Modern crime-noir with flair -- elegantly expressed and entertaining

Rating: 8/10 (30 July 2006)

Knowing literally nothing about the graphic novels by Frank Miller, I marveled at the glorious cast list on Sin City's IMDb page for so long before I finally saw the film. I used to check back every week just to see what hot new star they would add to the credits while it was in production. The only thing I did know was that a film starring Mickey Rourke, Michael Madsen and Rutger Hauer and that was being partially directed by Quentin Tarantino was going to be well worth checking out when it hit cinemas. Seeing the trailer later on, and the famous 'The Customer is Always Right' scene, the style took me by complete surprise and I realised this was not your run-of-the-mill crime thriller -- but something extra.
Sin City combines Blade Runner film noir with... nothing I've ever seen before! It can perhaps only be described as cartoon- or video game visuals, and it glazes this with a lush violence coating and stylish gore effects. This is crucial for the tough, gritty Basin City and its many plots that all depend on its dark style to function. There is not a whole lot beneath the surface if you scratch it, or rather there is but Sin City features so many story lines and characters that it simply has no time to explore all events and people in the plot, and it ends up feeling occasionally both shallow and rushed. It almost falls victim to the grievous cinematic sin.. 'style over substance' but it just about makes it, I think.
After a decade-long (or more) cinematic rut, Mickey Rourke is back in black as gasoline-chugging tobacco addict Marv and he plays this badass character superbly. The other actors do not disappoint either, but blend into their eccentric and freaky comic-book characters, creating an enjoyable mess--a freakshow. Alexis Bledel, Brittany Murhpy and Jessica Alba however, should never be allowed to work in films again because their acting actually wounds me. Although they drag Sin City down with their mere presence, this modern crime noir is still worth watching for its striking style.
8/10