Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A thief accidentally becomes a Hollywood actor, gets tangled in a real murder mystery with a gay detective, and learns that sometimes even childhood crushes are messed up, also finger gets eaten by dog.

🍿 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Audition and Hollywood Arrival

Harry Lockhart, a small-time thief in New York, finds himself unexpectedly fleeing the scene of a botched robbery. Seeking to evade the police, he stumbles into a casting audition, where his distressed demeanor is misconstrued as exceptional acting. Impressed, the casting director invites him to Hollywood for a screen test, marking the beginning of a bizarre new chapter in Harry’s life. He is sent to LA to prepare for an acting role.

Meeting Perry and Harmony

In Los Angeles, Harry meets ‘Gay’ Perry Van Shrike, a flamboyant private investigator tasked with training him for his potential acting role as a detective. At a lavish Hollywood party, Harry also reconnects with Harmony Faith Lane, a struggling actress and his childhood crush from Indiana. The reunion sparks a renewed infatuation within Harry, setting the stage for romantic complications intertwined with the unfolding mystery.

A Murder Mystery Unfolds

Harry’s involvement deepens when he accompanies Perry on what he believes is a routine stakeout. They witness a car being dumped into a lake, and upon investigation, discover a dead body in the trunk. This event thrusts Harry and Perry into a complex murder mystery, forcing them to navigate the treacherous underbelly of Los Angeles while evading the real killers who now see them as a threat. It becomes clear that Harry is in over his head.

Intersecting Cases and Incriminating Evidence

As the investigation progresses, Harmony seeks Harry’s help in solving the supposed suicide of her sister, Jenna, who came to Los Angeles and stole Harmony’s credit cards. Harry, wanting to impress Harmony, pretends to be a private investigator. He later discovers that Harmony’s stolen credit card was used to hire Perry for the lake incident, linking the two seemingly separate cases and further entangling the trio in a web of deceit and danger.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.): A hapless thief from New York who stumbles into an acting audition and becomes entangled in a real-life murder mystery in Los Angeles.
• Gay Perry (Val Kilmer): A witty and cynical private investigator who mentors Harry and becomes his unlikely partner in solving a complex case.
• Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan): A struggling actress and Harry’s childhood crush who seeks his help in investigating her sister’s death, drawing him deeper into the conspiracy.
• Harlan Dexter (Corbin Bernsen): A wealthy and influential former actor with dark secrets and a key connection to the unfolding murder investigation.
• Mr. Frying Pan (Dash Mihok): One of the hitmen hired by Harlan Dexter to cover up his crimes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry: “Story of my life. I accidentally become a private detective.” – Harry reflects on his absurd situation, encapsulating the film’s comedic tone.
• Gay Perry: “I’m an effete homosexual from Los Angeles. You want to hit me, hit me like a man.” – Gay Perry sarcastically challenges Harry, highlighting his character’s sharp wit and defiance of stereotypes.
• Harry: “Okay, pay attention. This is complicated.” – Harry acknowledges the convoluted plot directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall.
• Gay Perry: “Look up ‘idiot’ in the dictionary. You know what you’ll find?” – Gay Perry expresses his frustration with Harry’s incompetence and questionable decisions.
• Harry: “My name’s Harry Lockhart, I’m a professional detective…and I’m also a fairy.” – Harry jokingly reveals his identity while trying to convince Harmony that he is indeed a fairy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,243,756
• Worldwide Gross: $15,785,458

💥 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! The dialogue is so sharp and witty, and the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer is incredible. It’s the kind of movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat while making you laugh out loud. I especially enjoyed the scenes where Harry is trying to act like a detective – pure gold! I think it’s a very underrated movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Lovers of neo-noir films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate clever dialogue and witty banter”
  • “Those seeking a fresh take on the buddy cop genre”
  • “Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Some drug references”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Shane Black’s directorial debut is a smart, funny, and stylish neo-noir that perfectly balances dark humor with thrilling suspense. Downey Jr. and Kilmer’s chemistry is electric, making this a must-see for fans of crime comedies.
• Netflix Life: “A breath of fresh air among the usual reboots. This film’s witty dialogue and unique plot make it a standout. Downey Jr. is at his best.

Audience Reactions

The sharp, witty dialogue and the chemistry between Downey Jr. and Kilmer are phenomenal.: Most viewers praised the clever writing, the unique blend of humor and mystery, and the outstanding performances of the lead actors.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic, praised for its witty dialogue, unique blend of dark humor and mystery, and the outstanding performances of Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer.

Awards

1. Satellite Award (Best Actor – Musical or Comedy)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Shane Black originally intended to cast Owen Wilson as Harry Lockhart, but the studio wanted Robert Downey Jr.”
• “Val Kilmer’s role as Gay Perry was initially written for an older actor. Kilmer actively pursued the part and convinced Black to cast him.”
• “The title ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ was inspired by a quote Pauline Kael used to describe James Bond films.”
• “The film’s self-aware narration and meta-humor were risky choices that initially worried studio executives.”
• “The film’s opening weekend was limited, but strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim helped it gain a cult following.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite availability. Physical copies, like Blu-ray or DVD, can be purchased from retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, you might like these similar films:

• The Long Goodbye (1973): A neo-noir that subverts the detective genre with a quirky and unconventional protagonist, much like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): Features a non-linear narrative, dark humor, and stylized violence, sharing a similar postmodern sensibility.
• The Nice Guys (2016): Another Shane Black film with a buddy-cop dynamic, sharp wit, and a complex mystery plot.
• Inherent Vice (2014): A psychedelic neo-noir with a meandering plot and eccentric characters, appealing to fans of quirky detective stories.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): A complex neo-noir crime drama set in 1950s Los Angeles, offering a more serious take on the genre.

🛒 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Related Products

• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for fans of neo-noir and dark comedy.
• Bodies Are Where You Find Them by Brett Halliday: The original novel that inspired ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’, offering a deeper dive into the pulp fiction world.
• Robert Downey Jr. Signed Autograph: A rare autographed photo of Robert Downey Jr. as Harry Lockhart, a prized possession for die-hard fans.
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – Blu-Ray: Experience the film in high definition with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sleigh Ride” – performed by Al Caiola & Riz Ortolani

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Movie That Saved Robert Downey Jr Wasn’t Iron Man

Did you know that ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ was the movie that revived Robert Downey Jr.’s acting career? Check out this video to learn more.

How Robert Downey Jr. Won The Casting

Watch Robert Downey Jr. nail his audition for ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ in this fantastic clip.

✨ Rate