07/02/06 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), directed by Shane Black

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

As with the characters in this sinister film-noir send-up, the pairing of its creators is a bit intriguing as well. The movie is written for the screen, and directed for the first time by successful action writer Shane Black (of the Lethal Weapon series' fame). It is also based in part on prolific mystery writer (from the 40's-70's) Brett Halliday (and his many pseudonyms). The plot is a nefarious one, and keeps you entertained all the way through its twisted twists. We begin with the narrator and lead character Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey, Jr.), who is a petty thief that stumbles into an acting gig...whereupon taking a role as a private eye, he tags along with real-life glitzy private dick Gay Perry (Val Kilmer in a classic role). Many allusions are made to Perry's first name and his sexual orientations, but he plays the bad-ass machismo guy that may break down some stereotypes (even if this is a very fictionalized role). A chance encounter has Harry bump into his childhood crush Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan), who is herself a struggling actress that escaped an abusive past to start anew. All three persons are thrown into a murder mystery, with all the possible suspects congregating at a Hollywood party in the Hills, and Harry trying desperately to learn from Gay and awkwardly win over Harmony. However, it may be Harmony's sister that turns up to be one of the many corpses the dynamic duo stumble across in their search for the truth...and some dark comedy. There's double-crossing, witty retorts, hilarious action scenes, somber subject matter, glaring instances of personal clarity, gay jokes, bumbling detective work, tough-nosed thugs, dry wit, fast cars, fast women, and bodies piling up all around these unlucky mystery solvers. All the while Harry is narrating in a tongue-in-cheek manner, exposing the nuances of all these clever film noir tactics, and how effective they still are. Great ensemble cast (I mean, c'mon Corbin Bernsen is in it), quirky jokes, and by watching the outtakes/commentary on the DVD we realize two things we already knew...Robert Downey Jr. is a freak, and Val Kilmer is a freak. Talented mind you, but freaks.

5 out of 5 stars