"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a 2005 crime-comedy film directed by Shane Black. The film stars Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. It's known for its witty and self-aware dialogue, as well as its subversion of traditional detective film tropes.
The story revolves around a petty thief named Harry Lockhart, played by Robert Downey Jr., who accidentally stumbles into an audition for a Hollywood detective movie. Impressed by his "realism," he is paired with a private investigator named Gay Perry, played by Val Kilmer, for research purposes. The two find themselves embroiled in a real murder mystery involving a missing girl and a complex conspiracy.
The title "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a reference to a phrase coined by Italian film critic Mario Monicelli to describe the excitement and appeal of cinema. The film embraces its genre roots while also playfully deconstructing them, often breaking the fourth wall and commenting on the conventions of detective stories.
The movie received positive reviews for its sharp and clever dialogue, as well as the chemistry between its lead actors. Robert Downey Jr.'s performance, in particular, was praised for his comedic timing and narration. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is often regarded as a cult favorite and a standout example of the neo-noir genre with a comedic twist.