Kill Bill: Volume 2 Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)April 26th, 2004
"Kill Bill Vol. 2" - Uma Gets the Job Done
It was only a few months ago that Quentin Tarantino's colorful opera about revenge wowed audiences with its audacious approach to filmmaking and action. So frenetic was its energy level that as each chapter wound its way to a close, you felt that you needed to catch your breath. "Kill Bill vol. 1" was relentless in its desire to shock and awe and proved to be one of the best offerings of 2003.
While Vol. 2 turns down its intensity, it does still work on many levels. It provides nice moments of drama. There's a palpable sense of tension that simmers throughout. There's an undeniable passion and reverence towards classic martial arts films. Here is a gifted filmmaker at the top of his game who possesses a unique style of execution that will make you simultaneously laugh, pump your fist, shudder, and cringe.
Not having seen the first part will not put you at a disadvantage. The film opens with a quick recap as we follow our retribution-driven heroine (Uma Thurman) continue her rampage. Remaining on her 'to-kill' list are three formidable foes. One is the wily Budd (Michael Madsen), who possesses an uncanny sense of awareness as well as a nasty disposition to make his enemies suffer. Another is the ruthless Elle Driver (Darryl Hannah) who displays a dark sense of contempt. And of course, there's Bill (David Carradine), the eloquent yet sadistic father-figure that inspired her quest for blood.
To review Vol. 2 as a movie unto itself is a bit unfair. This is not a sequel. It is, rather, a continuation. The entire project was so huge that studio execs decided that it would be better to release the film in two installments. It is important to note this because the film, as a whole, is greater than the sum of its two parts. After our bride exacted some revenge by defeating over 100 people in Vol. 1, our hearts could barely handle the adrenaline levels. Had the film been released in its entirety, the final few chapters would have allowed us to catch our breath.
However, it has been 4 months, and we've had a chance to recharge our batteries. We are ready for more intense action sequences. But, we never get it because the film is designed to slow down after that kinetic fight sequence that marked the end of Vol. 1. So we're just waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. This seems like a kinder, gentler Tarantino at work.
That's just an unavoidable circumstance as a result of the lag between releases. Despite that shortcoming, Vol. 2 answers many of the questions that had arisen from the first part. We do get a deeper sense of the motivations behind each of the characters. We learn how Elle Driver lost one of her eyes. We learn of our heroine's real name. We learn why she wants to kill Bill.
If you've seen the first part, then you certainly will want to see the second part. Once you see the end credits, you will be reminded of the "Kill Bill" experience as a whole, and you will embrace it wholeheartedly. If you haven't seen the first part, while you won't be in the dark at any point, you may want to wait until the DVD is released in its uncut form. "Kill Bill" is a masterfully crafted piece of work and is meant to be seen as a whole and in its entirety.
Grade:
Vol. 1: A-
Vol. 2: B
Total: B+
S: 1 out of 3
L: 3 out of 3
V: 3 out of 3
More on 'Kill Bill: Volume 2'...
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