A fascinating mix of pure brilliance and absolute mediocrity

Rating: 8/10 (3 April 2005)

I have not read Frank Miller's "graphic novels", though after seeing Sin City it is obvious that Robert Rodriguez used Miller's frames as a verbatim story board. The result is mixed. I understand that the dialog is supposed to be cheesy and noirish to go with the brilliant visuals, but at times the whole thing was just way too over the top for my tastes. Never have I seen a more gory film, though the presentation is so unique that the disgust level is minimal. Mickey Rourke's performance is Oscar worthy. Jessica Alba's performance is not Oscar worthy, but one that no male will forget soon. It is nowhere near a classic, but a fascinating experiment definitely worth seeing.