What Katie Watched

Film Blog

  • Conclave (2024)

    2h

    6/10

    First time watch in the cinema

    Religious – Thriller – Morality

    Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with leading the process of selecting the next Pope and leaves no stone unturned to ensure the right person takes on this position.

    To be honest, I had dismissed this film when I saw it being advertised as I felt it was not a film I would be interested in. However, after having a number of people tell me how good they thought it was, I thought I would give it a try. Although, I could appreciate it was a good film, it just wasn’t my kind of film.

    I had not seen any trailers for the film, only the movie posters. I expected a film about corruption in the church and saw a film about corruption in the church. Great performances, some beautiful shots, just not a storyline that interested me.

    Would not watch again

  • Anora (2024)

    2h 19mins

    8/10

    First time watch in the cinema

    Comedy – Romance – Drama

    A young sex worker catches the eye of a wealthy young man who soon wants her to himself, but will Anora get the happily ever after of her Cinderella story once news of their relationship gets to his parents?

    As this film started I started to wonder if it was going to be our new Pretty Woman, but the happy bubble of the first half soon bursts.

    I loved the use of comedy throughout this film, which could have felt really dark and heavy, but the balance of the comedy gives it such rewatch-ability.

    Mikey Madison has you routing for her character Anora to get the best out of the situation she finds herself in. I loved Yura Borisov’s character Igor who gets brought into Anora’s story and as much as he’s present throughout, he feels like an observer just on the outskirts, who truly sees Anora.

    Would watch again

  • Blue Velvet (1986)

    2h

    4/10

    First time watch

    Dark – Thriller – Unsettling

    A college boy comes back to his small hometown and takes it upon himself to investigate a mysterious nightclub singer who appears to be in trouble and soon discovers that his curiosity may get the better of him.

    I know that this film is a highly acclaimed classic, but it wasn’t for me.

    I spent large chunks of it with a “Huh?!” look on my face while thinking “What on earth is happening?”

    I could tell it was meant to be quirky, but this film’s version of quirky was not one I enjoyed.

    A telltale sign I’m not enjoying a film is when I check how long is left. I did this frequently and felt surprised when I saw only 10 minutes had passed!

    Would not watch again

  • Hook (1991)

    2h 16mins

    10/10

    Rewatch

    Magical – Adventure – Joyous

    A grown-up Peter Pan must return to Neverland to rescue his children from the villainous Captain Hook, but will he be able to reconnect with his childhood spirit in order to save them?

    This film is full of magic (it must be the pixie dust!)

    I can feel the goosebumps of joy spread across me as soon as I hear the music in Hook.

    The incredible sets, props and costumes are a feast for the eyes.

    Robin Williams is perfection!

    I love how Dustin Hoffman and Bob Hoskins have these back and forths like a bickering couple as Hook and Smee.

    A fabulous story of connecting to your joy, discovering what matters the most to you and where you want to focus your energy in life. Use those happy thoughts to fly through your life.

    Would watch again

  • Top Films – February 2025

    I have watched 27 films over February. This has included watching films at the cinema, discovering new films on streaming services and rewatching films I already know I enjoy. 

    I watched 16 films for the first time and rewatched 11 films.

    Top 3 First Time Watches – February 2025

    It’s What’s Inside (2024)

    Your Monster (2024)

    Longlegs (2024)

    Top 3 Rewatches – February 2025

    Pretty Woman (1990)

    10 Thing I Hate About You (1999)

    Bring It On (2000)

  • Bring It On (2000)

    1h 38mins

    9/10

    Rewatch

    Playful – 00s Teen Rom Com – Relationships

    The newly appointed captain of a champion cheerleading squad discovers that their past successes have no been what they seemed and fights to keep their number one spot in the championships.

    I can watch this film on repeat happily quoting away throughout. Such a fun watch, with high energy comedic performances by all, poking fun at the stereotypes around cheerleading.

    Would watch again

  • Foe (2023)

    1h 50mins

    5/10

    First time watch

    Sci-Fi – Love – Black Mirror-ish

    A couple in the year 2065, are offered a “replacement husband” to stay behind with the wife while the husband is sent off by the government to serve on a space station.

    I didn’t hate this film, but also can’t really pinpoint any “ooh I loved that” parts of the film. It was ok. It made me think of some episodes of Black Mirror, which I feel are way better than this film.

    I wasn’t sure if you were meant to know where this film was going, but as I could see it from a mile away, I found it irritating and wanted it to “get on with it”.

    There were some nice shots, Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal were good in their parts, but overall it was pretty slow and bordering on boring. I kept reaching for my phone and then putting it down trying to encourage myself to give the film a chance.

    Would not watch again

  • Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024)

    1h 19mins

    6/10

    First time watch

    Family film – Comedy – Comfort watch

    Wallace invents a “smart-gnome” to help around the house, but finds himself in trouble when the gnome is no longer working as designed and once again needs his best dog Gromit to save him.

    If you’re already a Wallace and Gromit fan, you’re sure to love this new addition to their collection.

    I loved that the film was linked to one of their older films, The Wrong Trousers (1993).

    There’s a very nostalgic feeling watching these films. It’s like meeting up with an old friend. A wonderful comfort watch.

    Would watch again

  • You’re Cordially Invited (2025)

    1h 49mins

    4/10

    First time watch

    Silly – Weddings – Family Relationships

    Two weddings are accidentally booked on the same weekend and the two different parties try to make sure their bride and grooms get the wedding weekend they wished for.

    Did I watch this expecting it to be a film masterpiece? No. Did I watch this thinking it would be a funny, easy watching comedy? Yes, but I feel it ended up being more silly than funny.

    I know I’m not the biggest Will Ferrell fan, whether I enjoy a film he’s in can be hit or miss. However, my partner who does enjoy Will Ferrell comedies, did not find this overly funny either. I do however love Reese Witherspoon and find her very funny in her comedic roles, but I was underwhelmed with this film.

    I’m not really sure who the intended audience for this film is. As I said above, it didn’t hit with a Will Ferrell or Reese Witherspoon fan. I feel that there were some “Gen Z” comedy moments in it, but it felt that they were trying to make fun of them rather than laughing with them.

    I was happy to see a new comedy out without it needing to be a big action packed comedy, but this one just wasn’t for me.

    Would not watch again

  • Renfield (2023)

    1h 33mins

    6/10

    First time watch

    Comedy – Horror – Playful

    After devoting his life to his master, Dracula, Renfield joins a support group to see if he can break away from this toxic relationship.

    I’m a sucker for a Nicolas Cage film and this can now be added to my rewatch pile.

    Easy to watch comedy horror. I enjoyed that playful humour where it wasn’t taking itself too seriously. The gory scenes are filmed to encourage “Ewws!” and laughs rather than to scare and disgust. A fun storyline following a modern take of how Dracula’s familiar might respond to the nature of their relationship.

    Would watch again