Spun

Ultra-grungy predecessor to Gaga music videos features wide array of stars playing over-the-top caricatures.  Stylistic elements occasionally feel motivated and disguise weak story with moderate success.  Rourke and Murphy’s roles are tragic considering real life issues, but Schwartzman satisfies leading man requirements.  Feels like a pre-pubescent Tarantino emulating Oliver Stone.

Sin City

Rodriguez brings together outstanding cast and exemplary style in perfect screen adaptation of comic series. Sure, the cinematography and dialogue had all been pre-determined by co-director, Miller, but RR cuts it cleverly a delivers a beautiful hybrid. Uses voice-over to excess and seems a bit to arbitrary, but otherwise, spectacular.