Welcome to Basin City...

Rating: 10/10 (14 June 2005)

Having been a fan of the Miller era, I often found myself wondering what the fleshing out of the characters would look like on the big screen. And Rodriguez does every imaginative angle, every stitch and threads so much justice I'd swear he was reading my mind. From the blood drinking gladiator Marv, played by the reclusive Mickey Rourke who not since Rumble Fish, has ever held my attention for more than a second. The moment that cinder block of a man hits the screen you're impressed, and dare I say, a little attracted. This is the man every guy dreams of becoming. From Bogart in the "Maltese Falcon", to Charles Bronson in "Death Wish" nothing ever came as close to portraying the hardest man alive than when Rourke became the one-man killing machine of Marv. His brooding presence's lights up the screen in a way no one else does in the entire movie. And every line he delivers is worth every bloody red cent this movie made him.
Then we have Hartigan played by the ever awe inspiring Bruce Willis. For years his John McClane has been his trump card. Well Hartigan is the grown up version of McClane. A tired worn out cop who does what he does not because He likes itbut because he knows it's the right thing to do. As the urban Lancelot he walks the line, but draws his own. Never have I seen so much depth in Bruce then when he plays the beaten out cop. Every moment of his down fall, every moment he shows his sincerity; every moment he unleashes a battling fury of vengeance you see it, as it would have happened. Bruce does such a magnificent job of capturing that Old rundown caddy that just wont call it quit's. From the opening sequence to the roll of the credits Willis brings back all those Cagney tough guys back on screen.
Then we have Clive Owen. Playing the quieter version of Marv. He's the tough pretty boy who can fight just as good as he looks. His scenes with Del Toro replace all those Travolta and Jackson scenes in Pulp fiction. The chemistry between the two actors is such a thrill to see played out on the big screen, that by the time the actors call it in for the day, your screaming for more. He's the quite reserved introvert in back of the bar trying to keep his nose cleanbut some how trouble always hits him like a grand piano dropped from eight stories up. Dwight is the Nobel knight taking the swing from the green Knights Axesimply because he said he would.
The women are nothing short of impressive either. Rosario Dawson does something I never thought capable. She impressed me. She does magnificent as the Amazon queen of old town Gail. The scantly clad enchantress brings back that old high school kid blush, when you see you favorite teacher show a little skin. With such a powerhouse cast, she does a terrific job holding her own. Her scenes with Owen are wonderfully delightful. Then we have miss Murphy. Who up until know has not at all show anyone her worthiness of acting. But the few minutes on screen she has are such a joy to watch. Carla Gugino is a goddess, and when she's on screen every man in the theater commits an act of adultery just by looking at her. Devon Aoki is a mischievous little Miho, and does such a mouth-watering performance as the deadliest assassin you wonder if Black Mamba from Kill bill could handle her. And last but certainly not least is Jaime King. Watching her with her classic Blonde hair and pretty sapphire eyes, you can't help but agree why "Men Prefer Blonde's". Every time she was on screen, it seemed as if the room got a bit more brighter.
Now we all know that a movie is only as good as it's bad guys. And what bad guys we have to choose from. Elijah Wood does a complete 180 from playing the docile and uncertain hobbit Frodo. To the karate chopping cannibalistic creep Kevin. That constant smile of his is enough to make you feel uneasy for the rest of your day. And when you see him get what he deserves, you still feel robbed of vengeance as he stares blankly at the camerasmilinglaughing at you. Then of course there is the man who is the pure personified sociopath perverted evil little son of a bitch known as the yellow bastard. This guy makes you feel like something is crawling inside you, digesting your organs into a thousand swirling little maggots. He IS that evil. And Nick Sthal should really get and academy award for this role. Then we have Jackie Boy. Played by Del Toro. I enjoyed his character almost as much as Marv's. The scene with him and Clive Owen in the car is about the most amazing piece of cinematic talent this side of the universe.
Sin city broke such new ground with film that even the violent nature of the movieand it is violentcould not rob away the fact that it is the most Visually stunning movie EVER. Everything about this movie is beautiful. Sin city takes off the gloves; this is NOT your Saturday morning cartoon heroes. This is brutal raw and edgy. It pulls no punches and pummels the viewer with the action and suspense of a freight train. It's a world where God is back to his Old Testament tricks, and the devil is Clark Gable in a pin stripe suit with a Stetson fedora and a dry martini in his right hand, offering you all the things your black heart desires. And when the smoke clears and the curtains drawnyou can't help but ask for the nearest confession booth.