Movie #346 - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
2005 - Rated R - 1 hr 43 min
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen

Oh, how do I love Robert Downey Jr? Let me count the ways!  He tackles this quirky role with his usual flair and enthusiasm, with his staccato speech and unique body language--a weird blend of erratic movement and deliberate gestures.  You know what I'm talking about.  That way that he has about him. 

In this role, it's absolutely perfect.  This is an off-beat, dark comedy that starts out with a "botched" childhood magic trick and just gets more bizarre from there.  Following in the shoes of gay detective Val Kilmer, Downey accidentally meets up with an old friend he's had a thing for since about second grade.  His chemistry with Michelle Monaghan is surprisingly effortless.

I can't give away to much, but I will say that if you like a good dark comedy/mystery with some quirky wit and a strong ensemble cast, check this one out.

Movie #263 - The Heartbreak Kid

The Heartbreak Kid
2007 - Rated R - 1 hr 56 min
Director: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Starring: Ben Stiller, Malin Akerman, Michelle Monaghan, Jerry Stiller, Rob Corddry, Carlos Mencia, Danny McBride, Stephanie Courtney

A Farrelly brothers movie starring Ben Stiller? This should kick ass. Sadly, it's not as good as some of their other endeavors.  Still, Malin Akerman is perfectly annoying in every possible way, so it's got that going for it.  And Ben Stiller is all bachelor-on-the-brink-of-loveless-curmudgeon until you want to smack him.

This rom-com is too heavy on the com and leaves a lot to be desired from the rom.  Plus, the whole cross-wires in love concept gets tired by the end.

All in all, some fun scenes to watch. And Michelle Monaghan is adorable. Too adorable for Ben Stiller's irritating character in this one.

Movie #234 - Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone
2007 - Rated R - 1 hr 54 min
Director: Ben Affleck
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, Michelle Monaghan, John Ashton, Amy Ryan, Amy Madigan

Between the Godfather trilogy and this movie, I needed a time out. So many heavy plotlines! I'm begging for a comedy right now, folks.  This isn't it.

I do like this movie though and I got to be reminded of how much.  Nepotism in casting aside, Casey Affleck carries the movie well.  And as always, you gotta love Ed Harris. 

The movie starts out with a missing girl, taken from the home in the middle of the night.  The first hour is spent looking for her. The second hour isn't... but we end up learning so much more about what happened, all the same.  I can't give away much more than that, without ruining the ending.  Disguised as a crime drama, this movie really asks you to consider your own morals.  Is it right? Wrong?  Can you shoot a child molester in the head at point blank range and live with it? And then ending will probably piss you off. Maybe.  It all depends on your own moral code, I guess.