Robert Rodriguez does it again: his way

Rating: 9/10 (4 April 2005)

It's become a broken record of late, but Robert Rodriguez is one of the more intriguing film makers in Hollywood. His pizazz and style have simply transcended the rest of the pack and he has made every one of his films an experiment in film making. Just look at Sin City.
Even with completely digital backdrops (something he did in Spy Kids 3) he managed to create an environment that seemed real, and only the most nit-picky person could see the inconsistencies. He also strung together a series of great stories and combined them into one experience that never lacks in punch or pacing. And to do it all with a solid list of ensemble actors and A-List All-Stars makes it even more incredible to watch.
What was especially interesting was the risks Rodriguez took to make this film. Digital backdrops, dropping out of the Director's Guild, going up against countless fans who questioned the idea of making this film, using a large cast, and staying true to the power and brutality of the comics even when he could have sold out and made it a PG-13 film.
Even the actors took risks. Who would have thought Elijah Wood could pull off his role as a sadist, or the two minutes of risqué screen time for Carla Gugino (who caught my attention much in the same vein of Snake Eyes). Alexis Bledel escaping her Gilmore Girls shtick to play a two-faced hooker. Heck, anyone that is still weary of Mickey Rourke could probably put their fears to rest after this movie.
There isn't much to say against this film, but I do wish Rodriguez had taken it to the extreme and just leave the movie in black and white. But who knows, when we've had the time to analyze and dissect this film, it won't even be noticed.