Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

A thoroughly likeable film with a not less likeable cast, an excellent script, funny one-liners, an uplifting view and a massive “but”. Despite all that concentrated positivity, I didn’t have much fun with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Buddy movies never satisfy me much (the sub-genre gets on my nerves for some reason, in fact), so, even though KKBB is one of the best of the lot, it doesn’t get more than a slight thumbs up out of me. (23.07.2010)

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. (08.07.2007)

Great genre crossover. Noir is parodied here and at the same time receives a proper tribute, and buddy movies, as a practically dead genre, get a substantial injection for several years ahead. Above all, the central duo of "Perry the Gay Guy and Harry the New Yorker" can convincingly toughen up, turn established tough-guy tricks on their head, and surprisingly get under the viewer's skin from the opening minutes. (03.08.2006)

A sympathetic film thanks to a series of successful catchphrases, self-irony, and the decadent environment of Hollywood. However, it is precisely the kind of film where I appreciate a lot of details, but the overall impression is not so great. Namely, the film has an overcomplicated script, purposeless squeezing out of humor, and violent jumping between crazy situations and more serious tones. In addition, out of the three main actors, only Robert Downey Jr. works for me completely. I don't really like Val Kilmer and he only ever impressed me in The Salton Sea. Michelle Monaghan is a fine actress, but she didn't fit into this role and I would prefer a dozen others in her place. Moreover, the script also omitted a lot of self-deprecating dialogues and jokes, it works exactly in the spirit of what is expected. Simply put, it has been done many times before. Overall impression: 65%. (06.04.2011)

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. (26.04.2009)

"Weißt du, was du im Wörterbuch unter Idiot findest?" - "Mein Foto?" - "Nein, die Definition des Wortes Idiot, die zu dir perfekt passt..." So krass habe ich schon lange nicht mehr gelacht. Ich habe genau das bekommen, was ich erwartet habe und bin rundum zufrieden. Rauer Humor, die verdorbene Welt von Los Angeles, ein interessanter Erzählstil, unerwartete Wendungen und großartige Charaktere. Robert Downey jr. und Val Kilmer haben es wirklich genossen, und ich hatte eine tolle Zeit. 9/10 (17.02.2016)

Ich habe mich großartig amüsiert. Die Gespräche der drei Haupthelden sind nämlich super witzig und die Situationen, in die sie geraten, raffiniert. Das Drehbuch ist nicht nur witzig, sondern auch ziemlich kompliziert. Als ich den Film zum ersten Mal gesehen habe, habe ich manchmal den Überblick verloren. Beim zweiten Mal wird es aber bestimm besser sein – Kiss Kiss Bang Bang werde ich mir bald wieder ansehen. (16.12.2015)

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. (10.03.2013)

Robert Downey Jr. shows that neurotics suit him quite well, and together with Val Kilmer, who is still in quite good shape here, they enjoy this crazy ride where you sometimes feel that the story is not really important, even though it still goes somewhere, something is always happening, there are always some twists. Fun, crazy, and yet clever. (14.06.2016)