FlickDirect Movie Reviews

Movie / Film Reviews by Paul Kates

Browse reviews written by Paul Kates, including critical takes on films, home entertainment releases, and television series.

All Reviews Theatrical 4K / Blu-ray TV / Streaming

Mr. Kate's love affair with the movies started at a young age and has remained an integral part of his life. Although favoring the action/thriller above all other genres, his interest doesn't stop there. He will watch anything from period dramas to science fiction. Not only is Paul Kates a fan of the silver screen, he is also fond of US TV dramas, notably Arrow, Game of Thrones and The Blacklist. His favorite movies include The Lord of the Ring trilogy, and the Jason Bourne movies, while still having a soft spot for Disney animation which still to this day evokes memories from his childhood.

Paddington 2

Jan 09, 2018

Through the years, Paddington has been loved by many and with this second installment of the franchise, he looks to be loved by many more. This is a hugely entertaining movie that will make you laugh out loud. And if you think you’re too old for Paddington…your wrong!

Full Review | Grade: A

Spectre

Nov 05, 2015

Although Skyfall was always going to be a tough act to follow, Spectre does manage to hold its own, and it seems to tie in the previous three films that feature Daniel Craig nicely.

Full Review | Grade: A

Steve Jobs

Oct 22, 2015

To label a film biopic can sometimes be a little misleading. There is always a case for artistic license to emphasis part of the production, and this may be the case of Danny Boyle's (Trainspotting, Trance) latest offering, Steve Jobs.

Full Review | Grade: B

Pan

Oct 08, 2015

Geared for pre-teens, Pan should be fairly well received by those it is aimed at. Others may walk away feeling a little bit deflated.

Full Review | Grade: B

The Martian

Oct 01, 2015

The bottom line is The Martian is a hugely entertaining movie and although it has a running time of 141 minutes it really does not seem that long when you are immersed in it.

Full Review | Grade: B

Legend

Sep 13, 2015

For me, after a year that promised so much and has given so little, it’s refreshing to walk out after seeing a movie and wanting to see it again. Legend is the best film I’ve seen this year.

Full Review | Grade: A

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Dec 12, 2014

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies starts exactly where the previous Hobbit movie left off. In the final throws of "The Desolation of Smaug", Smaug is seen flying towards Lake Town wi...

Full Review | Grade: A

Hercules

Jul 30, 2014

Brett Ratner’s Hercules is a vast improvement on The Legend of Hercules, this year’s earlier adaptation of the tale of the Greek hero.

Full Review | Grade: B

Tammy

Jul 07, 2014

Though fans of Melissa McCarthy will be laughing in the aisles this will not go down as one of best. If she can take anything away from this movie, like Tammy, she will see the error of her ways and no doubt bounce back better.

Full Review | Grade: D

Edge Of Tomorrow

Jun 04, 2014

With its imaginative, well-paced story and visual effects, as well as the best performance Tom Cruise has given in recent years, Edge of Tomorrow will not leave you disappointed.

Full Review | Grade: B