lystn

New episode out now! We watched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, the 2005 black comedy from Shane Black, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. We talk about the modernization of 1940’s noir tropes and how the film both parodies and utilizes them, pick apart the astounding 2000s of it all via the weird misogyny and homophobia, touch on the theme of abuse fathers running throughout, and compare both main characters to Maddy’s favorite detective, Philip Marlowe. We discuss the use of narration and fourth wall breaking in films, love the clever quippiness of the dialogue, and are a bit surprised by the number of both guns and deaths in the film. We also realize none of us really understood the whole plot but decide that doesn't matter as the movie was fun regardless. Katy was influenced by Empire magazine yet again, Carrie drops some quick book knowledge, Maddy shares a “deeply scarring” interaction, and Mack creates an interesting list. We also guess things about Val Kilmer, talk about how we deal with getting older, learn facts about director Shane Black, and discover that different platforms have different subtitles. Listen to hear more about biblical undergarments, favorite Batmans, Psych, and more!  And if you have any creative yet profane Lord of the Rings names, let us know! Enjoy!

TW: Misogyny, homophobia, drugs, incest, sexual abuse of a child, severing of a finger