Hardcore Film Noir

Rating: 10/10 (5 April 2005)

When I saw the previews for this film I knew already that this film was going to be unique and distinct from the other films released this year. I was right.
The film combines 1940s film noir with Tarantino-type story-telling (which is appropriate, since he is a guest director). The beginning is a little slow, and I found the dialogue between Willis' and Madsen's characters the only shortfall. After that, it all went furiously uphill.
Car chases, gun fights, blood-splatter, even the age-old toilet dunking bit appear picturesque and sublime in black and white "graphic" film(with a few occurrences of color here and there).
This is an incredible film, with an intoxicating story, wicked humor and genuine talent from the cast (even Jessica Alba shines).