365 Movies Day #161 "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang"

Probably the most solid performance from Val Kilmer since "Tombstone" and one of Robert Downey Jr's finest, "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang" is an incredibly underrated and wonderful film that should be at or near the top of everyone's must see list.

Downey plays a small-time down-and-out crook who, in the oddest of ways, stumbles into the high lifestyle of a Hollywood actor. During the whirlwind of success and oddity he finds himself investigating a murder involving his long lost sweetheart as well as hardass homosexual detective Gay Perry (Kilmer).

The noir-esque, but incredibly funny and refreshing storytelling narration from Downey helps to make the film epic. Great performances from Kilmer (also mentioned int he blog for "KILL THE IRISHMAN"), Downey (newcomer to the blog), Michelle Monaghan (who plays Downey's highschool crush Harmony and was also in "Due Date", "Source Code" and "Gone Baby Gone"), Corbin Bernsen (of "LA Law" and "Major League" fame), Dash Mihok (in a much better film than his appearances in "Punisher: War Zone" or "I am Legend"), hilarious comedian Larry Miller ("Pretty Woman", "THE MINUS MAN", "Mad About You") and even Robert Downey Jr.'s own son, Indio Falconer Downey (who plays his character as a youth) make the film memorable as well.

It's funny, it's got action, it's got great characters and dialogue and a fantastic story that will surely impress. But what else can you expect from the directorial debut of Shane Black, who is more famous for writing films like "Lethal Weapon", "The Monster Squad", "The Last Boyscout" and "Long Kiss Goodnight"? I sure hopes he gets back to directing soon. He's BRILLIANT!!!

KISS, KISS, BANG, BANG ON IMDB