Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Merry Christmas everyone! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, joyous and to watch a lot of festive films! For many of us, watching Christmas movies is an integral part of holiday traditions, particular films put us in the festive spirit and help intensify the excitement of the season. In my house, Christmas doesn’t officially start until Ebenezer Scrooge has learned the error of his ways (played by Michael Caine of course), Hans Gruber has fallen to his death from the top of Nakatomi Plaza and Tony Stark has hurled his old Arc Reactor into the ocean.

Alongside re-visiting the old favourites, I also take this time of year to experience festive films that I’d previously never seen. This year for instance, I watched the average “Christmas with the Kranks”, the decent “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the absolutely bonkers “Fatman.” But the Christmas movie I was most eager to view was “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, the neo-noir comedy from writer-director Shane Black, whose screenplays often use Christmas as a backdrop for the recoveries of damaged individuals who find solace by shooting people and causing mayhem during the holidays.

Featuring zany performances, frantic direction and razor-sharp dialogue, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is an immensely enjoyable thriller. It may not open your eyes to the redemptive power of family, selflessness and love, but if you’re a fan of action comedies, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is bound to entertain you!

Due to his legendary 11 year tenure as Iron Man (my favourite character in all of cinema), I’m a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. and am likely to take an interest in any film he appears in (I’m still preparing myself for “Dolittle.”) Downey Jr. brings an infectious swagger and an unlimited amount of charisma to every role. His performance as Harry Lockhart is no different, the snappy pop-culture quips and signature snark that made Tony Stark so instantly likeable are in full-force here. The mysterious and hilarious narration that guides the audience through the narrative is delivered by Downey in a suitably chaotic manner, these moments are very similar to the bookend scenes in “Iron Man 3” (which was also written and directed by Shane Black). As a massive fan of the Armoured Avenger, it’s fascinating to see the roots of where Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic persona grew from.

Speaking of the director, Shane Black did a phenomenal job helming “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, he directs both the action and character moments with a confident, slick style. The film’s rapid-fire dialogue explodes off the page, breathing life into the otherwise archetypal characters. This is arguably Black’s greatest strength as a writer, he crafts gripping conflicts between well-rounded protagonists that produce electrifying comedy and drama. When combined with imaginative action and a jazzy score, it’s no wonder “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is so captivating.

I was surprised how compelling Val Kilmar was here, the nonchalant demeanour he adopts as he spits out hysterical insults excellently contrasts with Robert Downey Jr.’s sparky, lively performance.

Michelle Monaghan is fantastic as Harmony Lane, the woman from Lockhart’s past who draws him into a web of deception. Monaghan creates an engaging cipher of a character who is difficult to read initially, in an obvious homage to the femme fatales of classic noir films and hardboiled detective novels.

Before I wrap-up this review, I’d like to highlight one of my favourite elements of “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, that being the sleek opening title sequence. From “Catch Me If You Can” to “The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn”, I love those rare films that house mini animated movies that play over the opening credits.

To summarise, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a violent, sweary slice of festive fun, chock full of memorable quotes and jet-black humour. It’s not a particularly profound or introspective film, but if you’re looking for a Christmas movie that lacks schmaltzy drama, I’d recommend seeking this out.