Miramax & QT are vindicated

Rating: 10/10 (28 April 2004)

Having seen comments on vol 1, accusing Miramax and Tarantino of blatant profiteering by releasing KB in two parts, it's great to see vol 2 answering those critics with aplomb. Vol 2 is such a different film from its predecessor, and for that reason works wonderfully. As one film, such contrast would have been impossible! Okay, I was a little skeptical about the decision myself, but am I glad it became two movies!
KBV2 is a treat. Vol 1 seemed to lack plot. Vol 2 brims with it. Okay, the dialog still doesn't burn like vintage-QT (I felt the Superman thing, although entertaining, was shoe-horned in and seemed incongruous with Bill), but you sense he's trying his hand at something else entirely. Uma's performance is fantastic, David Carradine's, even better. The supporting players aren't half bad, either. In particular, Gordon Liu as Pai Mei, the vindictive Kung Fu master, is hilarious - never has insane laughter coupled with vigorous beard-stroking been done so stylishly on the cinema screen!

As for the denouement, I loved it. A noble and delightful end to a fantastic, stylish, and exhilarating ride. Go and see it, even if vol.1 didn't float your boat - it may just make you reevaluate the whole thing.

And now a line from vol 1: "It was not my intention to do this in front of you. For that I'm sorry. But you can take my word for it, your mother had it comin'. When you grow up, if you still feel raw about it, I'll be waiting."
There's the sequel, right there. Can't wait...