Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Insights gleaned from reading trash mystery novels and watching B crime dramas in a heavyweight mix of apt verbal shootouts and indiscriminate slaps at the stars of today from Dream Factory. Shane Black earns full marks in his main discipline, but not everyone is given the ability to give more than a grey routine shape to a brilliant script from behind the camera. It would take either old scoutmaster T. Scott or the younger Joe Carnahan. That’s unfortunate and it doesn't deserve 4 stars the first time, and sadly, it also doesn't entice a second watch. (2007-07-08)

"Look up idiot in the dictionary, and you know what you'll find? "A... picture of my face? "No! The definition of the word idiot which you fucking are!." I have not laughed this hard in a long time. I got exactly what I expected, and I am completely satisfied. There is some black comedy, the vice-ridden world of Los Angeles, an interesting storytelling style, unexpected twists, and awesome characters. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer had a blast, and I also had a great time. 9/10. (2016-02-17)

Robert Downey Jr. shows that he's quite suited for neurotic characters, and together with Val Kilmer, who is still in quite good form here, they enjoy this crazy ride where you sometimes feel like the story isn't actually that important, even though it still progresses, things keep happening, and there are constantly twists and turns. Entertaining, eccentric, and yet clever. (2016-06-14)

Another action comedy full great lines by Shane Black, who this time also sits in the director's chair. The incredible screenplay, full of twists and excellent lines, is complemented by great acting performances. Robert Downey Jr. acts like his life depends on it and "faggot" Val Kilmer complements him brilliantly. If it weren't for the slow pace and too many exaggerated jokes in some places, it would be perfect. Still, I'm even more sorry that the fifth Lethal Weapon won't happen after all because I feel that Black's screenplay could have given the series a much more dignified ending. (2009-04-26)

The film is actually just another slightly above-average action-crime-comedy that is not nearly as original and cool as it tries to be from the opening seconds, and is only kept significantly afloat by great performances and that slightly offbeat take on today's Hollywood. Downey in particular is classically excellent and rules in every scene, but Michelle Monaghan with her big cleavage also has something going for her. Overall, the unconventional approach to the traditional plot and the ubiquitous attempt at humorous interludes, which are usually successful, are fine, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that this is no great piece of screenwriting as far as individual scenes are concerned. But that doesn't take away from the fact that I had a great time, that those 100 minutes flew by quickly and that I don't regret a single moment I sacrificed for this film. (2013-03-10)