An actor-turned-crook gets a second chance at his career in movies as well as fighting crime in this offbeat action comedy. Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) is a down-on-his-luck actor-turned-small-time crook who, while on the run from the police, literally stumbles his way into an audition for a role in a film. Not wanting anyone to know what hes been up to, Harry reads for the part -- and gets it, landing a sizable role as a private detective. In order to prepare for the part, Harry is teamed up with Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), a tough-as-nails private eye, and when the film project unexpectedly goes into turnaround, Harry signs on as Gays new partner. As Harry tries to pick up the sleuthing trade while staying out of the way of former cohorts and victims, he becomes reacquainted with Harmony (Michelle Monaghan), a girl he had a major crush on in high school who may be a bit more interested in him now than she was years ago. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang was the first directorial credit for Shane Black, who created the Lethal Weapon franchise. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide