Better on second viewing

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2003)

As much as I enjoyed "Kill Bill" the first time I saw it, I enjoyed it exponentially more on second viewing. This is a movie that shows us the road to revenge in its most straightforward, but it's never been brought to the screen more effectively than in this film. Every single aspect of filmmaking has come together under the genius direction of Mr. Tarantino to create a unique, compelling, stylish vision of this world. It's a world I'm glad I'm not in (I can't even wield a sword in a videogame without cutting myself on the controller) but one that nonetheless draws you (and quarters, dices and minces you) into "pulpy" submission. This is more pulp fiction than "Pulp Fiction," more doggish and rugged than "Reservoir Dogs," and, well, more Brown than Ms. Jackie (sorry, i hadn't one for that). It's the most thoroughly enjoyable film (if you've a somewhat strong stomach) of Mr. T's four and I imagine will go down in the annals of "cool movie" history. Whew what it'd be like to hack the limbs off of 88 people at the same time, all the while sporting a playful yellow jumpsuit, perfect for showing off blood and entrail stains. It's utter craziness but regardless a collection of incredibly cool scenes that set the tone perfectly for the next film. If that weren't the case I might well have ranked this to be my favorite film of the year, but I still feel somewhat cheated by the "sliced in half" concept of Volumes 1 and 2. Can't wait for February, though.