Competently directed with high octane thrills

Rating: 7/10 (12 May 2011)

*** out of (****)
Dismemberment. Incest. Grit. "Sin City" is a completely unadulterated production that's as slick and mouth watery as you can get, thanks to its hip direction and its mere complexity. It's unapologetic, but that's what makes the ride more fun. The best part of "Sin City" is that it's a whole beast of its own. It has all the requirements to being a solid film, acting, story, and direction wise. But it plays tribute to film noir, graphic novel adaptations, and most significantly, it's just ingenious. However, how far can ingenious get you without pretension seeping through the cracks? "Sin City" is a ride that must be taken, but it isn't without its self-awareness, and that alone, is the reason why it's imperfect. Still, for a film of this nature, self-awareness is not what you should be looking for.
First, and for most, the performances are just top notch. Everyone hear brings a worthy performance to the table. Also, I like the variation in character dispositions. You have characters who can be snarky and snooty, ones with bells and whistles, and others who blur the line between good and evil. Moreover, the plot is a well constructed one. I had to revisit the film to pick up on some information I couldn't quite pick up on the first round. To put the cherry on the top, the cinematography is just sick. The clear showcasing of juxtaposition in color is simply awe-inspiring.
While "Sin City" is quite the adrenaline rush, one should be aware of its harsh nature. Ears blown off, shoot outs, decapitations, and the good 'ol red fluids streaming down. Let's also not forget the occasional T&A, and the film's heavy pedophilic undertones. Not to mention, if you're not one for psychological challenges, this is a probably an outing you should skip.
"Sin City" is not perfect. But that's part of the fun. With so much blood, sweat, and tears put in this project, I don't mind a few scruff marks. The plot is invigorating, the direction is slick, and the movie is just balls-to-the-wall fun. Competently directed with high octane thrills, "Sin City" is a winner. Rodriguez, make "Sin City 2" alright. Go on, I'll wait.