Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ is an exciting, funny, fast-paced, action-comedy-crime-noir from Shane Black; an acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter whose previous works included the Lethal Weapon franchise. With 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', his directorial debut, Black has produced his best film to date; combining a compelling mystery with likeable characters and a very knowing satire on the tropes of film noir and crime stories in general.

The film’s impressive cast includes Val Kilmer – playing slightly against type as a gay detective – and Robert Downey Jnr – this role providing a comeback (of sorts) for the actor who previously had got into long battles with the law over his drug problems. The two make an unlikely but entertaining double act with the two performances at the core of the film.

Despite striking work from the two leads, the real star of ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ is the writer/director Shane Black. The story is very cleverly framed; using a chapter method for the mystery and a more non-linear narrative for the narration. Downey Jnr’s wry voice-over provides a self-referential aspect to the film in showing the tropes of similar works but also a knowing humour in the skilful rewinding of the film when the narrator forgets elements of the story.

So overall, ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ works on many levels; as an engaging mystery, an entertaining buddy-movie and as a film noir satire. In my opinion, the film does lack some heart; with the viewer not caring very deeply about the characters involved, despite their likeability - certainly that was my experience. However ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ is still a well-acted, well-written, well-directed, and well-shot movie that keeps the viewer engaged with the twisting narrative, clever framing devices and the knowing satire running throughout.

A stylish and entertaining crime thriller.

By Jack