Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Directed by: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen, Shannyn Sossamon
Running Time: 1h 42min

Have you ever watched a movie and it becomes startlingly obvious that the actors you're watching probably had more fun making this film than you are actually watching it? Well, that's definitely the case with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a film that tries to revive the buddy cops, noir, and postmodern film movement, as well as the careers of director Shane Black and actors Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer.

Don't get me wrong. This is not a bad film. Far from it. In fact, the way in which Downey and Kilmer throw themselves into their roles with such reckless joy is the reason why this film works. Despite the mish mash of genres, the film ultimately never fails to entertain, much to the obvious talent both actors have for both comedy and drama.

Whoever thought to pair these two actors together deserves an Academy Award for casting. They are truly undervalued as thespians (present author excluded--i've always admired and enjoyed both of them in nearly every film they've done, turkeys included) and together they make a dynamic pair. They have cohesive comic timing together, and know where and when to camp it up and when to play it straight.

This kind of chemistry is normally lacking in male-female casting, and though the true stars are Downey and Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan holds her own. This is probably the role that landed her opposite Tom Cruise in this summer's Mission Impossible III. She brings a degree of sexiness along with the balance of laughter and tension that this film plays with.

i can usually tell i've enjoyed a film when i immediately want to watch it again with the commentary, and this DVD was just as fun to listen to as it was to watch. Kilmer and Downey continually crack jokes like actors who have seen the highest pedestal and watched it fade away, yet could really care less because their film work speaks for itself. These are two stars who have lived the Hollywood dream, both in and out of the limelight, critical darlings and media punching bags and lived to tell the tale. This commonality sparks commaderie and it shows both on and off screen. It's fun to watch these two fine actors enjoying each other's company.

Grade: B+