Light-years beyond what I expected going in

Rating: 9/10 (19 October 2003)

Before I begin my review, let me establish that I haven't seen every kung-fu movie ever made... in fact, I haven't seen very many at all, but I HAVE seen enough to appreciate this film's many moments of homage. In all honesty, if you've seen 2 good Bruce Lee films (and liked them), and you have a sense of humor, you'll probably love this.
I know this is horrible, but I've only seen three Tarantino films including this one (this is the only one I've seen in it's entirety), and the others (From Dusk Till Dawn, which I loved, and Jackie Brown, which I WOULD have loved if I had seen more of it) were on television and HEAVILY censored. I've been meaning to get around to to the good, uncensored stuff, but I'm a college student without a car, and I'm poor.
Anyway, on to the review (I'm not going to say too much about plot because... well, I want you to go see it :P ).
Wow- this single word serves well in summarizing my reaction. And if that's not sufficient: I had to pee very badly the entire time I was watching this, and I STILL enjoyed it. I went to see this with two of my friends (one of which had already seen it), and and I don't think I've ever looked over to check someone else's reactions as often during a movie (except maybe The Matrix). After leaving the theater it was our sole topic of conversation for at least 10 straight minutes.
This is going to sound terrible cliché, but from the opening scene until the ending, this movie grabs you by the collar and shakes you vigorously. The theater I watched it in had the sound turned up VERY loud, and though it was uncomfortable at times, it ultimately served to enhance the experience. And now, in no particular order:
The sound?- it's great. Every movement on-screen is accompanied by fitting, satisfying, and often hilariously over-the-top sound effects. The soundtrack is phenomenal and varied (with one intentional exception being the music provided by an in-movie band, and it serves the atmosphere well).
The acting?- superb. Everyone involved in this film supplies either convincing, enjoyable, appropriately overblown performances or gratingly cheesy ones (intentionally so and very much in line with the movies that Tarantino is paying homage to). Uma Thurman is excellent as The Bride, and David Carradine is perfectly casted as Bill.
The special effects?- impressive and howl-inducing. I'm not sure I've ever laughed as much at a film (at the right times) as I did watching Kill Bill. Tarantino definitely did the right thing in refusing to use CG or big-budget special effects- this feels very much like a 70's kung-fu flick. The animation parts of the movie are inexplicably appropriate and well done.
The storyline?- simultaneously ridiculous parody and heartfelt homage. As insane as the action is and the characters are, I still found myself getting engrossed in the story. Tarantino's love for the classic movies is palpably evident.
I have to admit it: I was skeptical about this movie. I have very limited exposure to Tarantino films, and the man has such a cult following that I went in guarded and with high expectations, ready to lose the little faith I had in him. Kill Bill did nothing but confirm that faith- Tarantino is immensely talented and intelligent. He obviously in the right business, and he definitely knows what he's doing. He's definitely on my small list of favorites.
One final note: this movie is extremely gory. If you're not used to watching that kind of stuff, you might be turned off by it, but it's presented in such a tongue-in-cheek manner that you can't help but laugh.
Overall rating (from 1 to 5): an enthusiastic five. GO SEE IT!