Screenwriter: Shane Black, based in part on Brett Halliday’s novel, “Bodies Are Where You Find Them.”
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is fun fun. And witty witty. And nutty nutty. And I loved every frame of it!
It’s been said that the book is always better than the movie. In this case, I’d bet it would come out even. This fast-paced, perfectly cast, modern-day detective story has so much action and twists and turns and dead bodies and witty repartee, I don’t know where to begin my review. Except to say that I hope to be able to write a screenplay as good as this someday.
In 2005, writer/director Shane Black, the creator of the Lethal Weapon franchise, gave us this clever dime store novel spoof for our viewing pleasure. It stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Harry Lockhart, a petty thief turned aspiring actor, and his temporary partner-in-solving-crime Val Kilmer as Perry Van Shrike a.k.a. “Gay Perry,” a private investigator based in L.A. who was hired to teach Harry the ropes for an upcoming role. Or was he…?
It all starts in typical detective story fashion – the shadowy figures in a dark New York City alley, who turn out to be Harry and his cohort running from the scene of a crime… the dame in L.A., struggling actress Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan), who turns out to be Harry’s secret love from high school and the sister of… the other dame, who hires the homosexual private investigator (Perry) to follow Harlan Dexter (Corbin Bernsen), because she was told Dexter's her natural father… the reluctant partners (Perry and Harry) who think they’re in for an easy night of surveillance but end up smack dab in the middle of a multiple murder mystery… you know, typical Phillip Marlowe stuff.
If it sounds a little confusing, never fear – Harry will guide you through his four days of crime-fighting hell with the wit of Nick Charles and the keen eye of Sherlock Holmes. Well, sort of.
What I liked: Everything, especially the witty repartee between Harry and Perry, and Harry and Harmony. Robert Downey, Jr. and Val Kilmer give some of their best performances in years, and they make a great, uh, dynamic…duo. Well, let’s just say they have great chemistry. Wait, let me rephrase… Ummm, to put it simply… Oh, just watch it and you’ll see what I mean!
What I didn’t: The “Gag Reel” in the special features section wasn’t that funny.
Madeleine says: Add it to your collection! Immediately. If not sooner. And Mr. Black, wherever you are, I hope you’re working on a sequel.
What do you say?
I am going to watch watch this movie movie thanks to you you.
Posted by: kat | January 04, 2007 at 03:27 PM