Lots of fun, but rather superficial

Rating: Null/10 (9 June 2004)

Well, I actually had a good time watching this, one of the silliest movies I ever saw. And I do appreciate silly movies as long as they are sophisticated enough not to insult my intelligence.
The referential jokes are many, and blinks are everywhere. I'm surprised that everyone here seems to notice only the Western, Samourai and Kung-fu elements, as to me the references to gore cult movies are numerous, from Raimi's Evil Dead II to Jackson's Braindead (US title "Dead or alive").
It's obviously not a movie to be taken seriously, except for the very competent but somewhat pretentious direction and cinematography... The story is vapid (on purpose), but the storytelling is excellent, thanks to Quentin's skills.
Now my problem is that OK, it's fun, but then what? Has Tarantino so little ambition that he's unable to put some real substance into his films? Does he really only wants to be an entertainer?
And why does he have to quote so many directors? He quotes so much that his own style is almost absent from the movie. And what with DePalma, why are references to Brian's style all over the place in "Kill bill"? I don't get it...
I've read so many critics here saying that DePalma is all style and no substance, and mimicks Hitchcock. Now comes a Tarentino that openly copies DePalma's visual style and cinematic tricks, and has no substance whatsoever (except in "Jackie Brown", the only Tarantino movie that has real guts, whatever all you fans think) and hurra, make way for the new genious...?! Pah!
Pop culture is a strange thing nowadays....
Still, a very entertaining and funny movie. But NOT great, breathtaking, groundbreaking cinema. No way. Far too superficial and gratuitous!