feel something for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Although above all, it's hard not to feel entertainment of all things, and that's for fans of good action, clever comedy and stylish filmmaking because Kiss Kiss Bang Bang supplies all that and more. A lot more, and a lot of entertainment.

But above all, incredibly, Robert Downey Jr. reminds us how he became such a famous and respected actor in the first place. His character in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has to have been written for him, because no body else fits the context of having such dramatic and comedic charm as a talent that can be used simultaneously as well as being an actor having faced severe personal troubles and making the opportunity a comeback, the best opportunity an actor can have. Robert Downey Jr. never slips up in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and is too perfect for the part. His individual work and chemistry with the other actors is so organically excellent, and it's some of his finest work of the mid 2000's before he became the world's biggest bankable star again.

Val Kilmer gives his finest performance in years. As notable roles of his have become lesser and lesser over the 2000's, Val Kilmer takes this opportunity to make it a comeback in his teaming up with Robert Downey Jr. and it renders them an excellent duo. Val Kilmer puts in his all and refuses to play second fiddle to anyone, which proves to be the right path to take because although I found Robert Downey Jr. the greatest screen presence, I was so impressed by Val Kilmer that the next morning after seeing Kiss Kiss Bang Bang I wanted to immediately see more of what he could do, and I ended up watching The Door which boosted his credibility from me. But he's at some of his finest in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and certainly some of his funniest, and his chemistry with Robert Downey Jr. is too great to pass up.

Michelle Monaghan gives a notable performance as well and she shows off some of what she's best at, and Ariel Winter also made a notable appearance and gave a charming performance in her small role.

Overall, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a widely appealing and cleverly crafted film which serves as an excellent directional debut for writer Shane Black as well as a comeback for Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer.