It Could Have Been Great If It Had More Substance

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2006)

I'm a big Quentin Tarantino and seeing all of his films this would have to be my least favourite. Kill Bill: Volume 2 still manages to create a good ending to the self titled "Roaring Rampage Of Revenge". Like the first film it lacks the substance needed to gain a higher score, yes the movie is stylish, but the phrase "Style over substance" comes to mind. Unlike the first film which was a blood-thirsty satire, the sequel is surprisingly nothing like the first film. It does not contain the same kind of fight scenes as the first film and tends to reply more on the acting and visual flare Much of the movie is stolen, it's supposed to be a tribute.
But things such Ennio Morricone's score are stolen as well as some notable others. Unlike other Quentin Tarantino where he wonderfully references cinema this feels more stolen. A lot of the film felt very silly and un-satisfying for example some of the deaths are short which is disappointing seeing as Quentin Tarantino has managed to create really crazy death scenes in his previous masterpieces.
Uma Thurman once again steals the show and plays along side great actors like Michael Madsen. Now I'm normally a great fan of Michael Madsen, but this was a different matter. His performance felt clumsy and lacked depth/creativity to his previous past roles. A prime example would be none other than his performance as Mr. Blonde which for me goes down in my own personal favourite movie characters. His performance in Kill Bill: Volume 2 was a different matter. I felt a little unsatisfied after Kill Bill: Volume 2 after being entertained by Volume 1.
My favourite scene was probably when Uma Thurman (The Bride) finally met up with Bill and learnt the truth, it was very interesting. I also loved the scene re capturing what happened at the wedding rehearsal it felt very lonely and tranquil with the black and white photography.
One thing I did find impressive was the direction, it was very precise and held a lot of detail to the scenery and atmosphere that was in the movie. The movie mixes Spaghetti Western and Samurai Action to create something that is slightly operatic. The movies pace is very different to other films and holds few surprises.
People call the movie "emotional", I would definitely not say that, I found it more dramatic because it was so over the top. The movie still managed to be a lot deeper than the previous instalment, but still did not live up to Volume 1.