Sin City (2005)

Comment:
I don't know the original comic version, but I can say the director has translated the comic into moving picture sooo.... perfectly! It's like I read the comic instead of watching the horror movie. Incredible. However the touch of guest director Quentin Tarantino is very dominant. Spliting the movie into three parts, just bring me deja-vu of Pulp Fiction.
Review: As far as comic adaptations go, Sin City is an unprecedented book-to-screen translation that's locked, loaded, and rip-roaring ready to introduce movie audiences to the mad genius that is Frank Miller. By meticulously re-creating the acclaimed comic creator's most personal work, co-director Robert Rodriguez has given Miller's creation the chance to live and breathe using the exact hard-nosed dialogue and iconic camera shots from the acclaimed graphic novels. The end result is a mad brushstroke of digital filmmaking that is risqué enough to be considered bold, while palatable enough for exploitive entertainment purposes. It remains to be seen what the unprepared masses will think of Sin City -- in fact, there couldn't be a better, more PC time for the flick to hit. Basically a slap in the face to neo-conservative ideals, the film is so full of gleeful graphic violence and raw, steaming sexuality that there's sure to be some kind of backlash somewhere. The cast is a knockout, with major kudos going to Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, and even a smaller, supporting appearance by Rutger Hauer as they fulfill their inspired casting choices and take delicious delight in this world of corruption and sleaze. The stark black-and-white visuals are the real star here though, merging film noir sensibilities and dynamic comic panel storytelling with the help of a heap-load of computer graphics and inventive filmmaking to create something that's new, raw, and refreshing. Additionally, the direct translation is both exciting and a bit jarring, lending an unusual pace that you don't see in modern cinema; just as the gusto violence will turn off many and probably create more cynics in the critical circles, so too will the film continue to polarize its viewers due to its experimental nature. Comparisons will no doubt be drawn between the page and screen for years to come, which might hurt the film simply because it is an adaptation and no matter how direct a translation it is, there's bound to be things that are lost in the process. Still, after years of being jerked around in Hollywood, Miller is finally given the tools to strut his stuff on the big screen and, love it or leave it, perfect or not, that's exactly what Sin City is. -- Jeremy Wheeler
Synopsis:
The Eisner Award-winning comic series Sin City comes to life in this live-action feature adaptation from director Robert Rodriguez and creator Frank Miller. Interweaving multiple storylines from the series' history, this violent crime noir paints the picture of the ultimate town without pity through the eyes of its roughest characters. There's the street thug Marv (Mickey Rourke), whose desperate quest to find the killer of a prostitute named Goldie (Jaime King) will lead him to the foulest edges of town. Inhabiting many of those areas is Dwight (Clive Owen), a photographer in league with the sordid ladies of Sin City, headed by Gail (Rosario Dawson), who opens up a mess of trouble after tangling with a corrupt cop by the name of Jackie Boy (Benicio Del Toro). Finally, there's Hartigan (Bruce Willis), an ex-cop with a heart problem who's hell-bent on protecting a stripper named Nancy (Jessica Alba). Featuring a who's who supporting cast that includes Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Devon Aoki, and Nick Stahl, Sin City promises to be one of the most direct translations from page to screen of a comic series, with shots and dialogue adapted straight from the original comic's panels. Rodriguez quit the Director's Guild when they refused to let Frank Miller co-direct the film, a deal hashed out after the two collaborators developed and shot the opening scene utilizing a green-screen process to harness the stark, black-and-white look of the books as a litmus test for the rest of the production. Quentin Tarantino was brought in and reportedly paid one dollar to direct an extended scene between Del Toro and Owen that amounts to one issue of The Big Fat Kill miniseries. -- Jeremy Wheeler

Ferpect Crime (2004)

Review:
aka Crimen ferpecto (yes it's Spanish movie) I've seen many black comedy movies such as Heart Breaker, Good Girl, etc. But so far only ONE that kept in my mind, it is A Fish Called Wanda ... until I watch this movie. I must say, this movie is much better (or should I say "not comparable") than normal Hollywood movies. It's about MACHO world.. it's ferPect but not Perfect yet!
Below is review from James Mc Nelly A wickedly funny and original black comedy/thriller I saw this film at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival. I knew I was going to enjoy this film from the moment a large rumpled man in a Misfits t-shirt lumbered onto the stage to introduce himself. "Hola, amigos. The person who is supposed to introduce me is not here. I am here but she is not here. She is in the bathroom." Director Álex de la Iglesia had us laughing even before the first frame of his film. While admitting that Ferpect Crime was just about the worst title for a film ever, he told us that this film was about a man who was so obsessed with living a perfect life that it was bound to cause problems. It's no surprise to learn that the director has a degree in philosophy. Rafael works as a salesman in the ladies' wear section of an upscale department store. He's very popular at work, especially with the ladies, and he's very very good at his job. So good, in fact, that he considers himself a lock for the position of floor manager. But after losing the promotion to his hated rival Don Antonio, things take a turn for the worse and pretty soon Rafael has a dead body on his hands. His only help comes from the one woman he hasn't already bedded, the unattractive Lourdes. Before long, Lourdes has Rafael wrapped around her finger and his life is far from the model of perfection he has always pursued. As the plot thickens, the comedy becomes much darker and the film almost turns into a thriller. There is also a strong element of satire, making this much more substantial than the laughs would indicate. The conclusion ("lesson" seems too strong a word here) is that it's only after we give up our unrealistic expectations of living a perfect life that we can really begin to live at all. But if that's too heavy for you, then go just to see the scene where Rafael goes to meet Lourdes' parents. This film makes me want to see every other film by this warm and wickedly funny director.
Synopsis:
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In Good Company (2004)

Well it's not so special story plot here. But hey, it portrays our daily life here, isn't it? I mean, for those who still live in E-quadrant and think that your job is a comfort safety zone, then this movie is a satire for you. Though, don't take it too hard...at least get a good laugh before return to your real life :-)

My Rating: 7/10 Recomended

Below is another great review from Eliason A

Leftovers never tasted any better

With 2004 behind us, theatres will fill up space with leftover '04 films until the new 2005's push them out of the way. But with In Good Company, it is solely counted as a 2004 only because NY and LA got to see it two days before the New Year. Now what the hell were they smoking when they thought of that? With the quality delivered in In Good Company, it's a shame it can't be considered as an '05 because it would have started the year off pretty damn greatly. In Good Company is one of the most pleasant surprises of 2004.

From the director of American Pie, Down to Earth, and About A Boy (sounds like a pretty bad track record so far), comes In Good Company. Written and directed by Paul Weitz, In Good Company is a realistic story set in today's business, corporate world. It's a mature, feel good film filled with comedy, drama, and much business shown in corporate offices, companies, etc. This film is mature as in the humor. It's not adult, it's jokes people over 30 or 40 would enjoy the most because the film's angle is aimed at older audiences so it would appeal to them. It's for appeal so older couples or any mature person could enjoy. For example, I went to see it tonight (January 15, 2005); it was sold out and there were 5 people tops under 20. All of the others went for Elektra...

The film is grazed with an amazing cast. The casting is perfect with Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Scarlett Johansson, Marg Helgenberger (CSI) and more. What makes the film amazing is the "odd couple effect" established with Quaid and Topher Grace. Dennis Quaid has had a sensational 2004 with The Alamo, The Day After Tomorrow, Flight of the Phoenix, and now Company. Meanwhile, That 70's Show star Topher Grace is well known to his fans yet wasn't known to the rest of the world before Company. With his breakthrough performance in Company, Topher Grace now has his name known yet a lot of his fans can't stop thinking it's Eric Foreman on screen.

Dan Foreman (Quaid) has been in the ads and sales business for "Sports America" (Sports Illustrated I guess...), a popular sports magazine, for 25 years. When the company's owner takes an irresponsible spending spree (or whatever the movie calls it), a new, greedier, corporation buys out the company and Dan worries about him and his employees' future. As the film starts out slow, his world is described. Next thing Dan knows, he's working for a 26-year-old businessman named Carter Duryea (Topher Grace) as he loses his job as boss. When Carter starts to sink down with his new attention, he divorces his wife (Selma Blair), and buys a brand spanking new Porsche, which gets strongly dented as he pulls out of the dealership's driveway. Dan starts to sink as well as he got demoted and his fiery, redheaded wife (Helgenberger) gets a very late pregnancy. As they interchange with each other at work, they start to get to know more about each other as Carter is lonely and wants a family like Dan's. (Think of Frank Grimes and his envy for Homer). Then Carter secretly starts a relationship with Dan's oldest daughter, Alex (Scarlett Johansson) and when they are revealed, Dan reaches his breaking point.

(What a coincidence as I write this review, Topher Grace is starring in this weekend's Saturday Night Live)

Dennis Quaid surprisingly does an amazing job as Dan. I knew he'd be good but I didn't think he'd play this character so damn well. Topher Grace is another story. With this breakthrough performance, I'm sure many will believe that Topher as potential in major films in the near future. Marg Helgenberger brings a delightful, fiery zing needed for the film and Scarlett Johansson is not only eye candy but does a great performance, and I mean great. Smaller other roles from actors like David Paymer (one of Dan's oldest friends and employees), Clark Gregg (the "bad guy" if you will), and Philip Baker Hall (the owner of a sister company of Sports America) bring hearty, older comedy to the film.

Paul Weitz now has 4 films under his cap. In Good Company is the one that definitely stands out. His direction seems perfect throughout and his screenplay is one of the most original of 2004, in my opinion. Kudos to him as his hard work is shown in IGC. There's one funny editing mistake in the film too. During an intimate scene between Carter and Alex, a microphone dangles down to break the sexual atmosphere as my whole theatre burst into major laughter. As some explained on the message board though, it was probably a projecting error in my theatre.

Overall, In Good Company is the comedy/drama version of The Bourne Supremacy this year. It's a film for older audiences or people mature enough, as it is not kid-licious material that can be appreciated by all. It depicts the corporate world filled with greedy bastards, hardships, and synergies. The performances are top-notch as Dennis Quaid is at his best and Topher Grace finally breaks through. Weitz' calm, funny direction makes the film easy to get into and has a very comfortable atmosphere and the screenplay is superb.

However, the ending is pro-longed as it has originality, yet it isn't original enough. The movie is predictable but enjoyable that way. I strongly recommend IGC to many adults and people under 18 mature enough to absorb the story. In Good Company is a very enjoyable film and is a great way to put most of 2004 behind us. As we all know, it's Mr. Oscar's job to conclude a year.

My Rating: 8.5/10 (A Low 8.5)
Eliason A.