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"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a thoroughly enjoyable romp that more than entertains for its hour and three-quarters running time. It has verbal sparkle, visual verve and plenty of bang per buck. The performances are strong and the characters engaging. In fact about the only thing going against ... Read review
With smart scribe Shane Black both penning the script and behind the camera,Kiss Kiss Bang ... more
Bangwas never going to be ordinary. Yet its far better than you could have hoped for, marrying in comedy, action, a bit of a detective work and a constant, knowi...
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With smart scribe Shane Black both penning the script and behind the camera,Kiss Kiss Bang ... more
Bangwas never going to be ordinary. Yet its far better than you could have hoped for, marrying in comedy, action, a bit of a detective work and a constant, knowi...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Sex. Murder. Mystery. Welcome to the party. Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) is ... more
basically a decent guy. Sure he's a petty thief who skates through life on a shaky cocktail of dog-eared charm and cockeyed optimism but he wants to do the right thing...
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They say love and money don't mix, but you can't blame Harry Lockhart for trying. He's ... more
been whisked from a life of petty crime to Hollywood, where he'll audition for the role of a movie detective and be tutored for the part by a private eye. Now all Ha...
Set in a reality of bizarre colour and fashion, 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is the story of one ... more
man's obsession with a beautiful new neighbour that leads to conspiracy and eventually murder.Richard, a science fiction writer who works from home, gradually becomes obsessed with his beautiful neighbour, Angelica.We see Richard progress from desire to becoming psychologically unbalanced when he begins to regulate his life to observe her comings and goings. He starts to photograph her, and soon afterwards, begins to follow her.Richard is utterly ruthless in the pursuit of his obsession, which eventually leads to triple murder.A twisted and incredible tale of suburban madness and infatuation with the girl next door.
They say love and money don't mix, but you can't blame Harry Lockhart for trying. He's ... more
been whisked from a life of petty crime to Hollywood, where he'll audition for the role of a movie detective and be tutored for the part by a private eye. Now all he has to do is convince the dream girl he meets that he's a real detective. And not stumble over the corpses as reel life abruptly gives way to the real.Lights, camera, plenty of action! Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) provides the screenplay and makes his directing debut in a clever fusion of buddy movie and hardboiled noir produced by Joel Sliver. Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan play the thrust-together trio - a naive schemer, a tough-as-nails gay detective and a hopeful actress clinging to her dream. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Watch Watch.
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Action/Adventure - Director: Gore Verbinski - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Chow Yun-Fat
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Strong script, solid direction and great performances Disadvantages: Downey Jr's attempts at singing
...buck.
"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a thoroughly enjoyable romp that more than entertains for its hour and three-quarters running time. It has verbal sparkle, visual verve and plenty of bang per buck. The performances are strong and the characters engaging. In fact about the only thing going against it is that it is so slick it probably won't stick in your brain for very long. It is pure popcorn entertainment, but its saving grace ... more
On the lam after a bungled burglary, petty thief Harry Lockhart stumbles into a film audition. After winning the part, he is whisked away to Los Angeles where he is teamed with private detective 'Gay' Perry to help him with role research. But soon enough they are dragged into a real murder mystery…
As the writer of the tremendously successful "Lethal Weapon", Shane Black revelled in smart-alecky dialogue for his wise-ass characters. As writer-director, he ramps it up to the nth degree. The story plays like a modern-day film noir; there's a reluctant hero, a hard-as-nails broad, a twisty plot, a rising body count and a voice-over narration. But in a sly post-modern twist, the voice-over also comments on the film-making process and how the many flashbacks tie in. This leads to an odd kind of on-screen editing. The jigsaw plotting is ably abetted by plenty of snappy editing to speed things along. If there's one thing Black has learnt from the directors who have previously shot his stories, it is how to make film without a scrap of fat on it. Though there may be a few jokes thrown in for laughs, there is nothing extraneous in the plot; not even any red herrings. The film works on different levels because Black is confident in his screenplay but is clearly a connoisseur of action movies. He shoots all his action sequences with verve, without detracting from the knowing script, which allows the cast plenty of acting opportunities. The humour is ink black and skilfully handled; whether it's verbal sparring, slapstick or situation comedy. The things that remind you this is an action film are the high body count, the excess of expletives and the preponderance of naked breasts. Which, though useful in getting a certain section of the audience's attention, feel rather gratuitous. But I suppose it is also a reference to the action films this one is borne of and shows the director has no delusions about this being great art instead of simple entertainment.
The script is pithy and slick, replete with zingy banter that veritably pings between the characters. The constant sniping, especially between Harry and Perry, recalls the screwball comedies of Howard Hawks. It's nice to see a film in which characters and the audience are credited with some intelligence. Just because the movie is an action thriller, it doesn't mean it has to be dumbed down. You have to have respect for a writer that can squeeze in a handful of vocab and grammar gags. The characters work because though they may be a little exaggerated, they feel human. It is the situations in which they find themselves that are off the wall. Harry is a sympathetic stooge, who finds himself of the receiving end of more violence than he deserves, despite his propensity for running off at the mouth more often than he should. Perry is the ideal foil to him; being wiser, more intelligent and knowing how to play the La-La Land game. So there's plenty of room for Odd Couple bickering that rings true.
It's nice to see that Robert Downey Junior is capable of consistent and committed performances when he's off the drugs. His Harry is a loveable idiot who gets into more trouble than he should, despite his penchant for putting his foot in it. He may be naïve but he's more or less harmless and wants to do the right thing. He's rumpled and bumbling, but not in an irritating Hugh Grant sort of way, so you naturally feel for him.
Val Kilmer shows he has a sense of humour as "Gay" Perry. He's cool and laid-back most of the time and you can tell Harry is seriously cramping his style. He's bitchy, acidic and totally deadpan, really wringing the laughs from the role. His timing is great and he never lets an opportunity to stick the metaphorical knife in. Kilmer may have piled on the pounds of late, but if that means he's going to be doing more satisfying character roles than his erstwhile eye-candy parts, so much the better.
Newcomer Michelle Monaghan makes a convincing film debut as the jaded, but essentially good Harmony. She's certainly sexy, but has a hard edge that is undercut by her over-enthusiastic Nancy Drew-isms once she's drawn into the murder mystery. She's got pretty good comic timing and has the balls to play a feisty broad, but also an underlying innocence that may serve her well in future roles.Corbin Bernsen comes back from the career dead as distinctly fishy former TV star Harlan Dexter, putting in the work that may earn him further character parts. Dash Mihok and the even more improbably named Rockmond Dunbar prove an able comedy pairing as hired thugs Mr Frying Pan and Mr Fire, bouncing off each other with glee.
The score by John Ottman references the movie's film noir leanings with a largely smooth jazz feel. There's plenty of sax and laid back strings to carry the mood. Sometimes it swings perilously close to ultra lounge territory. But this is pepped up with a touch of salsa and some serious orchestral music when real danger heaves into sight. The only thing that lets the music down is the terribly middle of the road number that Robert Downey Junior warbles over the end credits. Sinatra he isn't, though he tries to ape Sting.
There are plenty of big money shots to enjoy throughout the movie; car chases, punch-ups and slapstick violence. It's all deftly choreographed and ably performed, giving more than enough bang per buck.
"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a thoroughly enjoyable romp that more than entertains for its hour and three-quarters running time. It has verbal sparkle, visual verve and plenty of bang per buck. The performances are strong and the characters engaging. In fact about the only thing going against it is that it is so slick it probably won't stick in your brain for very long. It is pure popcorn entertainment, but its saving grace is that it doesn't pretend to be anything else. So eat and enjoy!
Advantages: Smart, hip and uber cool! Disadvantages: none at all
...concerned the answer is yes! Kiss Kiss Bang Bang brings the Lethal Weapon style buddy movie slap bang into the new century. With a wry, sardonic narration by Downey that not only follows cinematic traditions but continually apologises for doing so! I dislike the term post modern but it really does fit KKBB so well.
KKBB is a modern 'film noir' without the darkness, a 30's PI movie without the world weary PI (Private Investigator) and is the most ... ...call it an action film is a misnomer, it does have a lot of action but it is a lot more than just that.
KKBB is the story of Harry (Downey), a useless burglar who, while trying to escape the police after a failed robbery, crashes into a casting session for a film. The lines he has to say relate to his current situation and so he manages real emotion and conviction behind them, astonishing the casting people and consequently being given the part. ...
Ailran 20.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (DVD)
Advantages: Great performances, laugh-out-loud funny Disadvantages: Some may find it overly violent
...but is basically good. Although Kiss Kiss Bang Bang certainly has the cynical Harry, it doesn't particularly have the dark, depressing settings, and although it is gritty, it also has a comedy value that I certainly can't remember from the more traditional film noirs I have seen - The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity and The Postman Always Rings Twice. However, I don't think this matters. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a modern film noir and ... ...which can only be a good thing. I knew that there were some comic moments in the film; what I didn't expect was to laugh out loud on more than one occasion. One of my favourite scenes is when a dog makes off with Harry's severed fingers. Then again, perhaps I just have a sick sense of humour! There was also a lot of humour in the relationship between Harry and Perry, something which I think is as much down to their acting skills as the screenplay. ...
sunmeilan 07.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (DVD)
Advantages: Interesting concept, fast paced, decent performances Disadvantages: Rather confusing story, the ending perhaps (for some)
...- Thoughts/Opinions/Extra Information -
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a very interesting movie. There's quite alot of violence and isn't particularly for the faint hearted. Its definitely got elements of parody and its interesting how the main character, Harry, also narrates over some of the movie, as he introduces himself as being the narrator at the start of the movie. The narration accounts for some of the parody, with pokes at movies like Robocop as ... ...- Certificate -
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is rated 15 in the UK. This is mainly because of the violence present, there is some strong violence and I wouldn't entirely recommend it if you are particularly squeamish. The film also features some strong language as well as nudity/sexuality.
- Official Website -
The official website for this movie can be found here:- http://wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/kisskissbangbang/?frompromo=movies_maintouts_k isskiss_bangbang
...
IzzyS 14.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent script, brilliant performances, very witty Disadvantages: Incredibly fast pace is hard to keep up with
...first time I heard of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was when a trailer was played before a screening of Night Watch (awful film, don't go and see it). Anyway, I thought it looked good and quite funny, but after that I didn't really think much more to it. Several months later, I picked up a copy of the DVD and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did.
I'm quite ashamed to say, being the supposed major film fan that I am, that this is the first film I have ... ...preconceptions about the actors.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a modern-day film noir set in Los Angeles. Downey plays Harry, a failed thief who accidentally auditions himself for a part in a film (through amusing circumstances) and gets flown off to LA to play the part. There he meets 'Gay' Perry, played perfectly by Val Kilmer, a private detective who Harry gets assigned to work with in order to do some role research. It's not long before they find themselves ...
SurveyMasterNico 30.04.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (DVD)
Advantages: Amusing, Fresh, Entertaining Disadvantages: No Extras
...is likely to happen with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
The movie was seen as a tough sell for Warner Brothers and despite good reviews they only gave it a small release in the US. A lot of good web buzz couldn't prevent the movie from only scraping together a third of its budget in its theatrical run. That's too bad as it's a pretty good romp with some of the best dialogue you've ever heard.
Robert Downey Jr plays Harry Lockhart. A petty criminal who robs ... ...friend.
The beauty of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is that manages to be witty, cool and just a bit original. It's a spin on the detective genre with a sly eye on the vapid nature of Hollywood.
Writer/Director Shane Black is known for writing a few of the 80/90's's macho action flicks such as Lethal Weapon and The Last Boy Scout. Here he throws in some of that reckless abandonment and keeps his tongue firmly in cheek.
The pairing of Kilmer and Downey Jr ...
utero 11.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (DVD)
Wannabe actor Harry Lockhart gets a crash course in being a private detective from real-life P.I. 'Gay Perry'. It's only when the two men witness the disposal of a dead body that things start to turn ugly, and Harry realises he's in way over his head. Clever film noir laced with plenty of black humour.
Deliriously enjoyable.... The duo make a whole greater than the sum of their parts, a couple of highly flammable actors as famous for their volatile offscreen reputations as for their redoubtable acting chops (Entertainment Weekly, )
The most fun you'll have this year with your clothes on (Hotdog, )
It's the laugh-a-minute repartee of this odd couple that drives the movie.... Kilmer revels in showing off his long-dormant talent for suave comedy (Sight And Sound, )
Ranked number 19 in Uncut's Best Films Of 2005 - Pure post-PULP FICTION perfection. (Uncut, )
Cool, funny, self confident, KKBB is pulp fiction worthy of Pulp Fiction (Zoo, )
DVD Description
Screenwriter Shane Black of LETHAL WEAPON fame makes his directorial debut with this film noir gem. Robert Downey, Jr, stars as Harry Lockhart, a petty thief who stumbles into acting and soon finds himself in Los Angeles, auditioning for a film role as a private detective. To help Harry prepare, his new agent arranges for him to shadow real-life P.I. Perry van Shrike, also known as 'Gay Perry', (Val Kilmer). But when Perry takes Harry along on a routine job for a mystery client, the two men witness the disposal of a dead body, and the game suddenly intensifies. Adding to the intrigue is Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan), a beautiful and smart-as-a-whip wannabe starlet with whom Harry is so smitten that he pretends to be a real detective. Soon Harry, Perry, and Harmony are tangled in a life-threatening web of murder, deception, and treachery. Downey is a delight, exhibiting perfect comic timing while infusing Harry with just enough heart to show that, despite appearances, he really is a good guy. Kilmer is the ideal buddy for Downey, playing the no-nonsense private investigator Perry with the right mixture of machismo and stereotypical Tinseltown superficiality. As Harry's dream girl, Harmony, Monaghan embodies the good girl whose dreams are looking increasingly unattainable and who has clearly been around the block more than a couple of times. Top-notch performances combined with Black's wickedly amusing banter and a plot laden with twists and turns make this action-thriller a treat.
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