Add parts one and two together and you realize that Tarantino has created an amazing achievement. Bravo! Don't miss it!

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2004)

I've been an admirer of Tarantino ever since I walked into a cinema over ten years ago and watched 'Reservoir Dogs', not even knowing the guys name. 'Pulp Fiction' turned me from an admirer to a fan, and 'Jackie Brown' (still a most underrated movie) just made me appreciate his talent even more. To say I was eagerly anticipating his next movie is putting it mildly. But I was also ready to pick it to pieces. I'm no one-eyed fanboy. If 'Kill Bill: Vol.1' sucked I'd be the first to admit it. However it not only didn't suck, it blew my mind. I can't think of any other movie that has combined genres in such a dazzling way. Only Takashi Miike comes close, but in a different way. Tarantino adores trash movies and his enthusiasm came through in every frame. It was this excitement and lack of playing safe that really impressed me. He made the movie HE wanted to make regardless of whether a mass audience would "get it". If 'Vol.2' had been more of the same and nothing more I would have been well pleased, but once again Tarantino has topped himself. Part two is less action orientated and cartoon-like the first, and has more character development, and yes, genuine emotion. Sure there are still lots of fun moments (especially the tongue in cheek sequence featuring Gordon Liu as Pai Mei) and exciting fights, but the scenes between The Bride and Bill have surprising depth for what many regard as "just" the ultimate popcorn movie. Add parts one and two together and you realize that Tarantino has created an amazing achievement. The casting is virtually flawless. Much like the Tarantino scripted 'True Romance' several actors get the opportunity to shine in supporting roles. Michael Madsen's confrontation with The Bride is one of the most memorable parts of the movie, and he and Daryl Hannah also share an unforgettable scene. Martial arts legend Gordon Liu, already mentioned, is an absolute hoot. Michael Parks, who played a Texas Ranger in Part 1 reappears as a completely different character, the sinister but charming Esteban Vihaio. Seventies favourite Bo Svenson has a nice bit as a Reverend, and Samuel L. Jackson is great as his organist. And it was really cool to see Jack Hill veteran Sid Haig's cameo as Jay the Bartender. All these actors help to make 'Kill Bill: Vol 2' a special treat, but the stand out performance is by David Carradine. Carradine has had an amazing career, but much like Dennis Hopper his appearances in dozens of b-grade action movies and mediocre straight-to-video dramas has made most film fans forget just how good he can be when given superior material to work with. Carradine has made over 140 movies and worked with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Roger Corman, Hal Ashby, Ingmar Bergman, Larry Cohen, Robert Altman, Walter Hill, Paul Bartel and yes, Fred Olen Ray, William Shatner and Fred "The Hammer" Williamson. Hopefully his work in 'Kill Bill: Vol. 2' will get him the attention he so richly deserves. The guy is a living legend people! Look, I'm a cynical old coot and spend most of my time whining about how poor most movies are these days, so it really REALLY warms my heart when something this damn good comes along! Bravo! Don't miss it!