We're in two minds about Tarantino.

Kill Bill good…

After resurrecting Travolta and Pam Grier, Tarantino kept his most triumphant comeback for himself. Don’t even think you’re prepared for this. Despite cynics sending out negative energy in the hope that he would fall flat on his face and be sent to film purgatory with Guy Ritchie, he’s returned with a film of immense power. This is entertainment in its purest form, no holds barred, unashamed cinematic cool, like being continually punched in the face for two hours and really enjoying it.

Don’t believe reports that this is two soulless hours of karate chops – the fighting is relentless, but the film has its fair share of emotional shocks, and it’s funnier, nastier and better looking than anything else out there. It ends on a perfect, gutting cliffhanger. And until part two arrives to finish it off, I’m going to live in a cinema and watch this on loop. (10/10) Alex Godfrey

Kill Bill bad…

Tarantino likes to think he’s a cultural terrorist but all he can offer us is a dated gorefest dressed up as a morality tale and given that all-important, cool-in-a-can MTV sheen. While Pulp Fiction toyed cruelly with postmodern pop culture, Kill Bill is completely at its mercy, playing like an ageing über-nerd’s collection of nostalgic screen references. He’s obviously bankrupt of ideas and stuck stealing everyone else’s - Daryl Hannah’s eye-patch wearing, whistling killer nurse is low-rent Lynch, so contrived it’s embarrassing.

Let’s hope Part Two is better, because this is a shoot-em-up video game without the interaction, the vacuous vanity project of a brat who gets wood from ultraviolence as he fondles his Xbox console. And you’re paying for it. Twice. Oh, and don’t forget the soundtrack. It’ll be in the “buy this” bins in HMV. (2/10, for technical competence) Jonathan Carter 10 October 03

Kill Bill: Volume 1, on national release 17 October 03. In London, 10 October 03.

useful link: www.kill-bill.com