Kill Bill, Volume 1


Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Michael Madsen
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Rating: R
Genre: Action
2003

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad turn on one of its members, known as the Bride (Uma Thurman) at her wedding. They slaughter everyone, and put a bullet in the Bride's brain, leaving her for dead. She, however, lives, though in a deep coma. Several years later, the Bride awakens, and begins to seek her revenge. Here, she tracks down the first two members of the squad (Vivica A. Fox, Lucy Liu).

Review:

Tim: Quentin Tarantino is a great director and it should be mentioned that this is only his fourth film! That is pretty astounding. I really love the idea behind this film and the fight scenes are just tremendous. The cast is superb. Thurman is very believable as a tough, nothing-to-live-for-but-revenge assassin. Lucy Liu kicks hardcore ass as always. Vivica A. Fox has just a small role, but I have no complaints. In one of the greatest tests of patience, Tarantino doesn't allow Bill (David Carradine) to even make an appearance in this film, keeping him instead for Volume 2.

One of my biggest complaints regarding these movies is that I don't think they should have been split into two. I understand very well Tarantino's reason for doing so. However, that only makes this first film feel incomplete. This movie is decent, but not worth all the hype surrounding it. It doesn't feel like it's own movie, but like the beginning of a film that has no real ending. The split is superb for the second film, but not good for this one.

I was a little disappointed that Tarantino didn't have better dialogue in this movie. Thurman utters a few great, memorable lines, but no where near the level that Tarantino is capable of.

I also want to mention that I absolutely hated the 10 minute cartoon scene in the middle of the film. Sure, Tarantino might be visionary and original, but I thought it was ridiculous and uncalled for. I understand Tarantino's attempt to be quirky and different, but the scene does nothing positive for the movie.

There are a few fight scenes that are simply unbelievable to watch. However, more than awe, you will be disappointed in the anticlimactic feeling most of the movie generates. Kill Bill Volume 1 may be setting the stage for a more amazing conclusion to the story, but in the end, this first film fails on many levels because of that.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Kill Bill Volume 2, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, From Dusk Til Dawn