Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

As screenwriter of the likes of ‘The Last Action Hero’, ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ and the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series, Black specialised in leavening buddy-investigator dynamics with nods and winks at genre formula. His directorial debut is an ultra-knowing contemporary take on the naive gumshoe procedural, with Downey on deliciously rumpled form as a two-bit thief marooned in LA and mixed up in murder. Less clued-up ’tec than richocheting pinball, he’s ably assisted by Monaghan’s old flame and Kilmer’s ‘Gay’ Perry, a more accomplished private dick. The self-aware narration and formal trickery are ultimately window-dressing, but a very enjoyable way to have your genre cake and eat it too.