Ice still has it

J, my husband, has been on my case for about a week about this hilarious movie. He’s been pushing me to watch it. Last night, after watching The Da Vinci Code, I relented and finally watched it.

A little side bar about the Da Vinci Code. It was well done but I have to admit that it was a little anti-climatic after reading the book. The book painted a more vivid picture that plays into your imagination and allows you to imagine what people look like or how situations play out. It was a great fast-paced film, which matched the energy of the book. However, once you’ve read the book you know the secrets and waiting for the secrets to be unveiled is the fun of the book, it was a bit of a let down. In this case, I suggest reading the book or watching the movie. Either or. Read the book.

The movie J was raving about was the indie darling Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) which was written with much flair by Shane Black. Black also directed this film noir-inspired comedy. The film tells the story of budding actor Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey, Jr.) who gets tangled up in a murder mystery with detective/film consultant Gay Perry (Val Kilmer) and the beautiful Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan). The movie derives its spark from its sarcastic script and the dead-pan delivery of the actors. Corbin Bernsen is an unexpected talent in this movie.

Downey is effective as the ambling and affable narrator of the story. He brings a self-depricating nature to the main character that allows you to laugh at his flaws and misfortunes. You’re rooting for him to solve the mystery. It’s nice to see him sober and still with us. It would be such a waste of talent to let the drugs win. Kilmer is spot-on as the gay film consultant. Calling him Gay Perry was a funny touch. I was never a big Val fan but he could be branching into character actor territory here. Look out Johnny Depp. Monaghan was funnier than I thought she’d be. It was a little difficult to shatter the pretty girl persona but was worth the effort.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang gives a comic and probably honest look at the Hollywood scene. I don’t know if this is a new trend but this was the second movie in three weeks that involved torturing a man’s testicles. The other was Casino Royale. This movies didn’t change my life but it was an entertaining escape and isn’t that what we need from time to time. Downey is worth watching and the writing elevates the usual twist-and-turn plot.