Revenge is in the air

There's something about this genre that taps so well into the pulse of our society. Movie audiences love to cheer on the protagonist and applaud vigorously when revenge is finally exacted.

Perhaps most people feel they've been wronged (by co-workers, ex-lovers, strangers on the freeway, etc.), and rely on the movies to sublimate their desires to act upon their vengeful feelings.

And let's not forget in the post-9/11 climate, the government hasn't been able to capture bin Laden yet, while the temporary salve of nabbing Saddam has worn off. What's a bloodthirsty society to do?

Go to the movies, of course! Is it any wonder that we are treated to not one, but two new revenge flicks opening this weekend, "Kill Bill, Vol. 2" and "The Punisher"?

"Kill Bill Vol. 2" is the continuation of Quentin Tarantino's ("Pulp Fiction") fantastical revenge tale annoyingly split in two by the film studio as a marketing ploy. The first volume came out in theaters last October to mixed reviews, with plans to release the second volume the following spring.

That time is now. The Bride (Uma Thurman), having accomplished the violent dispatch of two of the five targets on her list in volume one, proceeds to hunt down the last three, including the leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (DiVAS), her former lover and the namesake of the story, Bill.

In the usual Tarantino syntax, the movie plays in chapters that run out of sequence. The second volume starts off in glorious black and white explaining the vile wrongs that Bill (David Carradine) and the DiVAS did to their former teammate. Shot with the smoky atmosphere of a Sergio Leone western, this is a terrific scene full of pregnant suspense and some unique, razor-sharp dialogue.

Upon returning to the present, the Bride's journey of vengeance continues on its deadly course. First up is Budd (Michael Madsen), Bill's brother and right-hand man. This scenario does not resemble in any way the homage to old-school fighting flicks that was the defining characteristic of her encounters in volume one. Nevertheless, Budd does not go easy and has a horrific challenge waiting for our wrathful heroine.

During the Bride's encounter with Budd, Tarantino takes us on another flashback to the past, where we get to witness the martial arts training she receives from Pei Mei (Gordon Liu), a wizened and ancient master of the deadly arts. This sequence is one of the best from both volumes, reminiscent of old Shaw Brothers kung fu movies where a novice learns the art of fighting from a mean, irascible old man.

Next, the Bride's encounter with Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) goes back to the hand-to-hand combat style of the first half, but this violence is a lot more coarse and brutal, perhaps because it is less cartoonish and much more realistic. Elle and the Bride have themselves a legendary, eye-popping catfight in a small mobile home.

With Budd and Elle laying dead in her wake, the Bride heads south of the border to continue her quest. When she eventually tracks Bill down in Mexico, much is explained about the dynamics and history of their relationship. We also get to understand why Bill did the things he did to her. This was the context that was so regrettably missing from the first movie.

Tarantino pulls off a shocker on several levels resolving the whole story in a surprising manner. Some - in particular, those who were expecting stylistic continuity from the first volume's hyper-kinetic action - might consider it too emotional and even corny. Indeed, the entire tone of the film has evolved considerably by then.

Thurman is fantastic in her role as the angry Bride. She seethes with a hurtful anger that is in stark contrast to her blond beauty. This is, without question, a career-defining role for her. Welcome to superstardom, Uma.

Meanwhile, Carradine, whose previous decent role was on television 30 years ago on "Kung Fu," is nothing short of brilliant in this movie. He oozes charisma and deadliness in equal amounts and is perfect for the role. He matches well Tarantino's lively dialogue. Listen for his monologue about the dynamics of Superman. It's vintage.

Ultimately, though, the real star of this movie is writer, director and self-professed film nerd, Quentin Tarantino. He is the leader, the crux, the MVP of "Kill Bill." Though he borrows from many of his favorite pop culture influences, the movie is completely and utterly original. His style is uniquely his own, and by now, it might be safe to consider his movies to be in a genre of their own.

"Kill Bill," is an audacious, dazzling movie shortchanged only by the greedy decision to cleave the movie in two. We only hope Tarantino gets a chance to avenge this dishonor in the video release with a director's cut - minus the cut.

Editor's note: This is the first of a two movie reviews, for "Kill Bill Vol. 2" and "The Punisher," two new films opening this weekend, with similar themes of revenge. A review of "The Punisher" appears in tomorrow's Daily Journal.