What Katie Watched

Tag: Movie review

  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

    1h 40mins

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Quirky – Musical – Raunchy comedy

    When a straight-laced couple are stranded by a storm, they seek refuge at ‘the castle down the road,’ where they experience a night they’ll never forget with the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his strange team.

    I first fell in love with The Rocky Horror Picture Show when I first saw it on stage. I loved the fans who all turned up in epic costumes and the fun upbeat energy oozing off of them. I found the audience participation hilarious, being amazed to learn there is a whole script out there for the audience to get involved. I loved the brilliant madness of all the characters, how over the top and camp it all is and the musical numbers are amazing. I would definitely recommend seeing it live if you can.

    As much as I love this film, I feel the audience participation adds a whole other layer of love for this film, so I can see why it’s midnight screenings brought it to it’s popularity, as there’s something that isn’t quite the same when watching it at home.

    Tim Curry is outstanding as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The whole cast are amazing and iconic in their roles.

    Would watch again

  • Wicked (2024)

    2h 40mins

    10/10

    Rewatch

    Musical – Emotional – Magical

    Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz, going back to how Elphaba became “The Wicked Witch” and Glinda became “Glinda the Good”.

    This is still my favourite new film I have seen this year. It brings me such joy and comfort to watch it. I am so excited to see Wicked: For Good when it comes out in November.

    My review from 20th January 2025 still applies:

    I felt like I came floating out of the cinema the first time I saw this. I felt so light and full of joy.

    I held off going to see it for a while where it had been so hyped and I love the theatre show (seen 4 times). I always have lots of reservations about anything I love being remade as I am not a fan of change. I went to see it by myself so that I could leave if I was hating it and not worrying about the opinions of anyone with me.

    Within the first few minutes I knew this was not going to be a problem. I felt the goosebumps creep up my arms and spread up my neck. I was hooked into the magical world of Oz. The music was beautiful, singing epic, dancing fantastic, sets mesmerising, costumes stunning and acting superb.

    I cried multiple times as I was pulled in and swept away in this beautiful story.

    It stayed pretty true to the original musical, no changes that made me recoil with it being “too different!”.

    I loved how grand it was and all the musical numbers having the epic scale like old musicals do.

    My only complaint is that I have to wait until November for the second half, Wicked For Good.

    I wish I could give this film a hug for all the joy it has brought me.

    I’m still listening to the soundtrack on repeat.

    Would watch again

  • Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

    3hrs

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Dark Comedy – Chaotic – Moral Corruption

    Based on the true story of wealthy stock-broker Jordan Belfort, as his wealth continues to grow, so does outrageous-ness of his spending with his a lifestyle of debauchery.

    This film is so chaotic, but in such a brilliant way. It’s hard to believe that it is based on a true story. You’re left thinking, ‘they must be exaggerating for film entertainment’, but then as it goes on you start to think, ‘actually are they underplaying what went on!’

    Leonardo DiCaprio is fabulous as Jordan Belfort. He starts out as this innocent, well meaning man looking to build his life in the working world as a stock-broker. His morals quickly go out the window as he starts to build in his success. His back and forths with Jonah Hill are hilarious.

    It’s outrageous, hilarious and sickening at the same time to see what those with excessive wealth can choose to put their money towards.

    Would watch again

  • The Craft (1996)

    1h 41mins

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Witchy – Teen – 90s

    When young Sarah moves to LA, she finds herself bonding with the “outcasts” at school through practising witchcraft, but will they be able to handle the power of The Craft?

    Fabulous 90s witchy film. Love the characters, love the costumes, love the aesthetic. I so wanted to be friends with these girls when I was a teen…up to about half way through the film!

    Fairuza Balk’s performance as Nancy stands out most to me and I think is probably the driving force of this film’s popularity.

    I will be rewatching this film for years to come.

    Would watch again

  • The Dark Knight (2008)

    2h 32mins

    8/10

    Rewatch

    Gripping – Action-packed – Superhero

    Chaos consumes Gotham as the Joker steps onto the scene and does not play by the other villain’s rules, will Batman be able to put an end to his madness?

    I remember seeing this for the first time in the cinema and being in absolute awe of this film. I am still left with that warm “What a film?!” feeling every time I watch it.

    Batman has been my favourite superhero since I was a kid and although Batman Forever (1995) will always be my favourite for nostalgia reasons, I would say that The Dark Knight is the best Batman film. The more realistic and gritty darkness of Gotham city that Christopher Nolan brings to the Batman franchise creates such tension and suspense. It is so different from the intentionally over the top and comic book styled Batman’s that came before.

    This film leaves me with such mixed feelings, where I adore Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker, but then there’s the sadness of this being his last role.

    An intense storyline that has me gripped throughout. I can tell when a story has me hooked in, when it’s over 2 hours and I don’t notice how long I’ve been watching it. No quick glances at the time, I am there and fully invested. Amazing performances by all! Epic action shots. What a great film!

    Would watch again

  • White Chicks (2004)

    1h 49mins

    7/10

    Rewatch

    Satire – Slapstick – 00s

    Two FBI agents, eager to regain their boss’ favour, go undercover to prevent the abduction of two hotel heiresses by assuming their identities.

    I WOOON-DEEER what you have been doing if you are yet to see this film! It is one of those comedies I’m always happy to watch if someone suggests putting it on.

    Terry Crews has the stand out performance for me, where his scenes are the ones I look forward to most. The Wayans brothers are hysterical.

    Stick this on if you fancy a giggle fest!

    Would watch again

  • 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