Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang

Arriving on DVD is one of the best movies of 2005.

Unfortunately not many people....including myself.... were able to watch it due to poor studio support, and lousy publicity.

We all missed out....big time.

This is a comic film noir that will undoubtedly become a dvd must have, if not a cult hit for years to come.

I can see the movie generating the same kind of success on DVD as another comic noir film, the Coen Bros movie The Big Lebowski.

Simply put it's one of the funniest, most intriguing, and refreshing films in years.

Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang was written by Shane Black. Who is credited with ushering in the era of "Buddy Cop" movies, which were so popular in the late 80's and early 90's. The screenwriter of all the Lethal Weapon movies, he is also remembered for his ability to get impressive salaries for his screenplays, The Last Boyscout, and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

What's great about this movie is it's ability to parody, yet at the same time celebrate the film noir style, and the city of Los Angeles....more specifically Hollywood, and the movie business.

The Screenplay is razor sharp, quick witted, and brutally honest. There's tons of references, tributes, and jokes at the expense of the city and the genre.

At times it's dizzying because the audience doesn't know half the time whether they should laugh hysterically, or feel empathy for the characters.

Exactly how Shane Black wants it.

The movie even pokes fun at Shane Black himself, well at least the genre of movie that he's famous for writing.

The movie features some over the top action, thrilling sequences, witty banter, clever writing, and suspensful mystery, while at the same time not taking itself too seriously.

It's a wonderful line that he balances the story on. It's one of the aspects of the movie that makes the film so unique and fascinating to take in.

Just when the audience feels comfortable, or confident that they know these characters, and where they are taking us, Shane Black pulls the rug from under the audience, and takes us completely in a different direction.

The film obviously benefits from the affable, and entertaining chemistry between Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, and newcomer Michelle Monaghan. It's obvious that they all share the same quick wit and sensibility. One gets the sense that they probably all had as much fun off screen, as well as on, while making the film.

It's especially satisfying because so often we see Robert Downey and Val Kilmer in movies that don't showcase their comic timing strengths. This movie feels tailor made for them.

I'm not going to spoil the movie, by giving a synopsis for the film. To be honest, it would probably not sound half as interesting, or complex and multi-layered as it really is. Which might explain why the movie wasn't marketed well by the studio.

It's too smart for a three sentence synopsis.

All I will say is that one should run, not walk to the local DVD store....hopefully Laser Blazer.... and pick up the film.

And if one is looking to save themselves some money, I suggest buying the film.

Because if one rents it, they'll just end up wanting to buy it.

I've watched it twice, and I'm on my way to a third. It stands up great to repeat viewing. I think I laughed harder the second time watching the film. I'm giggling just thinking about it.

It's that good.