Kate

Kate is another entry in the line of feminist action flicks where the ends justify the means. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who I usually like, isn’t exactly bringing the sex appeal here, but she’s definitely tearing through a stylish, chaotic ride. It starts off with the energy of a Robert Rodriguez film but eventually settles into classic B-movie territory. Still, the Japanese gangster vibe gives it just enough flair to make it worth a watch, landing it a solid three stars from me. (2021-09-13)

Some like cupcakes, some like wild girls, but it's a fact that this one is too wild – headshots are not spared, nor are pierced eyeballs and larynxes. Again, it's probably just my problem, but somehow I don't give a shit about those skinny girls who have ten armed men for dinner, especially when they're in the last stages of being a Litvinenko in the ICU. Anyway, another template strong female checked off, Netflix at half throttle again. But I send Mary Elizabeth Winstead a kiss on the forehead, she's a cutie. (2021-10-25)

I'm surprised that directors enjoy making the same thing over and over again with absolutely zero innovation. Another revenge story, with the same template, just with a different lead actress. The Tokyo setting is passable, the action is mediocre, the story is cheesy and really nothing more. Sure, some may argue that we wanted revenge and we got revenge, but for another addition to the genre to be of any interest to me, it has to be at least special andits own thing, and Kate is not even close. It’s alright, but there are far, far better pieces in the field of similar films. You can skip it. (2021-09-16)

Japan is a land of contrasts, a place where ancient traditions coexist with the bustling energy of modern life. On one hand, there's the Japan of old, with its samurais, the Bushido code, and a shadowy underworld of the mafia. On the other, there's the vibrant, neon-lit Japan of today, brimming with anime and absorbing Western influences like a sponge. It's a cultural collision that can leave even the most seasoned traveler feeling like they've stumbled upon a sushi roll with a bit of everything thrown in. In this film, it feels like the director and screenwriter were among those foreigners, trying to cram every Japanese trope they'd ever heard of into one movie – and it didn't quite hit the mark. With borrowed elements from various action flicks such as Nikita, it struggled to find its own identity, leaving me skeptical from the get-go. Despite its shortcomings, I found myself oddly drawn to the film's often creative approach to violence. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend turning off your logic switch and embracing the chaos. / Lesson learned: Avoid touching anyone or anything affected by radiation! 3*- (2024-05-04)

I like action movies as much as horror movies, so I can forgive them a lot, Kate is a fine action female movie that definitely doesn't offend. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is poisoned and has a day to find her killer, and blood will flow through the streets of Tokyo. In terms of story, it's a straightforward revenge movie, which I personally don't mind, I just found the little kids who sidekick the main character a bit annoying, something that's been popping up in every other action movie lately. The heroine is badass and the role suited her (definitely more than Karen Gillan, for example) and the action is pretty good ( thankfully, they don’t spre blood and the fights are decent, though of course it can't be compared to Korea, John Wick or Indonesia, those are on another level). I also liked the neon Japan, the Yakuza and the solid pacing, which doesn’t leave room to be bored. I was little disappointed with the weaker finale, it definitely had more potential. Add more action and I'd be happier. Still, I had a good time, but bookworms who only care about the script will of course suffer. A tad better than the recent Sweet Girl. Story 3/5, Action 3/5, Humor 0/5, Violence 4/5, Fun 4/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 4/5, Atmosphere 3/5, Suspense 3/5, Emotion 2/5, Actors 3/5. 6.5/10. (2021-09-13)