Something unusual happened this weekend: I didn't go to the movies.
Now, if you're a regular reader of Don't Sit Next to Us you'll know that a weekend without a visit to the cinema is a rarity - especially during the summer movie season. But I didn't go. I didn't want to see Fast and Furious 6000 or The Hangover, or see any of the previously released movies for a second time. So I stayed home (I actually had a nap - what an exciting life I lead). Arlaine went to see Fast and Furious and she said it was amazing so if you're a fan of that series you'll want to check out her review (coming soon).
Later that same day...
It's 9 o'clock and I'm looking for something interesting to watch on TV. What to my wondering eyes should appear? But Robert Downey Jr. and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. (If you've been paying attention to the summer blockbusters, you'll recognize that title as the last movie director Shane Black and RDJ worked together before teaming up for Iron Man 3.)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) is the pseudo-noir story of Harry Lockhart (Downey), a thief-turned-actor who is learning how to be a private detective by shadowing Gay Perry (Val Kilmer). The two stumble into a murder plot and the story takes many twists and turns from there.
I loved this movie. It's got RDJ at what I consider to be his best. I find him to be most interesting and most compelling when he isn't playing the incredibly confident and self-assured Sherlock Holmes/Tony Stark characters that have been his default state as of late. Iron Man 3 had a little of that vulnerability but it was used as an obstacle he had to overcome rather than a personality trait. The character of Harry narrates at the beginning and the end of the movie and the way in which he narrates is almost exactly what I'm thinking when I watch a movie. Seriously, it's like the writer sat beside me during a movie and copied down my sarcastic comments for future use.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang draws upon Tarantino-style of conversation at times yet, unlike many Tarantino-style monologues, manages to feel spontaneous and realistic. There are some genuine laughs to be had for such a dark storyline so don't be fooled by the pseudo-noir and murder mystery themes. Stylistic "auteur" elements like the pausing of the film while the narrator is on a tangent or the meta, self-referential commentary on what the audience is seeing are thankfully kept to a minimum at the beginning and the end of the movie. It allows the story to unfold and draw us into this warped world of Hollywood and hangers-on without being distracted by the unnecessary reminders that we're watching a movie.
Overall I'd definitely recommend Kiss Kiss Bang Bang to anyone who enjoys noir, neo-noir, dark comedy, murder mysteries, and Robert Downey, Jr.. It's a lot like Seven Psychopaths from last year - which I just realized I never reviewed (so look for that in the coming weeks as well)!
Rotten Tomatoes
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