JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonKiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
August 15th 2006 10:26
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
DVD Cover
Starring:Robert Downey Jnr, Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen, Larry Miller
“Wow, I feel sore. I mean physically, not like a guy who's angry in a movie in the 1950's” – Gay Perry (Val Kilmer)
Screen Writer extraordinaire Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout) has always been admired for injecting a self aware intelligence and wit into the action genre.
Black makes his Directorial debut, walking the tightrope between Comedy and Thriller with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Helmed with a sure hand, this is a film that plays confidently with narrative and structure. Is littered with memorable lines, inventive plot twists and superb character based humour, “Welcome to the party”
The frighteningly gifted Robert Downey Jnr plays Harry Lockhart, our friendly narrator and hapless two bit criminal who is dragged into the L.A world of glitz, glamour, sex and murder.
Aided by Private Dick Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), “I’m knee deep in pussy; I just love the name so much I can’t get rid of it”. Together they must navigate their way through this noir world of gangsters, dames and double crosses to hopefully, solve the hard boiled mystery.
John Doe says: 8/10
Always treating his audience with respect, I’m a bit of a Shane Black fan.
He works within a genre full of mindless explosions and empty words where I often find it hard to suspend my disbelief. Black’s voice however has always resonated with me. It’s refreshing to find mainstream entertainment that has a brain while still delivering action, comedy and thrills.
The DVD:
Presented in widescreen with 5.1 Dolby Digital I’ve watched this on DVD a few times now and it always makes me laugh. The story stands up to repeat screenings and I find the film gets better with each viewing.
Really is a shame there are no Extra Features to talk about, a Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jnr and Shane Black commentary would certainly have amused.
Trivia: “Wow, I feel sore. I mean physically, not like a guy who's angry in a movie in the 1950's” – Gay Perry (Val Kilmer)
Screen Writer extraordinaire Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout) has always been admired for injecting a self aware intelligence and wit into the action genre.
Black makes his Directorial debut, walking the tightrope between Comedy and Thriller with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Helmed with a sure hand, this is a film that plays confidently with narrative and structure. Is littered with memorable lines, inventive plot twists and superb character based humour, “Welcome to the party”
The frighteningly gifted Robert Downey Jnr plays Harry Lockhart, our friendly narrator and hapless two bit criminal who is dragged into the L.A world of glitz, glamour, sex and murder.
Aided by Private Dick Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), “I’m knee deep in pussy; I just love the name so much I can’t get rid of it”. Together they must navigate their way through this noir world of gangsters, dames and double crosses to hopefully, solve the hard boiled mystery.
John Doe says: 8/10
Always treating his audience with respect, I’m a bit of a Shane Black fan.
He works within a genre full of mindless explosions and empty words where I often find it hard to suspend my disbelief. Black’s voice however has always resonated with me. It’s refreshing to find mainstream entertainment that has a brain while still delivering action, comedy and thrills.
The DVD:
Presented in widescreen with 5.1 Dolby Digital I’ve watched this on DVD a few times now and it always makes me laugh. The story stands up to repeat screenings and I find the film gets better with each viewing.
Really is a shame there are no Extra Features to talk about, a Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jnr and Shane Black commentary would certainly have amused.
The legend goes that one day at lunch Mr Black scribbled the idea for The Long Kiss Goodnight on a napkin. Handed it to a movie exec and was offered 3 million dollars, if he would write the script. The most ever paid at that time.
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Comment by Ginger Snap
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Kiss Kiss bang Bang makes me grin from ear to ear.
Comment by Bob Short
Both Robert Downey and Val Kilmer are really on form in this (just when you thought neither would ever pull out anything like a decent performance again.)
Once again, good work.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
On the subject of Kilmers recent roles- I though he was brilliant in David Mamet's Spartan and also quite good in the Memento/Fight Club hybrid The Salton Sea.
His role in Pollack was memorable but brief and I have to mention that his John Holmes performance in Wonderland was worth noting.
As for Downey Jnr make sure you see A Guide To Knowing Your Saints- I caught an advanced screening last week and Downey lodges a good but brief perfromance. A powerful quality film too.
Good Night and Good Luck plus WonderBoys also stand out as good recent Downey roles.
Comment by Bob Short
I think Kiss Kiss is a real star turn, though. He stands up and says "Look at me! I really can put bums on cinema seats."
Downey Jr is one of the best actors of his generation. It is time he realised that you only get so much chance to do good work before you die. Thankfully, Mickey Rourke seems to have turned the corner in that. His work in Animal Factory, Sin City and Once Upon a Time in Mexico have been great,
I'll keep my eyes out for "A guide to knowing your saints". That's a great title.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
As for Mickey Rourke, great call with his roid boy tranny role in Animal Factory.
I would also add Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66 and Thursday starring Aaron Eckhart as two other recent gems from the man who was Angel Heart, Barfly, the Pope Of Greenwich Village and lived the The Year Of the Dragon in a Diner with Body Heat.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Dont go in looking for anything more than entertainment and you should enjoy yourself. Its a fun distraction lifted by a great script and lively performances.
Comment by Anonymous
That's great to hear. A friend lent me some DVDs that I haven't watched and I think Kiss Kiss is the only one that is likely to be easy watching. I've got Dead Man, Tsotsi and Syriana. I might start with Kiss Kiss, I'm a bit weary for anything too heavy at the moment.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That's great to hear. A friend lent me some DVDs that I haven't watched and I think Kiss Kiss is the only one that is likely to be easy watching. I've got Dead Man, Tsotsi and Syriana. I might start with Kiss Kiss, I'm a bit too weary for anything heavy at the moment.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Jim Jaramusch's Dead Man is my favourite Johnny Depp film. mezmerizing and hypnotic, watch it in the dark to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of the cinematograhy and sound design.
Syriana is a masterful political thriller that requires undivided attention and constant re evaluation.
Tstosi is heartfelt and profound, challenging cinema that everyone should see.
Hope you dig these 3 films as much as i do.
Comment by Meggie
TV Chit Chat
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Wow,
Commentary and gag reel, that slipped through without me noticing, i will have to go grab a new copy I guess....thanks for the tip.
Nice to meet you, please come back again.
Comment by Cibbuano
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Found it on your birthday list!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
You have never seen Kiss Kiss bang Bang?