Shane Black, renowned for his work in buddy action films since the 1980s, released Play Dirty on Prime Video on October 1, 2025. Starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield as a team of thieves planning a high-stakes heist, the film fails to live up to the legacy established by Black’s earlier movies. Instead, Play Dirty reminds audiences of superior projects in the genre written and directed by Black himself.
Among Black’s celebrated works, the neo-noir buddy cop film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which turns 20 this November, stands out as a superior example. Showcasing a striking comeback by Robert Downey Jr., the movie features remarkable on-screen chemistry with the late Val Kilmer. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang blends dark humor, gripping action, romance, and a complex mystery set around Christmas, making it an essential watch on Prime Video for fans of the genre and a benchmark for Black’s work. It also serves as a prime example of the Robert Downey Jr. comeback that cemented his return to Hollywood prominence.
Play Dirty: A Formulaic Approach That Undermines Shane Black’s Strengths
Play Dirty, adapted from Donald E. Westlake‘s Parker novel series, casts Mark Wahlberg as the titular thief, Parker, who assembles a crew for a daring $1 billion treasure heist from a shipwreck. His team includes characters like Grofield (LaKeith Stanfield), Zen (Rosa Salazar), Ed (Keegan-Michael Key), Brenda (Claire Lovering), and Stan (Chai Hansen), among others. Faced with greed-driven defectors and pursued by ruthless mobsters led by Tony Shalhoub’s Lozini, Parker and Grofield navigate a minefield of betrayal and danger.
Though the premise promises a high-stakes crime thriller, Play Dirty falls into clichés and predictability that undermine its potential. Shane Black, known for crafting original and sharp buddy-action narratives in classics such as Lethal Weapon, The Nice Guys, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, appears constrained by his attempt at a faithful Parker adaptation. This results in a loss of Black’s distinctive storytelling edge and disappointing execution.
Moreover, the film prompts reflection on what might have been if Robert Downey Jr. had reunited with Black for the lead role, as initially planned. Instead, the movie not only pales in comparison to other Parker adaptations, such as Point Blank (1967) and Payback (1999), but also reignites interest in Black’s finest works. In this context, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang remains a compelling recommendation over Play Dirty.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Robert Downey Jr.’s Breakthrough Performance in a Genre-Defying Film
Directed and written by Shane Black, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang follows Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.), a small-time New York thief who botches a robbery and escapes into an acting class to hide from police. His quick thinking fools the casting director into believing he is a committed actor, earning him an invitation to a Hollywood screen test.
Set during the Christmas season in the Hollywood Hills, Harry encounters childhood sweetheart Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan), reigniting their romantic connection. The story gains complexity when Harry partners with Gay Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer), a sharp-witted private investigator whose constant jabs at Harry provide some of the film’s funniest moments. Together, they navigate a tangled murder mystery filled with unexpected twists that keep viewers engaged.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang brilliantly combines elements of dark comedy, action, romance, and neo-noir detective storytelling, showcasing Shane Black’s skill at blending genres. The film’s unpredictable plot and dynamic character interactions illustrate why it remains a standout in Black’s career. In contrast, Play Dirty’s lackluster adaptation fails to evoke the same excitement or ingenuity.
Dynamic Duo: The Unforgettable Chemistry Between Downey Jr. and Kilmer
Premiering in November 2005, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is widely regarded as one of Shane Black’s finest films, rivaled only by The Nice Guys in the buddy comedy-action sphere. It also marks a significant milestone in Robert Downey Jr.’s career, being his favorite film among his works and arguably leading to his iconic casting as Tony Stark in Iron Man three years later.
The vibrant rapport between Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer electrifies the film, with their rapid-fire, witty exchanges feeling effortless and spontaneous. Their on-screen friendship translates into some of the most memorable buddy character dynamics Black has ever created. This chemistry was rooted in real life; Downey Jr. and Kilmer first met at a Hollywood party, and shortly thereafter, Kilmer received the script and agreed to join the project even before reading it fully. Learning that Downey Jr. was recovering from substance abuse during filming, Kilmer committed to abstain from alcohol and drugs while working with him. This dedication behind the scenes helped forge the authentic connection audiences experience on screen.
Kilmer’s contribution extends beyond his performance—he suggested the film’s title, inspired by famed critic Pauline Kael’s 1968 book, highlighting his creative involvement. Their memorable interplay blends perfectly with the film’s mix of humor, tension, and emotional stakes. Among Shane Black’s many iconic buddy characters—like Murtaugh and Riggs in Lethal Weapon or March and Healy in The Nice Guys—the dynamic between Harry Lockhart and Perry van Shrike remains a high point.
While Play Dirty struggles to capture such energy, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang remains a defining work available to stream and rent, offering an engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. The film can be rented on Prime Video in HD for $3.79 or on Apple TV for $3.99, whereas Play Dirty streams exclusively on Prime Video.
Main Cast of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Robert Downey Jr. portrays Harry Lockhart, whose comedic yet gritty performance anchors the film. Val Kilmer plays Gay Perry van Shrike, delivering a sharp and witty private investigator role. Michelle Monaghan shines as Harmony Faith Lane, Harry’s childhood love interest, adding emotional depth and romance to the story. Supporting performances include Corbin Bernsen and others who contribute to the film’s layered mystery and action.
