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| Movie Review: Sin City Alternate Title: Sin is in the Eye of the Beholder
Story: Cut to the chase (and
there were many chases) I loved this film. It was bold, fun, visually
intoxicating and just plain great entertainment. Director Robert
Rodriguez resigned his membership from the Director's Guild
over their refusal to give graphic novelist (that's a comic book to
people over a certain age) Frank Miller a co-director's
credit. Miller's book and stylish contribution to the aesthetic of this
film is undeniable. While the Hollywood types bicker over this stuff
we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Three stories about sin and sinners are interwoven and depicted in
a noirish world filled with people you would most likely not like to
have over to dinner. They include murderers, thugs, crooked politicians,
bad priests, hookers, lowlife cops and an ensemble gallery of rogues
and ne'er-do-wells to say the least. In Sin City, it is always night and is brilliantly filmed
in black and white with an occasional flash of inspired color used as
emphasis or highlights. There is lots more style than substance - but
oh, the style.The film jumps out at you like a story board complete
with shadows, high contrast, terrific use of negative space and over
the top perfect exaggeration. If you are looking for something different and very entertaining get
yourself to see Sin City soon. Acting: Kudos all around. In no particular order
the following actors were great. Mickey Rourke (unrecognizable)
is perfect as the revenge seeking, Marv. Clive Owen
as Dwight, the protector of the love of his life, who is a hooker always
hits his mark. Most of you know how I feel about Bruce Willis
(see Soapbox category below)) and his role in this film is
the weakest but the film is so good, I didn't care. Benicio
Del Toro is also totally unrecognizable and terrific as Rafferty,
one of the rogue cops. And a high five to all of the beautiful babes
including Rosario Dawson and Jessica Alba.
Predilection: None. I actually did not think I would
like this film. Go figure?
Critters: Thankfully, none.
Food: No time to eat in Sin City - too much sinning
going on.
Blatant Product Placement: Cadillac, Porsche and
some other cars (I am not good at recognizing cars, forgive me).
Soundtrack: Great
Opening Titles: Graphically perfect and really sets
the scene up well.
Visual Art: Brilliant
Theater Audience: A bunch of very satisfied customers.
Sappy Factor: Ha!
Quirky Meter: 4
Squirm Scale: Some of the violence is squirmy.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Soap Box: Bruce Willis was awarded
one of France's highest cultural this past week. He is now
an officer in the Order of Arts and Letters. Upon awarding
Willis the medal it was said that he symbolized the power of U.S.
cinema and the mythical proportions of its
characters. Aurgh! (Put this into the you've got to be kidding file).
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen is a must.
Length: Atad over two hours (with credits).
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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