Movie review: Sin city: a dame to kill for

The Sin City inhabitants are back as Robert Rodriguez continues to explore the Frank Miller series in this set of stories. Neither prequel nor sequel, this edition follows Dwight as he struggles with love and betrayal, a gambler named Johnny as he pushes the limits, Marv of course, and others as their twisted lives connect in Sin City.

Mickey Rourke (Marv), Jessica Alba (Nancy), Josh Brolin (Dwight), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Johnny), Rosario Dawson (Gail), Bruce Willis (Hartigan), Eva Green (Ava), Powers Boothe (Sen. Roark), Ray Liotta (Joey), Christopher Meloni (Mort), Christopher Lloyd (Kroenig), Jeremy Piven (Bob), Lady Gaga (Bertha).

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is another set of stories from the Frank Miller series, as interpreted by Robert Rodriguez. This edition doesn't quite have the energy of the original, or the edginess. Character development and story setup are a bit sparse, leaving those not intimate with the series with some questions. Once things get moving the pace is good with nice action and variety. As usual, some great lines but with less humor this time around.

Acting was good as expected with Rourke actually feeling a bit softer this time around. Brolin was an interesting addition and while he brought the necessary dark broodiness, he lacked substantial energy. Alba and Levitt were enjoyable additions with nice delivery. Boothe did well with his part, fitting the film nicely. The remainder of the supporting cast did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds remain interesting and well done with extensive CGI throughout this film noir. Action was par for the course with a lot of animated violence and blood splatters. Dialogue was good but again, failed to incorporate some of the humor seen in the first film making this one feel much darker. Sound and soundtrack were enjoyable.

Overall fans of the original should enjoy Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, though probably not as much. This one felt a bit softened and die-hard fans may be a little disappointed.

With plenty of nudity, sexuality, and violence save this for mature teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 1.17.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action Thrillers, Crime Dramas, Comic Books and Superheroes, Crime Thrillers, Film Noir

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel

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