Disc Reviews

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For Blu-ray Review

9th Dec 2014

In this belated sequel/prequel to Robert Rodriguez’s 2005 cult classic there are three main story strands – the titular story takes up the bulk of the film but only after the other segments have had their initial set up and introduction.

Those being Joseph Gordon Levitt’s lucky gambler and the wrapping up the story of Nancy Callahan from the first movie. Returning stars include Bruce Willis and Mickey Rourke add weight to the film – Rourke once again delivery a lot of the blood lust and violent kills.

But there has also been some recasting. Sadly Clive Owen has not returned as Dwight – instead Josh Brolin steps into the fold. This works for the initial part of his story as he is meant to look different, but a shame they couldn’t rope in Owen for the second half of the film as it simply looks just looks bizarre.

The plot of A Dame To Kill For though is fairly straight forward with Eva Green stepping into the fold as the titular Dame. Never one to shy away from adult material, Green shines in the role opposite Brolin.

Gordon-Levitt’s role is an interesting addition to the world of Sin City and plays out well. The only plot to suffer really is the hashed out epilogue to Nancy Callahan’s story. It seems rather rushed and lose any tension that should have mounted with a very unsatisfying finale showdown with the man she seeks retribution against. It’s a shame to end on such a note, but it isn’t enough to tarnish the film’s experience overall. Sin City 2 is still full of dark delights.

The style of the film is still impressive despite the fact that it took a whole 9 years to come about. The thirst for what was done back in 2005 has been waned over the years, but Sin City 2 still provides plenty of stylish action, wonderful performances of atrocious characters and a resolution to anything that may have been left hanging from before.

There are a few production featurettes on the disc: A short analysis of a few of the main characters, a look at the stunts (a particular stunt man in question) and Greg Nicotero’s prosthetic work on the film. The main extra is a lengthy featurette which is a bizarre mix of a Q&A with the director/writers and main cast as well as talking head footage intercut with behind the scenes action as well as clips from the film.

There is enough here to get what the film makers intended, but nothing too in depth.