Quenton Tarantino Strikes Again!!
Capsule Movie Review: Kill Bill
By Daniel G. Jennings
The fourth film from Hollywood's mad genius Quenton Tarantino actually lives up to the hype. Quite simply this is the best movie that I've seen in years.
A violent over the top action film with a wry sense of humor that's entertaining, exciting, thrilling and funny at the same time. Like all good action films, Kill Bill is a thrill ride, but it's one we want to get on.
Like all action movies, Kill Bill is a comic bookish fantasy but one that works because Tarantino succeeds in putting all the best elements of modern cutting edge comic books into the film. More importantly Tarantino understands that comic books and movies are supposed to be entertainment, so he concentrates on making an entertainment. Kill Bill is an Entertainment with a capital E and one that works. There's nothing pretentious about this movie, Tarantino isn't trying to make a great statement here. He's simply trying to entertain us, which of course is a radical departure from the direction of modern Hollywood.
Tarantino is a good enough filmmaker to ensure that everything in the movie works. In particular the fight scenes, the climatic sword fight between Uma Thurman and the Japanese Mafia is absolutely incredible. Stuff that shouldn't work such as lots of flash backs and a sequence of animation also work and make sense. As do plenty of pop culture references.
Finally there's Uma Thurman who gives what maybe the performance of the year as the Bride a female assassin out for revenge on her former comrades. Instead of going over the top, Thurman brings quiet dignity and even grace to this role. Her low-key almost deadpan performance makes the character work. Uma is truly frightening as a steely-eyed killer who enjoys her work. Her character is so disciplined and serious that she can only express herself through violence. Yet she seems to enjoy the mayhem and even effects a smirk. A very quirky sense of humor comes across. Thurman grounds the movie and brings a sense of humanity to it. My prediction Uma will get the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, and will receive an Oscar nomination for best actress in an action movie.
This movie isn't for everybody, action movie fans and younger viewers will love it. There is some graphic violence here, but it's not as bloody or as violent as some commentators make it out to be. Still, I wouldn't take a kid to it.