Kate

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. (16/09/2021)

I must admit from the start: I was expecting much worse. Kate turned out to be a quite enjoyable, adrenaline-packed Netflix movie with an interesting setting (the neon-lit streets of Tokyo) and cast. Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivered a solid performance; I believed in her as the female assassin throughout, so in this regard, it gets a big thumbs up from me. On the other hand, I can’t understand casting Woody Harrelson in such a minor role where he can’t fully showcase his talent—this feels like a criminal waste. The action is bloody (severed fingers, decapitated heads, etc.), and it also doesn’t skimp on interesting ideas, with fight scenes that are decently choreographed. Sure, the screenplay isn’t groundbreaking, but compared to similar recent genre entries (Old Guard, Jolt), this one had quite a bit of punch! So I can comfortably stand by my 6.5/10 rating :D P.S. But Charlize Theron with her Atomic Blonde is on a whole different level. (14/09/2021)

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. (13/09/2021)

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. (13/09/2021)

Decent craftsmanship. It doesn't have the improvisation and disjointed rhythm of the best in the genre (The Raid, John Wick, Atomic Blonde), but there are a few solidly filmed set-pieces for the discerning action connoisseur. Thumbs up for having the most impressive action scene directed by a 70 year old grandpa with a samurai sword. The story is about nothing, but the neon lights and the unique atmosphere of Tokyo at night with the help of decent production design and cinematography does its job. Winstead is really good. (21/09/2021)