An OK film, but certainly not Tarentino's best work

Rating: Null/10 (11 March 2006)

I just watched "Kill Bill" 1 & 2 back-to-back, first viewing. Gotta tell ya folks, I found it a little boring. I think it's too long, and could easily have been one film. I don't think the films can be considered separately; "Kill Bill 2" is not a sequel, it is simply a continuation of the film, much like "Matrix Reloaded" and "Matrix Revolutions" cannot be considered separately, nor any part of the "Lord of the Rings." Neither part stands alone. "Kill Bill" is obviously an homage to Hong Kong lung-fu films, in which realism does not necessarily play a part (e.g. gravity). Take for example "The Cruel Tutelage of Pai Mei." There was also a bit too much Monty Pythonesque spraying blood for me. But okay, if those sorts of things don't bother you, then it's no problem. The movie(s) are certainly beautiful, and the cinematography is excellent, certainly up to the standards we have come to expect from Tarantino. There are many excellent scenes, and overall the plot is pretty good. There are, however, several scenes that are just too long, too overblown, and frankly, to dull. There are also a few scenes that could have been completely cut out as they add NOTHING to the film; e.g. the scene where Michael Madsen goes to work at the topless bar. What was that all about? There were other scenes that were included that I found not important, and not all that interesting, like the scene in "2" with Esteban. I almost found the animation segment sub-standard. It could/should have been much better. While watching these films I got the impression that maybe Tarantino has been reading too much of his own press. I found "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction" and "Jackie Brown" all to be better films. The "Kill Bills" aren't bad, but I would disagree with anyone who says that they are Quentin's best work. Just my opinion.