The first issue is, is this a sequel? Bruce Wills who plays protective cop Hartigan only appears as a ghost in this one, which make sense as he died in the first film. But Marv also died and he's back alive. And the characters of Dwight and Manute are played by different actors. It's confusing.
In a way this doesn't matter too much, as like the first film it's just about giving a slice of dirty life. There are three interwoven stories. In the first Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a cocky gambler who can't lose, until he goes face to face with the outstanding Powers Boothe. In the second Dwight is enraptured by a mostly naked Eva Green. In the third Nancy seeks revenge on Powers Boothe, which is obviously a mistake.
For both the second and third plot lines Marv is knowingly used as extra muscle by the protagonist. This is fine, but I was unhappy with the fact that he was built up as being Nancy's protector (and brother?) but was quite happy for her to storm Power's house with him. Also, when they get there Powers goes on about how that yellow man was his son, "his son!", even though he doesn't seem to care that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also "his son!". These are minor points, but are examples of how this film is not as well put together as the first one. Certainly the end is not as satisfying.
On the plus side, each scene is still great to watch. The Black & White with a bit of colour is still very entertaining, the neo-noir sets are atmospheric, and the story lines all move along quickly. It's extremely hard boiled, but unlike over-boiled pasta it doesn't become limp. My favourite character is a minor one; the cop who is besotted by Eva Green, he is the rare good man in Sin City who pretty quickly gets turned.
I enjoyed this for the action and excitement, although I would have preferred it to deepen and expand on the first movie (as all good sequels should), rather than be a slightly worse version of the original.
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