A real comic book of a movie

Rating: 7/10 (4 April 2006)

SIN CITY is a living, breathing comic book of a movie, not surprising since it is an adaptation of a graphic novel by former BATMAN writer Frank Miller. The production values are some of the best I have ever seen, combining live actors with CGI and matte sets to create a near-flawless visual experience. What the episodic movie lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in some terrific acting and great gobs of graphic gore, nudity and violence -- the last three being some of my favorite things. The only thing missing was a decent sex scene. In the first story, Bruce Willis shines as a -- what else? -- grizzled, older cop trying to stop a child killer. In the second story, Mickey Rourke plays an over-the-top quasi-superhero with a fright mask for a face (shades of real life!) up against a veritable army of goons who are killing prostitutes. Clive Owen and Benicio Del Toro costar in the third and final episode, which is about two quarreling guys and a gal -- well, actually, make that gals, lots of gals, and all of them great looking. Touches of BLADE RUNNER, KILL BILL, PULP FICTION and BATMAN can be felt throughout. SIN CITY is aimed primarily at a young and hip crowd familiar with today's stylized comic books. All others, beware. You won't be seeing this on regular TV anytime soon.