Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Review

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

Starring
Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan

Director
Shane Black

Cert
15

After being mistaken for an actor, thief Harry (Robert Downey Jr) is whisked to LA and paired up with private investigator Gay Perry (Val Kilmer) to research a role before his screen test. Along the way, the odd couple get involved in some murder cases and Harry reunites with an old friend (Michelle Monaghan) he has always had the hots for.

This noir plot is complicated and not that important - it's the one-liners, great action and relentless laughs that are the main attraction of this spoof detective story come buddy tale. The directorial debut of Lethal Weapon scribe Shane Black, this is funny, silly and loaded with great dialogue. Downey Jr and Kilmer make a fantastic duo - the former's lightening speed quips sit just right with Kilmer's more laid back gay guy routine. Monaghan is also great as a struggling actress.

This great looking movie is not just a buddy comedy - it features some superb black humour, is surprisingly touching and has a dark underside. Movie buffs will enjoy watching out for the non-stop film references and will delight in the way Black plays with genres and detective story clichs. If that's not your thing, don't worry - he doesn't alienate those who are just along for a fun ride.