Director/Screenplay Writer Shane Black delivers one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in a long time with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Not only is the story of petty thief turned prospective actor/amateur detective Harry Lockhart(Robert Downey Jr.) entertaining and captivating, it is laugh out loud funny. Now, I’m not talking Airplane funny; I’m talking dry, satirical humor with just a touch of camp and slap stick. With the right amount of noir, and modern day action and murder, this film showcases a really smart story that doesn’t put down the viewer.
We meet Harry in New York as he runs from the police and into a screen test. This takes him to Los Angeles where he meets, and becomes the student of, Gay Perry(Val Kilmer) a private eye/acting coach. While in L.A. Harry hooks up with former class mate and life long crush Harmony(Michelle Monoghan). The couple, along with Perry, become entangled in a string of murder, mystery, and crazy twists.
Be not afraid of Shane Blacks past, credits include Lethal Weapon 1 and 2, Last Action Hero, and The Last Boyscout. This film is more grown-up and wittier than his past works. Any fans of deadpan humor with a little nostalgia mixed all up in your movie will enjoy this film.
