Review of The Bang Bang Gang (1970) by Joey R — 05 Sep 2013
This 2005 crime-comedy written and directed by Shane Black, and starring Robert Downey, Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan and Corbin Bernsen, wasn't what I expected. The script is partially based on the Brett Halliday novel Bodies Are Where You Find Them, and interprets the classic hardboiled literary genre in a tongue-in-cheek fashion. The film debut was at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and received a limited release in cinemas in October and November 2005.
Robert Downey Jr. was definitely enjoying playing a thief on the run who unwittingly auditions for a part in a Hollywood detective movie. To prepare for his screen test, he is teamed with a tough gay guy private eye (Kilmer) and an aspiring actress (Monaghan). Visiting a party they all got involved in a real-life murder mystery.
Most of the critics gave positive reviews and noted the sharp and clever comedy, as well as Downey's and Kilmer's screen chemistry and individual performances. They were right, and this was probably one of Downey's most enjoyable performances, and one of Kilmer's funniest. The humour is wrapped in sharp talk and gunplay. It was voted "Overlooked Film of the Year" by the 2005 Phoenix Film Critics Society on December 20, 2005. I enjoyed most of it but there were some awkward moments which felt disconnected from the continuity of the action. It was entertaining movie, but somehow I didn't enjoy it as much as the critics.
Worth renting though - if you like quirky self-aware comedies.
This review of The Bang Bang Gang (1970) was written by Joey R on 05 Sep 2013.
The Bang Bang Gang has generally received positive reviews.
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