Sin City: A Dame to Kill For [film review]

STORY 2.5/5

WRITING 2/5

ACTING 3/5

MUSIC 3/5

CINEMATOGRAPHY 3.5/5

     The first Sin City film is widely viewed as one of the best tributes to the comic book format. The visuals are some of the most celebrated and adored of the genre. The black-and-white with the seldom emphasis (the meaning of which I have still not deciphered) on certain flashy elements is both eye-catching and uniquely entertaining. 

     Robert Rodriguez now follows up that critical success with a similarly colored, similarly gory, sexy and unrealistic graphic novel adaptation, now with some new characters, some new cast members portraying old characters, and several new stories. Unfortunately, the critics are right here: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For does not match the impact and memorableness of the predecessor. 

     Though the cast is absolutely spectacular (specifically Joseph Gordon Levitt, who fits into the town with terrific charisma and style), the stories are tired, uninteresting and too similar to those of the previous film. It crosses the line from reference into imitation/copying. Many lines from the previous film are repeated, specifically those spoken by Rourke's character. The invincibility of the Roarks becomes boringly repetitive, and despite the unrealistic violence and all-too-common dismembering, it's all so very tiresome.

     I was really looking forward to this film. I was hoping for a continuation of the previous stories, rather than unrelated stories, prequels, and unnecessary uninteresting follow-ups. Levitt's story is easily the most intriguing, but it does not make up for what is lacking. 

So, I'm just getting back in the rhythm of reviewing again. I've now left Letterboxd, and thus have given up on No-Rewatch November, and am rewatching to my heart's delight. I'll begin reviewing films more soon, and they'll all be posted on here and none will be posted on Letterboxd.