Here’s a bold statement: Just because a movie climbs the ranks on a streaming platform doesn’t mean it’s worth your precious time. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Netflix’s latest top 10 includes the 2025 mystery-comedy Honey Don’t, I’m here to tell you it’s a skip. Instead, I’ve unearthed a 20-year-old gem that blows it out of the water. Welcome to Watch This, Not That, where I sift through the streaming noise to save you from duds and guide you to the good stuff.
Let’s face it: Honey Don’t is the kind of film that looks great on paper but falls flat in execution. With a weak 45% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a neo-noir dark comedy that promises intrigue but delivers chaos. Margaret Qualley stars as a small-town private investigator in Bakersfield, California, who stumbles into a cult-related mystery. Sounds compelling, right? And this is the part most people miss—despite its stylish visuals, the plot is a mess, and the humor feels inconsistent. It’s a prime example of style over substance.
Now, let’s talk about the alternative: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a 2005 neo-noir comedy-thriller that’s aged like fine wine. Directed by Shane Black (yes, the mind behind Iron Man 3 and The Nice Guys), this film takes the same genre elements as Honey Don’t but executes them with wit, charm, and razor-sharp pacing. Robert Downey Jr. plays Harry Lockhart, a small-time crook who lands in Hollywood for a screen test, only to get entangled in a real-life murder mystery alongside private investigator Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer).
Here’s the controversial part: While Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is often labeled a “Christmas movie in disguise,” its festive touches are purely decorative. What truly shines is its quirky characters, clever dialogue, and self-aware humor. It’s a cult classic that elevates itself from B-grade silliness to must-watch territory. Sure, it’s not available on streaming—you’ll have to buy or rent it—but trust me, it’s worth the effort. Unlike Honey Don’t, this film knows exactly what it is and delivers it flawlessly.
So, here’s my challenge to you: Skip the Netflix hype and give Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a chance. Is it worth the small price to rent? Absolutely. But I want to hear from you—do you agree that older films like this still outshine today’s releases? Or do you think Honey Don’t deserves more credit than I’m giving it? Let’s debate in the comments!
