FlickDirect Movie Reviews

Physical Media: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD 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.

Going in Style

Aug 08, 2017

Going in Style is an easy movie to follow that will make you laugh from beginning to end. They were able to bring a more lighthearted view to a serious issue that many seniors face today, living longer than you can afford to.

Full Review | Grade: B

John Wick, Chapter 2

Jun 12, 2017

With a background in stunt choreography, director Chad Stahelski uses his knowledge well, using the fight scenes to move the story along to a conclusion that isn’t wholly surprising, but the end scene does set the third movie in the series up quite nicely.

Full Review | Grade: B

We Are Your Friends

Jan 11, 2016

"Are we ever gonna be better than this?", Cole screams from the mic. Well, the truth is, probably not. We are Your Friends isn't going to be up for any of the major awards this season, but like so many films made in this genre, it does have the feel-good factor.

Full Review | Grade: C

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Physical Media: Blu-ray Review

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Extended UK Edition

Nov 23, 2015

So, after fourteen years and six movies, does this disc set bring an end to Peter Jackson's love affair with middle earth? Who knows, but, if it is the case, it's a worthy conclusion, and, along with the other five movies before it, it should be in everyone home collection.

Full Review | Grade: A

The Goonies

Nov 05, 2015

1985 - the year the first cell phone call was made and compact disc’s first showed up on the high street and anyone who was anyone tried the “truffle shuffle”, which means the timeless “cult” classic that is The Goonies is 30 years old!

Full Review | Grade: B

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Physical Media: Blu-ray Review

Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended 3D

Nov 03, 2014

Originally The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the one film Peter Jackson has made in the realm of Middle Earth that I didn’t think needed an extended edition, but now I’ve seen it, I was wrong.

Full Review | Grade: A

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Apr 09, 2014

If you are a fan of the previous films, or just a casual traveler into Middle Earth this film is a must see!

Full Review | Grade: A

The Dark Knight Rises

Nov 26, 2012

This year may well go down as the year of the comic book hero in movie history; there has been a whole host of them. Still, it was no surprise that, among them, one of the most hotly anticipated co...

Full Review | Grade: A