What Katie Watched

Film Blog

  • Opus (2025)

    1h 44mins

    6/10

    First time watch in the cinema

    Suspense – Cult – Horror

    Young writer (Ayo Edebiri) jumps at her chance to write a story about legendary pop star (John Malkovich) when she is invited with a select few to stay at his remote compound, but will this be the big writing break she is wishing for?

    I felt so on edge for the majority of this film, which I expected from the trailer. It felt like a mash up of The Menu (2022), Midsommar (2019) and Blink Twice (2024), so if you are a fan of these films I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this too.

    Would not watch again

  • A Real Pain (2024)

    1h 29mins

    8/10

    Second time watch in the cinema

    Buddy comedy – Quirky – Family relationships

    After their grandmother’s passing, two cousins make a pilgrimage to her hometown in Poland to learn more about their heritage.

    I have given a higher score than the last time I watched as seeing it a second time showed me how much I enjoyed this film.

    I love the back and forths between Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg’s characters. For a film that has a very heavy subject matter, I would say the comedy in it is the main focus as well as being respectful to the history being explored in Poland.

    The original thoughts from my first review on 31st Jan still stands:

    My main take away from the film is having the courage to be your authentic self with others. It is ok not to be “nice and pleasant” all the time. If you’re having a low day, it’s ok to be honest about that and not need to feel you have to hide that’s how you’re feeing in case it makes others feel uncomfortable. Allowing others to see your true self gives an opportunity for a deeper connection.

    Would watch again

  • Rain Man (1988)

    2h 13mins

    6/10

    First time watch

    Buddy/Road Trip – Heart-warming- Family

    Selfish car salesman Charlie has his world turned upside down when his estranged father dies and he discovers his father’s fortune is going to the brother he did not know he had.

    I can see that this film would have been important at the time in having one of the lead characters having autism, as it was understood at the time.

    I spent the majority of the film really disliking Charlie (Tom Cruise) and wishing for him to stop being so selfish and impatient.

    My heart went out to Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) and I wanted only lovely things for him!

    I thought the storyline was predictable, but it was sweet all the same.

    A story of learning to see things differently and love and acceptance.

    Would watch again

  • Shallow Hal (2001)

    1h 54mins

    6/10

    Rewatch

    Silly – 00s – Rom-com

    Hal is a very shallow man who has a chance encounter with Tony Robbins who gives him the gift of seeing people for their beauty within, but will Hal see this gift as a blessing or a curse?

    I know there are people who feel the comedy in this film has aged badly, but it still amuses me. I was still in primary school when this came out and I rI also feel that the message in this film is still important, that we should hold value in who people are, their actions and not what they look like.

    Would watch again

  • Twiggy (2024)

    1h 34mins

    7/10

    First time watch in the cinema

    Documentary – Iconic – Fashion

    In this documentary, Twiggy shares the highs and lows of her rise to stardom in the modelling world.

    Twiggy has taken a special place in my heart after watching this documentary. Seeing all the clips of young, down to earth Twiggy had me seeing someone I’d love to have been friends with.

    I knew very little about her before seeing this and was surprised to learn that her career expanded outside of modelling. She has released albums, been in films, hosted a TV show and starred in a broadway musical.

    I had a big “You go girl!” cheering moment when she put director Woody Allen on the spot after he had attempted to belittle her in his questions in front of a live audience. I’d seen this clip before, but was so glad to see it here also.

    A very insightful documentary that I found very enjoyable to watch.

    Would watch again

  • Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

    1h 35mins

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Slapstick – Parody – Comedy spy film

    Dr Evil goes back to the 60s to steal frozen Austin Powers’ “Mojo”, but will this stop Austin from defeating his arch-nemesis once again?

    Although I think the first one is the best, I still love this one and who doesn’t love Mini Me!

    Austin gets to go back to his beloved 1960s to once again face his arch nemesis Dr Evil.

    A bundle of laughs if you’re looking for an easy watch to giggle to.

    Would watch again

  • Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

    1h 35mins

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Playful – Parody – Spy Movie

    After being frozen for 30 years, playboy and world-class spy from the 1960s, Austin Powers must once again face his arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil.

    Mike Myers being his hilarious self in this parody of spy cliches from 60s spy movies such as James Bond. Such a quotable, laugh out loud, easy to watch movie. Although I have watched it many times, it still cracks me up.

    I have to admit that my child self had no idea that Mike Myers played multiple characters and not just Austin Powers! Not sure how I missed that, but shows how fabulous he is.

    Would watch again

  • Clue (1985)

    1h 37mins

    6/10

    Rewatch

    Silly – Playful – Murder Mystery

    A film based on the board game Cluedo/Clue, where 6 strangers are anonymously invited to a spooky mansion and must work together to find our who has murdered their host.

    Oh Tim Curry, you marvellous man! Who doesn’t love a film that stars Tim Curry?! A very easy to watch, bit of fun, murder mystery that doesn’t take itself seriously.

    Would watch again

  • Some Like It Hot (1959)

    2hrs

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Comedy – Classic – Romance

    When two male musicians witness a mob killing, they have to go on the run disguised as women in an all female band.

    A timeless classic comedy.

    There’s something very comforting in putting on a black and white film, but I am always pleasantly surprised to remember how funny I find this one. I feel that the humour has stood the test of time. I was quite taken aback while rewatching this with how revealing some of Monroe’s costumes were for the time. I also love the ending which I feel would have been seen as controversial when it was originally released.

    While watching it, I began to think “Is this the original White Chicks (2004)? There are quite a few similarities in both of their storylines. As a fan of both, I’ll happily watch them again and again.

    Would watch again

  • Zombieland (2009)

    1h 28mins

    8/10

    Rewatch

    Comedy – Buddy road trip – Zombie Apocalypse

    Can a shy guy trying to reach his family, a man on a quest to find a Twinkie, and two sisters on their way to an amusement park in the hope of having a moment to escape their reality, survive the zombie apocalypse?

    Got to love a comedy zombie film! I think it’s the best zombie genre.

    I can’t think of anything I’ve watched with Woody Harrelson in that I’ve disliked and he does not disappoint in this role.

    Emma Stone is as hilarious as always and I enjoy the relationship she and Abigail Breslin portray.

    Jesse Eisenberg plays a convincing stuttery, nervous 20 something and I love his list of how to survive.

    What’s not to like? It’s 90 minutes which is my favourite length of a film. It is filled with comedy. There’s an amazing cast. Great story telling. Fabulous fun!

    Would watch again