Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) Movie Review

Synopsis:

After crossing two targets off her list, The Bride (Uma Thurman) continues her search for revenge. She seeks to kill two of her former assassins, Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) and Budd (Michael Madsen). Once done, she’ll target the man behind her attempted killing, Bill (David Carradine).

Review:

Director Quentin Tarantino found much success with the first Kill Bill. With that, he soon returned to direct its sequel. As with the first installment, Vol. 2 is well shot and directed.

While it’s not as stylistic or action-heavy as the first installment, it still has its moments.

Vol. 2 shifts its focus to the underused assassins from the first film.

Though Michael Madsen’s Budd receives more screen time, his character remains underdeveloped. For people who may have wanted to learn more about him, they’ll find disappointment here.

Daryl Hannah makes more use of her screen time as Elle Driver when compared to Michael Madsen. She’s portrayed as an unrelenting, unhinged individual with no remorse.

These are qualities the actress embodies to good effect. This is also evident in her one-to-one encounter with The Bride in the film’s second act.

It’s an impactful action scene, where the two throw, punch, and kick their way through Budd’s trailer. In fact, it’s one of the few action scenes this film has.

There’s also a brief scuffle between David Carradine’s Bill and The Bride during the film’s final moments.

For all the time the film spends leading up to this confrontation, some will find the outcome disappointing.

Still, the dialogue between the two performers is well-acted, so that may not put off most viewers. This film gives depth to Uma Thurman’s character compared to the first.

Take her character of The Bride as the main example. As an example, it’s revealed that her true name is Beatrix Kiddo.

For context, in the first film, whenever a character mentions her real name, it's bleeped. This was a purposeful and unique tactic by Tarantino to draw audiences into the sequel.

It gives the character more depth. This is despite the dialogue-heavy approach, which may frustrate some viewers.

Some viewers may feel that the film’s pacing suffers because of its major focus on dialogue.

Despite that, others may feel that it’s a welcome change from the first film’s unrelenting action.

Beatrix’s backstory on how she trained to become a lethal assassin is also explored in this sequel.

This is when Grandmaster Pai Mei (Gordon Liu Chia-Hui) enters the film.

This is one of the film’s more humorous scenes, with Gordon Liu delivering a fun performance.

Though some of the background shots in these scenes are fake, it develops Thurman’s character well.

A major revelation in this film is the reveal of Beatrix’s daughter, B.B. (Perla Haney-Jardine).

Uma Thurman’s scenes with Perla are among the film’s more genuine moments. Vol. 2 also uses its music to good effect.

As with the first, Vol. 2 makes use of the siren sound from Quincy Jones’ theme from the Ironside TV show.

It also includes the use of tracks such as “About Her” by Malcolm McLaren. Each one complements the scene they’re in, even if they don’t match the first film’s tracks.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Kill Bill. Volume 2 is a good follow-up to the first. It focuses more on the side characters, even if Michael Madsen remains underdeveloped.

Its further use of development for Uma Thurman’s The Bride is welcome.

This is well demonstrated in scenes with her daughter, B.B., and her former mentor, Bill.

Uma Thurman’s scenes with Gordon Liu’s Pai Mei also serve as good character development. It also helps that Gordon’s a charismatic onscreen presence.

This film’s use of music, though not as memorable as the first, is also good. They complement the action, as well as the film’s quieter moments.

Performances from the cast are good. This film's more consistent performers are David Carradine and Uma Thurman.

Daryl Hannah also embraces the unhinged nature of Elle Driver well.

As expected, the film is well-directed and shot. Though not as stylistic as the first, what’s presented is more than serviceable.

Areas where fans of the first may find disappointment are the lack of much action. Vol. 2 also has a heavy emphasis on dialogue.

There’s one action sequence to speak of, which is impactful. Regardless, some fans will find the lack of more of them underwhelming.

Also, the film’s heavy-handed approach may bring the pacing down for some.

This is true in many aspects, though many will forgive this due to the consistent performances.

Altogether, Vol. 2 is a sequel with many good moments.

Though it has its weaknesses with plot structure, those willing to forgive that will find it entertaining.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7/10

Action - 7/10

Visuals - 7.5/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.3 out of 10