A lucky mistake shifts out-of-luck criminal Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr) from the gritty streets to glossy showbiz in L.A, landing him a part in an upcoming film. Another mistake then shifts him from actor to private detective, and this is where Val Kilmer comes in and things start to go wrong, more wrong and unbelievably wrong until they've snowballed into an enjoyable detective mess -- all to impress failed actress Harmony (Next big thing: Michelle Monaghan).

Shane Black's directorial debut 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is a comic film noir. Even in the dazzling opening credits using a montage of contrasts of red, black and white, it is evident that this is no run-of-the-mill crime story, but a viciously entertaining ride from scene 01. What makes it so special is that it mixes equal doses of humour and crime like a $15,000,000 blender, pouring out a balanced end product and glazing it with a clever narrative coating by Robert Downey Jr. Black also sprinkles some rapid-fire dialogue onto his product, which is facilitated by the comedic chemistry between Downey and Kilmer. Some of the lines, gags and images are truly laugh-out-loud worthy. Everything else is nice, but forgettable.

Its only problem, as far as I can see it, is its paper-thin plot. It does not seem believable; it is complex, dizzying and not nearly as involving as it would like to be. So back to formula on that one, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang would be a near-perfect comedy-thriller.

7.5/10

The immensely likable novel "Bodies are where you find them", written by Brett Halliday, has been adapted for the screen by Shane Black and the result is one of the funniest movies playing around. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" boasts an amazing dialog with some of the wittiest lines of any film in recent memory.

The film pays a tremendous bonus to fans of the genre, which combines a detective story technique with some amusement and irony thrown in. The result is a fun time at the movies. Mr. Halliday pays tribute to those forgotten cheap pulp fiction novels that were so popular at one time in this country.

The director has to be congratulated for combining the talents of two actors that pay off in unexpected ways. Robert Downey Jr., one of the best film actors, is paired in this movie with Val Kilmer, who tends to play heavy roles, but has never been seen as he is shown in the movie. Both these men compliment one another in ways we didn't expect. The chemistry between them seems to indicate these two actors had a lot of fun while making the film, as it shows in the way they play against one another.

Lovely Michelle Monaghan is seen as Harmony, a beautiful young hopeful working her way up in Hollywood. Also in the cast Corbin Bernsen, who is seen as Harlan Dexter. Larry Miller has a few brief moments in the picture.

"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a witty and intelligent film. Thanks to its director, Shane Black, it's a film to be treasured.

This was a really interesting film that tried to be very different. While some of the elements remind me of old Film Noir, the comedic and downright strange elements make this an interesting film that transcend the usual fare from Hollywood. Unfortunately, because the "F word" is used about 169 times and because of some brief nudity here and there, this is definitely NOT a film for everyone. And this really is a shame, because without these elements, I could see this film appealing to a much broader audience. I really would have loved to show this to my teenage daughter, but it just wouldn't be appropriate--and she really would have enjoyed it.

Robert Downey, Jr. does an exceptional job acting and narrating (in the most peculiar manner I have seen since SUNSET BOULEVARD) and it's a shame his self-destructive habits have hurt his career--he really is a very talented man. Val Kilmer is pretty good as his gay detective friend and the rest of the class does just fine. However, the biggest star of the film are the writers who manage to provide tons of twists and turns and odd moments (I especially loved the scene with the finger and the dog--I won't spoil it by saying any more). While not every twist was believable, there were enough wonderful moments to make you ignore the parts that fell somewhat flat.

This is a good film for people who are looking for a very gritty mystery comedy (that's an odd combination isn't it?) or somewhat who is just tired of the "same old, same old" and is looking for a change. But whatever you do DON'T watch this with the kids around!!