Not without its faults, but generally a solid piece of Modern Cinema

Rating: 7/10 (29 May 2005)

A tempting collaboration between comic author Frank Miller, movie whiz kid Robert Rodruiguez and everyone's favorite eccentric Quentin Tarantino binds CGI and good live performances well. Produced in much the same way as Rodruiguez's other recent efforts, the filming was confined to a Green Screen sound stage and the backgrounds added in post production. This process seems to get better with every film, though I would not say that any of these cyber-movies have surpassed "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" in their mixing of CGI and actors.
Sin City is a movie aimed at adults, but only specific audiences. Fans of either the comic series or gritty crime dramas will enjoy the film, but all others may walk away disappointed. The Bruce Willis/Michael Madsen segments of the film are typically Tarantino - the first portion of this segment is easily the best. The picture is divided into mini-movies, each with their own casts led by a name actor. The best of these is easily the Clive Owen segment, in which he helps a group of inner-city hookers defend themselves against thugs. Owen's good acting overcomes his slightly unconvincing American acting, and the segment passes through nicely.
The film has its flaws, the Mickey Rourke segment for instance is at best tedious. Rourke seems suited to the roll, but the secondary characters and the plot of the segment don't really 'work'. Some of the plot points are boring and unnecessary and some of the sequences are so dark that they are simply not enjoyable. Small roles by Josh Hartnett and Michael Clarke Duncan add nothing to the film, Hartnett's part is especially silly and was obviously shot over one day or so.
The best performance of the film comes from Bruce Willis, who is totally convincing as an aging cop. The on screen relationship between Willis and Jessica Alba are excellent, evidently displaying acting talent from the young actress and a return to form for Willis. Mickey Rourke is fine as Marv, perhaps only Rourke can play such a disgusting character who, despite being the hero, is revolted by the viewer. Elijah Wood does what it says on the tin as a demented serial killer, but the segment he appears in is far to vague. The random introductions of characters does not help and the story plod along.
Overall, Sin City is a solid movie, ideal viewing for fans of the genre. But one thing constantly annoyed me whilst watching the film; I got so bored with gun shots and punches to the jaw that I was about ready to administer one on myself! I feel their was a slight overuse of weapons in the film - but I suppose that would be expected. This is possibly the closest Comic Book conversion in movie history, and fans of the originals will obviously love this. Be careful, you will either love this film or be disappointed by it. I myself loved it, but pointed out the flaws for the purpose of reviewing it.
My rating is 7/10 - See it but be warned!