Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) a tribute to Val Kilmer

In this episode of In a World! Films What If Podcast, we’re diving into the sharp, stylish, and criminally underrated Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. It’s a neo-noir that balances mystery, satire, and dark comedy with surprising emotional weight. Beneath the witty banter and Hollywood absurdity lies a story that’s smarter and more impactful than it initially lets on.

Robert Downey Jr. stumbles into acting (literally), Michelle Monaghan brings the heart and heat, and Val Kilmer absolutely steals the show as Gay Perry—a role that’s as iconic as it is overdue for the recognition it deserves.

This episode is dedicated to the late, great Val Kilmer—whose performance here proves he could outwit, outshoot, and out-sass just about anyone on screen.

So grab your detective hat (and maybe a glass of whiskey), and let’s unravel this twisted gem that blends bullets with belly laughs—and shows us what happens when Shane Black lets his noir flag fly.