Shane Black

The fact that this movie did not make billions of dollars and win every award possible is prime evidence of the bankruptcy of American civilization. It's over folks. Might as well just get drunk and enjoy the end of civilization as we know it. Downey, Kilmer, and Monaghan are perfect, no PERFECT, in a film that succeeds both as a comedy and as a well-plotted noir. This is the best film about Hollywood as Hollywood I have ever seen. Great performances by EVERYONE. Watch it. Then watch it again.

A very fun film about a clumsy private investigator and a tough-guy-with-a-heart fixer/torpedo who find themselves investigating a complicated missing person case with a side of murder mystery and a second course of large scale conspiracy. The resolution and wrap-up feel a little obvious and not quite like enough of an Ending to me, but it's a small thing. The film is solid, good fun from beginning to end, and manages that sweet spot of being a noir parody comedy and a genuine noir thriller show more mystery at the same time. show less

Crowe and Gosling make a perfect team as they try to get to the bottom of the death of a porn star and a missing person. Gosling's 13-year old daughter, played by Rice, is also an important part of the team. Loud, fast, and violent, this is almost perfect entertainment with an attitude.

C+ (Okay).

A detective and two fans of detective novels get caught up in a murder conspiracy.

A lot of this movie is fun. But it's also a story about rape/abuse survivors, which, yeah, less fun.

(Sep. 2025)