Review of Kiss Kiss (Bang Bang) (2001) by Blake P — 05 Nov 2012

One of the most fun comedy thrillers I've seen, "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" shockingly enough is even more fun than it sounds. The fact that it flopped when it was released is shocking-- this is one of those films that has the potential to become a classic.

Writer/Director Shane Black has a unique style reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino-- the film oozes with style and each scene is tense in some way or another, with violence that seems relevant rather than gratuitous.

And as a writer, each line sizzles, and the wit somehow works throughout the entire film. It has a story-line matches the complications of pulpy film noir, but with its tongue firmly in cheek, the laughs match the thrills.

And it works so, so well. The plot is intriguing throughout, and the twists and turns keep everything feeling suspenseful, but the real shining spot is the chemistry three leads, Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan.

Downey Jr. time and time again has proven how well of a comedic actor he is, but Kilmer and Monaghan have only had the opportunity to play more serious, bland roles. This is a showcase, for the three.

Downey is as good as always, but Kilmer as Gay Perry is simply superb-- he's the kind of character that could be played with stereotypical tendencies, but Kilmer takes advantage of the role and plays it in a more realistic way, and this leads to lots of laughs, and in the end, a terrific performance.

Another revelation is Monaghan, who plays femme fatale Harmony Faith Lane-- but she doesn't characterize the role with cliches. She plays her character the way a trouble soul should be played-- flawed, funny, and vulnerable.

Every second she's on the screen with Downey Jr. works terrifically because the two give us a warm sense of familiarity between friends-- add Kilmer into the mix and the three foil each other to the point of genius.

"Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" is so much fun that I was sad when it was over. This is a witty, entertaining thriller that stands way above the thriller formula. Recommended.