It is strange that you found the second movie different than the first, because the script was written as a whole, and was only later separated because of it's length. I myself am not able to remember what piece belonged to which movie, as I saw them one after the other, but I agree with your rating in general.
I watched both movies this last weekend. I enjoyed them both. Uma Thurman was quite good in them.
Yes, there was a lot of blood and gore, but it was also extremely exagerated. The first movie was not only modelled on Japanese movie styles, but the blood and gore seemed modelled on anime.
Everything certainly was overdone, but it was fun to watch.
And, WOW, would I like one of those swords!
Overall, 1