Benjamin's Stash: Video Pick of the Week

      Hello, readers. With Red 2 opening Friday, this week's pick is being devoted to a Bruce Willis film. Now there are a few in my collection to choose from (such awe-inspiring works as Color of Night, Armageddon, The Whole Ten Yards, and Cop Out didn't make the cut). I decided to go with a film where he technically isn't the central focus, but in a way he is.

      Sin City, based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, is one film split into three different stories. The Hard Goodbye centers on Marv (Mickey Rourke), who - after a one night stand - wakes up to find the girl murdered. Framed for the murder, he vows to avenge her death. Yeah, she must've been that good. The Big Fat Kill deals with Shellie (Brittany Murphy) and her new boyfriend Dwight (Clive Owen) having to deal with her abusive ex-boyfriend Jackie Boy (Benicio del Toro). That Yellow Bastard (which features Willis) focuses on the relationship between Nancy (Jessica Alba) and police officer John Hartigan (Bruce Willis). Their relationship first began back when Hartigan saved her from potentially being raped and murdered by serial child killer Roark Junior (Nick Stahl) aka "Yellow Bastard".

      I've been a fan of writer/director Robert Rodriguez for a while now. While he certainly has a unique style that is evident in all his films, no two films are really alike. Sin City isn't his own original material. It was also co-directed by Miller himself with Quentin Tarantino directing a scene as well. That being said, Rodriguez's trademark style can be seen here. It's violent, sexy, funny, and uncompromising. Looking somewhat like film noir on an acid trip (the cars may be from the 30's and 40's, but I'm thinking the G-strings aren't), Sin City is beautifully shot, giving us the feel and look of the graphic novel it is based on. It's mostly shot in black and white, but the use of color it utilizes every now and then is brilliantly handled. One of the film's biggest strengths is the cast as a whole. There really is no scene stealer here (although try and get Elijah Woods's image out of your head afterward) as every major character involved gets their own moment to shine on screen. Sin City certainly isn't for everyone, then again, most of Rodriguez's films aren't. Whether you like it or not, one thing's for certain. It'll at least be an unforgettable experience.