ok overall, but disappointing for Tarantino

Rating: 6/10 (2 November 2003)

Let me start by saying this film was entertaining to watch. I must say I felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment compared with Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. First off, he greets the viewer with the announcement in the opening credits that this is fourth movie. Well Whoopty-Frickin' Doo! Lets just have a parade for Quentin. We are all so very proud of you. The writing was disappointing in that I found it bland. This isn't Speed- a movie like this must use the script to capture and hold the viewer. At times got the sense it was trying to hard, much as in the second Matrix movie when every line has laced with fancy syntax. Second: some of the special effects were distracting. Everytime someone loses a limb (which happens many times), a virtual "Old Faithful" geyser of blood spouts forth. Funny the first time, but old by the tenth. Third: Plot holier than the Pope. Maybe they plan on finishing this in Kill Bill Vol 2: The Search for More Money (Credit to Mel Brooks). You never really find out how Uma gets to be on her quest- other than the last fifteen minutes prior to her assassination attempt. They spend too much time developing relatively unimportant segments of the story such as how Lucy Liu got to be who she is.
In spite of my criticisms, there are many moments that grip the viewer, and plenty of bizarre comedy to keep one interested. The fight scenes are adeqate and he does some neat stuff with weapons. I just hope that Mr. Tarantino can redeem himself Vol. 2.