DVD Reviews

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Michelle Monaghan
• Details: US, 103mins, 15s.

Experienced screenwriter Shane Black (responsible for scripting Lethal Weapon, The Monster Squad, The Last Boy Scout, and more) has with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang written the screenplay to, and directed a sharp, sassy and highly entertaining yarn. Simultaneously, Black's managed to endear both Downing JR and Kilmer to us - after their respective career misadventures.
Harry Lockhart (Downing) is a petty thief who, while on a job gone wrong, stumbles into an audition and - adrenaline pumping - manages to get invited to LA for a screen test. Here he hooks up with gay, private investigator, Perry in order to improve his acting - however the two get involved in not one, but two murder cases. Throw in the love of Harry's life, Harmony Lane (a simmering Monaghan), and you've got yourself a top-notch comedy/detective story, with an amusing, playful narration and quirky, inventive dialogue. The pairing of Kilmer and Downing is inspired and this is perfectly pleasing, forgettable fun. And who couldn't do with a bit more of that?

Review by Elaine Reilly