Definitely worthwhile

Rating: 8/10 (1 April 2005)

It's unusual to see a movie in black and white with occasional color, not unlike "Pleasentville". The movie is a pleasant retreat back to the old 'noire' stories and movies of decades past, but in more of a modern setting. You don't have to be a huge fan of the Frank Miller original stories to enjoy the movie, but admittedly it doesn't hurt. It truly is like finding a totally different world to lose yourself in. As the rating says, you need to prepare yourself for several different levels of violence, but, the black and white appearance of the movie allows for it by cutting down unneeded sensationalism's's of 'blood for the sake of blood.' The stories are good, and the acting of the ensemble very good. People who go to the movie to see 'Frodo', for example, will have a big surprise coming. This role is an excellent counterpoint to the Ring movies for Elijah Wood.He may not have to worry as much about typecasting after this. Overall, not best picture material, but, as it should be, simply enjoyable.It's difficult to find movies to compare this to, without going back to the old Alan Ladd movies of the thirties or so, and even then, what happens in this story couldn't be done then.