“Here Comes the Bride…Again!”
by Scott Mantz


“Kill Bill Vol. 2”
Uma Thurman, David Carradine
Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Two down, three to go! Uma Thurman takes aim for the last time in "Kill Bill Vol. 2"

As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

At least, that’s the case with maverick director Quentin Tarantino. Even though I’ve been a huge fan of his ever since I first saw “Reservoir Dogs” back in 1992, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was disappointed by last year’s “Kill Bill Vol. 1” – his first film since 1997’s under-rated “Jackie Brown.” Sure, his loving homage to the chopsocky kung fu flicks of the 70’s was an incredibly stylish and action-packed bloodbath, but there really wasn’t much to it beyond a thinly veiled plot, a ridiculously high body count and a killer soundtrack.

Well, I guess Tarantino was saving the best for last, for not only is “Kill Bill Vol. 2” superior to “Vol. 1” in just about every way, but it just might be as good as 1994’s “Pulp Fiction” in terms of sheer brilliance. The dialogue is sharper, the humor is more ironic, the performances are stronger and there’s a lot more emotional depth to the characters. This is vintage Tarantino, and while the violence is toned down quite a bit when compared to the first movie, it still features plenty of knock-down, drag-out fights to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bride (Uma Thurman) has already defeated two of her former colleagues from the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, but the worst is yet to come. Still left on her “death list” are Budd (Michael Madsen), the washed-up veteran of the squad, Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), the crazy one-eyed assassin who’s obsessed with finishing her off, and of course, Bill (David Carradine), the former lover who left her for dead. Nothing will stop the Bride in her quest for vengeance, but when she finally reaches the end of the road, she makes a shocking discovery that will force her to re-evaluate the whole purpose of her deadly mission.

Even though “Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2” were shot as one long film before being cut in half, they both feel like two completely different movies (and while you don’t need to see “Vol. 1” to appreciate “Vol. 2,” it certainly helps). After seeing the Bride slice and dice her way through the first film, we finally get the backstory as to how she became Bill’s lethal weapon and why she eventually tried to leave him. This is where Tarantino shines as a director, as he seamlessly blends the martial arts and western film genres while letting key scenes play out with his penchant for clever dialogue. He also gives the characters a previously unseen level of depth, and as a result, you can’t help but feel much more emotionally vested to the entire epic story.

For a filmmaker who has only 5 movies under his belt, it sure is amazing how much passion, dedication and intensity Tarantino gets out of his actors. Uma Thurman once again delivers a physically and emotionally grueling performance that’s all over (and under) the map, and after being buried alive and kicking the crap out of Daryl Hannah, she still ends up being more beautiful and vulnerable than ever. Hannah also gives an amazing performance and seems to relish playing such a deliciously evil foe, while Michael Madsen makes his down-and-out character much more likable than he deserves to be.

Ultimately, the film’s standout performance belongs to none other than Bill himself, “Kung Fu” legend David Carradine. After casting career-resurrecting roles for John Travolta in “Pulp Fiction” and Robert Forster in “Jackie Brown,” Tarantino continues the trend by casting Carradine as the wise, charismatic and deadly Bill. Since he was heard, but not seen, in “Vol. 1,” Carradine practically steals every scene he’s in with confident gusto, and he gives a soulful performance that should all but ensure a spot on next year’s Oscar ballot.

If “Kill Bill Vol. 1” was the tease, then “Vol. 2” is the payoff. This is what “Pulp Fiction” fans have been waiting for, and not only will it hold up under repeated viewings, but the real thrill will be in watching both movies back-to-back on the eventual “Kill Bill Complete DVD Collection.” It’s enough to make one hope that Tarantino doesn’t wait another six years to make his next movie, but even if he does, I suppose that it will be worth it.

After all, good things come to those who wait.

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