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A few strong performances and a handful of compelling plot turns cannot camoflague the fact that we've all been told this story a hundred times before...and much more convincingly.

Ving Rhames is a soft-spoken vengeance-seeker after his little sister is brutally victimized by a powerful smut merchant and his gang of ruthless porno actors. It all takes place on the grungy streets of Reno, as former policeman Eddie Burns is out to kick some serious ass. A vicious gang rape (captured on video) spurs Eddie on a journey back to his old stomping grounds; he seeks assistance from former colleagues and soon begins piecing the facts together. And then it's Revenge-o-mania, in decidedly extreme fashion.

Albeit a well-crafted and generally compelling movie, Sin would be all but entirely forgettable were it not for the always-reliable (and clearly insane) Gary Oldman. Channeling whatever arcane forces inspire him, Oldman vamps up the villain vibe and keeps the movie afloat with seemingly very little effort. His entirely hate-worthy Charlie Strom makes for a slickly magnetic bastard; Oldman's very presence elevates Sin from the formulaic potboiler that it clearly is.

Sort of a Death Wish meets 8MM hybrid that features an endearingly sedate Rhames and an enjoyably rabid Oldman, Sin will easily hold your attention should you find it just starting on HBO one boring night. Don't expect much more than your standard revenge tale with a side order of smut, and the flick may prove entertaining enough.

And if you're a diehard fan of Gary Oldman's trademark lunacy, consider "Sin" a must-see.

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originally posted: 05/11/04 10:45:16
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