Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (DVD)

I loved it in the theater and interviewing Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. made me love it even that much more, but unfortunately the movie doesn't have the same appeal it had back then. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang sort of has that "heard it before" feel as the jokes still bring a slight smile, but they aren't laugh out loud the second time around.

I still contend that this film is comprised of the only cast that could have pulled it off as Robert Downey Jr. is perfect as petty thief Harry Lockhart, Val Kilmer show excellent comedic timing as private investigator Gay Perry and Michelle Monaghan proves that her career is only going to get bigger and bigger as she plays the sexy Harmony Faith Lane. Writer/director Shane Black also shows excellent ability to get the most out of all three of them despite Downey and Kilmer being rumored as "hard to work with."

The film really falls under no specific genre as it mixes action, drama, romance and thrills on its way to telling a murder mystery story that is too convoluted to go into any great detail. If you want more on the story check out my B+ review here.

As for the DVD, I already mentioned that it isn't as good as it was the first time around, but it is still far more enjoyable than a lot of the crap I have to watch and review over the course of the year. Downey and Kilmer are perfectly matched and Monaghan supplies just enough sass to keep the two of them on their toes all while being the source of Harry Lockhart's hard hairy.

Beyond the flick though this is a relatively bare bones release as it comes equipped only with a gag reel and an audio commentary with Black, Kilmer and Downey, a commentary that I felt I had already heard considering the massive spread I put together after interviewing the entire bunch. Actually the audio I have here from my interview with Kilmer and Downey is more entertaining than this commentary.

Overall I would say this is a rental whereas after seeing it in the theater I would have told you I wanted to run out and buy it. There will be several of you out there though that will dig the hell out of this movie and I see it doing good numbers over the years on DVD. I am not sure if it will reach any kind of cult status, but it definitely is a unique film that is sure to find a nice sized following.