Most accurate comic book adaptation of all time, but not the best comic book film ever

Rating: 9/10 (17 October 2005)

For decades and decades not a single comic book film has managed to perfectly translate the comic book into the big screen. Despite the fact that there have been some excellent comic book films like Batman, Spider-Man 2 and also Howard the Duck (just kidding) none of them successfully totally translated a specific comic book of a super hero into film. But, in 2005, it all changes when Sin City smashed into theaters and became a surprise worldwide hit. It is a surprise because it is one of the grittiest, most violent films in recent years, and it makes over 150 million dollars at the box office. This film by no means is the best of the movies based off of comic books, but it certainly is the best comic book adaptation ever done. Robert Rodriguez almost flawlessly transfers the graphic books and brings them to life in the big screen. As long as you love Sin City, this film is a must-see. But, if you never liked those books, then there really is little reason to ever consider viewing it.
Sin City takes us to a world in which corruption, greed, revenge, rage, and all aspects of the seven deadly sins rule. Rodriguez and Miller both introduce us to a couple of episodes of the graphic and popular comic. The first story is about a has-been cop who does whatever he can to protect an innocent girl from the clutches of a sick twisted pedophile. The second story revolves around an outcast misanthrope who is trying to avenge the death of a woman he slept with for one night, only to realize that is going to be tougher than previously thought. The last story is about an ex-photographer who is trying to protect a secluded area run by prostitutes from the corrupt cops and the mob. The film is presented Tarantino-style, with the plot(s) not exactly moving in chronological order, but it is not as confusing.
Few movies lately have had as much star power as this one. Ranging from veterans like Bruce Willis and Michael Madsen to rising stars like Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, and Devon Aoki, Sin City has a very well-rounded cast full of decent actors and actresses. Each person did their role very well, but the big surprise definitely comes from Elijah Wood. Wood destroys his persona as Frodo in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and does a swell job as the creepy, quiet, and deadly Kevin; a totally silent madman whose trademark is glasses that does not allow anyone to see his eyes. Be sure to watch for a small cameo by the creator of the comic book, Frank Miller.
The biggest problem with the film is that if one does not like the comic book at all, odds are the film will most certainly not be enjoyed. I was never a really big fan of Spider-Man, but I really do like the movies, because they are action-packed, humorous, and has a bit of emotion running throughout the film. Raimi put his touch to the Spider-man saga, just like Burton putting his touch on the Batman films. Rodriguez did nothing to enhance the film; he wanted frame by frame exactly the way it was envisioned in the grim comic books. While to many fans this is a great thing, to others whom never really cared about Sin City and wanted to see a Rodriguez film is not going to be too happy. This is the perfect adaptation, but it is not anything more than that.
Sin City on the technical side is done very well. The visuals sparkle and shine throughout the film, as a matter of fact this is one of the best-looking films in decades. The music is excellent like all Tarantino/Rodriguez flicks, the camera moves at a steady pace, the film is a comic book truly becoming alive. It is violent, seriously. This movie will leave your jaw on the ground and at times looking away from the screen or covering your eyes to not see all the carnage. This is much more violent than any film Tarantino has come out with, even Kill Bill vol. 1. Expect plenty of action and disturbing scenes throughout the entire film, even though there is a lining of humor and drama blended in as well. But, like mentioned before, aside from the choppy-yet-effective editing, the cinematography, and also the visual effects, this is Miller's film and nobody else's. Nobody is adding anything extra to Sin City; it is almost word-for-word, page-for-page the comic book from beginning to end. You are whether going to love it, or hate it.
Bottom Line: Props to Rodriguez for showing Hollywood how to successfully take a book, comic book or whatnot, and translate it to film without taking anything away from the original creation. Casting was very good, the direction of Rodriguez is unique enough for this film to work, and visually this is one of the better films out there. But if you do not like the cast of Sin City or what goes on in it, skip this movie, because what you see in the books is exactly what you are going to get. I was never a fan of the ultra-violent stories, but nonetheless did get somewhat a kick out of this movie. As long as Sin City 2 follows the same formula, the regular fans will have no trouble accepting a sequel, but it will be tough to bring in any new fans to the world where sin rules everything. Sin City: Don't expect Desperado, don't expect Kill Bill, expect a true-blue (er, true-black and white) comic book adaptation.