Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

[literally exaggerated]

A thread in rumbles got me thinking about this movie, and how awesome it is, and how I haven't talked to many people who have seen it. Basically its a noir parody, similar to the Big Lebowski in that its a convoluted mystery with an entirely clueless protagonist (though in nothing else). Two things set it apart. The script, which is incredibly witty and gets a lot of humor out of completely denying expectations, sometimes with something incredibly random, others by doing what realistically makes perfect sense but which flies in the face of dramatic convention. And the acting, especially in the two leads. Robert Downey, Jr. (IMO one of the better actors working in Hollywood when he's on his game) is pitch perfect as Harry, the pathetic and worthless (but hilariously sarcastic) petty thief turned faux-private dick protagonist , and Val Kilmer is fantastic as Gay Perry, the super badass gay private eye with a dry wit to match Harry's.

Anyone else here seen it?

[DWEarhart]

I liked it. Val Kilmer was awesome as usual - not always - but usually. Robert Downey Jr. as well.

The lake scene and the moment after are hilarious, but so's most of the fllick.

Also, when Harry finds that surprise in the bathroom.

[berk]

Yeah, I thought it was quite fun, for the most part.

[Armless Penguin]

One of the better films of its year, in my opinion. Certainly it was criminally underseen.

[Dark Galaxy]

Yeah, that movie is great. Highly entertaining. However, I do loves me some Val Kilmer, so I might be a little biased.

[Captain_Video]

I loved this one, great perfomances and the central gag of "things really arent like they are in the movies" was a good one, the guy trying to be a noir detective hero and making the biggest mess of things was a real funny concept.

I laughed at loud at several parts, hysterically funny stuff.

[Tobias March]

The 'audition', scene after the opening really let you know just how good this movie was going to be. And Downey Jnr. was excellent.

[Adam West]

Love it, my favorite scene is that Russian Roullete scene, and the way they argue afterwards.
Also, having Michelle Monaghan in skimpy outfit for most part of the movie did help.

[Sean Walsh]

I really enjoyed it, after expecting to kinda not like it (though wanting to like it).

And to be honest - I remember virtually nothing about the movie after Netflixing it a few months ago, so sounds like I have to go buy it now. Sweet. :)

[Jmacq1]

I really dug the movie as well. Definitely one of the better offerings for the year it came out.

[saintsaucey]

big fan of the movie. bought it having never seen it and was afraid to watch it for fear i wouldn't like it. thankfully i was wrong. same with lucky number sleven

[KenK]

It's one of those movies I always watch when it's on cable. I couldn't believe how hard it would be to catch it in theaters. WB treated it like a damn indie film. It really was one of the best movies no one saw back in 2005. The dialogue is just flawless.

"You slept with Chip Chutney!"

[Your Imaginary Pal]

good flick, maybe I'll pick it up used or something.
Rehab Downey JR. is A list as always and it was a witty story.
Better than the Matador which I rented the same night, but I wanted to like that one too.

[jesse_custer]

The surprise film of its respective year. Downey has been on fire ever since. Also, Kilmer finally gives a performance that lives up to his work in Tombstone.

[The Punished]

I concur. I thought it was the reason that Downey won the Iron Man role. Also, I was very pleased with Val Kilmer's portrayal of Perry. He twisted the standard image thought of him all the way back to the 80s but that shows his wonderful versatility. I dug Shannyn Sossamon although her role was not too big. Michelle Monaghan basically had one of her first standout roles and made all us guys go, "Wow!"

Corbin Bernsen really worked his smarmy personality to the hilt. The two hired muscles were great with their interaction with both each other and Downey. I loved the ending although it was not expected.

[Mac Danny]

"To Everyone in the Midwest. Sorry we said Fuck so much."

Just a great movie.

[KenK]

"To Everyone in the Midwest. Sorry we said Fuck so much."

Just a great movie.

Yeah, I see this being one the best movies for quotes. I'm this close to having every line of dialogue committed to memory.

"Yeah, Talking monkey. Came here from the future. Ugly little sucker, only says "ficus"."

[EZMOHR]

A very enjoyable movie....now if they could team them up with Darryl Zero, they could make a criminally underseen crossover movie.

[Mac Danny]

Yeah, I see this being one the best movies for quotes. I'm this close to having every line of dialogue committed to memory.

"Yeah, Talking monkey. Came here from the future. Ugly little sucker, only says "ficus"."

Why in pluperfect hell did you pee on the corpse?

[GrifterWC]

A very enjoyable movie. Downey Jr. and Kilmer were superb.

[Pauly T]

I can't believe that 2 pages in, and with dialogue actually being quoted, no one has mentioned Shane Black by name yet. Kilmer and Downey's performances are spectacular, but it's the fantastic script from THE best action writer in Hollywood that makes this movie as memorable as it is. From Lethal Weapon to The Last Boyscout to The Long Kiss Goodnight, nobody combines witty dialogue with a smart breakneck plot like Black. His additional role as director of KKBB only helped to keep his uniquely brilliant style at the forefront.

If only every action movie could be wriiten this well...

[KenK]

I can't believe that 2 pages in, and with dialogue actually being quoted, no one has mentioned Shane Black by name yet. Kilmer and Downey's performances are spectacular, but it's the fantastic script from THE best action writer in Hollywood that makes this movie as memorable as it is. From Lethal Weapon to The Last Boyscout to The Long Kiss Goodnight, nobody combines witty dialogue with a smart breakneck plot like Black. His additional role as director of KKBB only helped to keep his uniquely brilliant style at the forefront.

If only every action movie could be wriiten this well...

He's really got the "buddy action flick" formula down to a science. He could keep doing it the rest of his career, and I wouldn't care, 'cause he's always gonna put enough of a spin on things to make it different from what he did before.

The Long Kiss Goodnight had enough of a spin with just using a female character. And it helped that Gena Davis is pretty believable as someone who could kick a man's as with no trouble. She's one big heffer! And the classic line "Sorry, pal, but I'm saving myself to get raped!"

[Captain_Video]

I can't believe that 2 pages in, and with dialogue actually being quoted, no one has mentioned Shane Black by name yet. Kilmer and Downey's performances are spectacular, but it's the fantastic script from THE best action writer in Hollywood that makes this movie as memorable as it is. From Lethal Weapon to The Last Boyscout to The Long Kiss Goodnight, nobody combines witty dialogue with a smart breakneck plot like Black. His additional role as director of KKBB only helped to keep his uniquely brilliant style at the forefront.

If only every action movie could be wriiten this well...

To be fair it is more of a detective movie parody than an action film.

I do have one complaint, I hated the fourth wall breaking in the first ten ish minutes, almost made me give up on it then and there, glad I stuck with it though.

"I peed on the corpse. Can they do, like, and ID from that ?"

That and the russian roulette part had me crying with laughter.

[KenK]

To be fair it is more of a detective movie parody than an action film.

I do have one complaint, I hated the fourth wall breaking in the first ten ish minutes, almost made me give up on it then and there, glad I stuck with it though.

"I peed on the corpse. Can they do, like, and ID from that ?"

That and the russian roulette part had me crying with laughter.

"I figured there was, like, an 8% chance. . . . "

"8%?!?!? Who taught you math?!?"

Then of course, there's. . . . . THE GREATEST DRINK DODGE IN FILM HISTORY!!!

"See that? Obedient little bitches, too!":D

[literally exaggerated]

"I'm retired. I invented dice when I was a kid."

it ranks with the Big Lebowski for all time quotable movies for me.

[howyadoin]

I need to see this again.

[StoneGold]

The only flaw in this movie is that it's tough to believe Michelle Monaghan and Robert Downey Jr. are the same age. The only flaw, though.

[Pól Rua]

Spectacularly entertaining film. Some of the best dialogue in a movie ever.
I'm a huge fan of both Robert Downey jr. and Val Kilmer, but both (moreso Kilmer) have been guilty of sleepwalking their way through films and phoning in performances.
This is an example of what two actors who really are that good can pull out if they try.

...and someone's already quoted the 'talking monkey' bit.






______________________________________
"Ficus."

[KenK]

"I don't think you're gettin' it. This isn't Good Cop/Bad Cop, this is Fag and New Yorker! You're in a lotta trouble, pal!"

[Mac Danny]

Spectacularly entertaining film. Some of the best dialogue in a movie ever.
I'm a huge fan of both Robert Downey jr. and Val Kilmer, but both (moreso Kilmer) have been guilty of sleepwalking their way through films and phoning in performances.
This is an example of what two actors who really are that good can pull out if they try.

...and someone's already quoted the 'talking monkey' bit.






______________________________________
"Ficus."

I'll be over there next to Native American Joe Pesci.

[Mac Danny]

I love the matter of fact delivery of this line too.

"I shot him with a small revolver I keep near my balls. "

[KenK]

I love the matter of fact delivery of this line too.

"I shot him with a small revolver I keep near my balls. "

"I call it my "faggot gun". It's only good for a couple of shots, then you gotta drop it for something bigger."

[niall mc cann]

yeah, hell of a film (though i quite liked The Matador too).

I love the piece with the finger and the dog.

And i love harry being taught the meaning of the word "badly" and then trying to teach Perry.

Hilarious film.