Kate_Pafford Reviews

Haven (2010–2015)

A fun, new Syfy show with potential

[9/10 · 18 September 2010]

This show caught my eye when I saw the ad for it on Hulu. I don't have cable, so I'm not really familiar with a lot of the new shows, but after seeing this is based on the Colorado Kid story by Stephen King, and by being a fan of his work, I decided to check out the show.

I came into the show late; the first episode I saw was the third episode 'Consumed' but that was enough to get me interested. The show takes on some very interesting supernatural elements (with a lot of Stephen King references within them) and it makes for a very entertaining show.

The acting is great, the writing is fun and the two leads, Emily Rose (Audrey Parker) and Lucas Bryant (Nathan Wournos) have great chemistry, while Eric Balfour (Duke) always brings a fun element to the show. I've watched every episode from that first one and I've been hooked. A very enjoyable show with enough supernatural/suspense to keep the viewers intrigued while enjoying the Stephen King-ism and the always burning question "where do I belong?".

Glee (2009–2015)

Gleeful over Glee

[10/10 · 10 September 2009]

I caught the pilot and knew this was the one new show I was positive I would be watching. It's a new, refreshing show that focuses more on people than situations and the writing is fantastic.

Jane Lynch (Sue), as always is hilarious and the bantering between her and Matthew Morrison (Will) is fabulous. The two leads, Lea Michele (Rachel) and Corey Monteith (Finn) work extremely well off each other and the rest of the cast shine in their characters.

Glee is the new must see show of the season and I will be recommending it to everyone and anyone.

Glee's a winner!

Shutter (I) (2008)

Not Jump Out of Your Seat Scary, But Entertaining

[7/10 · 26 January 2009]

I was going into this movie with mediocre hopes. I'm a fan of Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor, so I was pretty much just hoping the two of them would make the film entertaining, which they did. I think they made the film a lot more realistic and relatable than lots of other 'horror' film characters. The story was simple but very interesting because the turns sort of kept you going 'hmm...'. Most of the remakes of Asian Horror haven't been very much to my liking. I did enjoy The Ring and The Eye but I found The Grudge to be a little bit less my style. Shutter has all the classical elements of a haunting but it's got quite a few good twists and turns. Not the most terrifying ghost film ever made but I did enjoy it, especially Jane's spunkiness and determination as well as the twisted ending and would recommend it to anyone not going into the film with hopes of being scared witless. I give it 7 out of 10 for good acting, chemistry, cinematography and story.

Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)

I Love This Show!

[10/10 · 1 October 2008]

I love Pushing Daisies. I love the stories, acting and narration. I really love all the colors, everything is so vibrant and colorful. The stories are fun and attention grabbing. Lee Pace is an amazing leading man who keeps this show alive. I'm not a big fan of Anna Friel but I think she's adorable and sweet as Chuck. Kristin Chenoweth as Olive and Chi McBride are just pure wonderful. The show is very different from anything else on right now, with a different feel that I think really sets it apart from a lot of shows on. I suggest watching this show if you like funny and a bit silly shows that revolve around a very sweet and kind character with fun plots and great acting. Needless to say, I tune in every week and plan to continue!

One Fine Day (1996)

One Fine Movie

[10/10 · 9 September 2008]

This is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I saw this movie when it came out with my mom (we're both Michelle and George fans) and it's become one of my "feel good" movies, along with Sleepless in Seattle and Amelie. The film is great, with great performances, cinematography and music. It's the kind of movie that makes you feel good. I love all the things that keep happening throughout the course of the day and how Michelle keeps getting on her clothes! It's a bit like Pride and Prejudice with the dislike and banter the two lead characters. A real winner with charm and wit, that's a guaranteed smile-maker! One of the best films of 1996 and if you haven't seen it, what the heck are you waiting for?

The Mummy (1999)

Sit Back and Enjoy The Ride

[10/10 · 16 August 2008]

I saw this movie in theaters, a week after it came out and it's been a love affair since. I went to see this movie because I ADORE Brendan Fraser whom I saw in Encino Man and George of the Jungle. From the first scene I was hooked, keeping my eyes glued to the screen. I thought the story was fun and fantastic with great dialogue by all the main characters and great action scenes that make you root for the good guys. Historically it may not be totally accurate (I see posts about the Plagues) but this movie didn't have a disclaimer stating 'this film is based on historical or biblical fact'. So if your interested in a fun, enjoyable, kick-back and enjoy flick this is the one for you. Great acting, directing, writing and fighting. 10 stars!!!

She's the Man (2006)

She's The MAN!

[10/10 · 23 April 2008]

This film is so great! I have loved Amanda since her All That days and I was so glad to see her take on a transforming role that shows off not only her acting skills but her amazing comic abilities. As a Shakespeare fan, I was very impressed on how all the elements of the play were still present in this film as well as appealing to a younger audience with some extremely talented cast. Channing Tatum breaks out in this film and this film brings Amanda Bynes up to movie star rank in my book. A really great film!

I give this film 10 stars for clever writing, and pretty much non stop laughs, and great directing.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)

Chuck & Larry

[8/10 · 7 March 2008]

First off let me say that I am a HUGE supporter of Gay Rights and have had lots of gay friends, and I'm also a bi-sexual woman. To me, love is love no matter race/sex/religion. I didn't find offense in this film, but it wasn't meant to offend. In the beginning, Chuck does say the word 'faggot' quite a lot which made me uncomfortable, but again, he was saying it as a word, not a derogatory term. I thought this film was very enjoyable and shows how Chuck goes from using that term, to defending them. He's accepted by this community, questions asked and he sees that they are just people living their lives how they feel they should. I think it's a good example of what people do think until they get to know someone who's gay. It was a movie about love, acceptance and respect and I think it excelled at it. Sure, there were gay jokes, but most of my gay friends loved to tell them and comment on how stupid and wrong they were. If this movie offended you, I'm quite sure that was not the film makers intentions, and just accept it as a eye opening film. There's lots of comedy, lots of good tender moments, and lots of some very sweet scenes showing the love these two men have for each other without being gay.

Amélie (2001)

A Touching Film that Touches All the Big Things

[10/10 · 5 March 2008]

This is one of my favorite films ever, and every time I watch it my entire body tingles and my face hurts from all the smiling. This is a rare film that comes along every one and a while. Audrey Tantou is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen and she brings a doe like presence to the screen as Amelie. A sweet story that shows us just how much the little things matter. A sweet and charming tale that leaves you satisfied, happy and longing for more. A masterful piece of art, it will be beloved for many many years, and I know I will watch it through out those years. This film will touch your heart and your mind. A wonderfully excellent picture!

Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

Not My Favorite Evil

[7/10 · 2 March 2008]

I love the first two Evil's, full of great action sequences, an intriguing plot and some great scenes and dialog. But after watching this one, I was left feeling a bit flat and disappointed. This was my least favorite and I thought some of the scenes were trying too hard to be like the other two films. Sure, it's better than some movies, but it's the worst and the let down of the series. The fact Jill and Angie's stories are just ignored completely upset me, and I thought some of the scenes jumped too quickly. I hope they make a 4th just to tie up all the loose ends and hopefully they'll get a different director who will be able to take this series back into the right direction.

Toy Story (1995)

A Film That Will Be A Classic Forever

[10/10 · 13 February 2008]

I was 8 when I saw this movie for the first time. Now, 13 years later it's still one of the biggest childhood films ever. The wonderful thing about this film is that it reaches the imagination and makes you think what really happens when you're not around. That's the best thing about Pixar is that all their movies are intelligent and they like to show us the possibilities. It's an amazing journey to see what your toys would be like if they were alive.

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen have great chemistry that just leaps off screen and the rest of the cast is great. I love all the characters, how so many of them are older toys like Woody and Slinky and how much Andy really loves all his toys. This is a film I know will be considered one of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen's greatest performances. This film is one of the most amazing and wonderful films that all children should see and love. One of the most impressive and influential children movies ever. An excellent film for everyone and worth every star!

Earthsea (2004–2005)

An interesting film

[5/10 · 9 February 2008]

First off, I have never read Earthsea and don't plan on it unless my daughter wants to read it together. But I thought for a Sci-Fi channel movie this is one of the best. Great cast, some hokey lines but the costumes, scenes and acting are great. I thought the movie rushed into the beginning pretty quickly, and there are quite a few things I don't understand within the story line. But this was an above average film that takes four novels and turns them into a movie. It may not be the best adaption, but it seems as if the story wasn't butchered to all heck, so for that it gets points. Now a bad movie to watch especially if you haven't read the books.

Dead Silence (2007)

Creepy

[10/10 · 7 February 2008]

When this first came out the idea looked good, and when I saw it was from James Wan and Leigh Whannell who I think are an amazingly creative, if not a little macabre, team who brought us Saw, I was very interested in seeing it. The story isn't one I haven't seen before so the story is very engrossing, and the cinematography is wonderful. There are lots of jumps and quite a few twists and turns you don't expect. This movie restores my faith in the psychological horror/thriller that isn't gory or all about death. An amazing film that causes your hair to stand up, this is definitely a film to be seen and enjoyed. All in all, an amazing film and I look forward to seeing James & Leigh's next project because I'm sure it's going to be an amazing. 10 out of 10!

Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetle Juice and Tim Burton, shapers of my youth

[10/10 · 26 January 2008]

This was the second film that started my love affair with Tim Burton. I watched this film more times then I can count as a little girl, and it still holds it's magic for me, eighteen years later. This film is dark, strange and amazing. Geena David and Alec Baldwin are great as the couple who die, Winona Ryder rules as Lydia the daughter who can see the couple and Michael Keaton almost steals the show as Beetleguese a.k.a. Beetle Juice. Catherine O'Hara is Lydia's high-class Step-mom who only cares about herself and people's opinions of her and Jeffrey Jones is Lydia's dad who only wants to live a quitet life away from the City and make money. If you haven't seen this dark masterpiece and one of Tim's finer works, you must! 10 out of 10 for genius.

Beowulf & Grendel (2005)

A New Vision on a Famous Poem

[7/10 · 10 January 2008]

First off, let me say I have never read Beowulf or seen any film based on it. But my husband wants to watch the new Beowulf film with Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie and a person at the library recommended that I watch this first so I could perhaps understand the new movie better. The directing was fantastic and the scenery was a character itself. I enjoyed Gerard Butler, Stellan Skarsgard and Sarah Polley, and some of the other actors were fantastic as well, including Grendel. If you've read the poem you may enjoy this more, but I had a bit of trouble following the story. A very good effort and amazing costumes, performances and scenery but some of the lines are a little vulgar for my taste. I give it a 7 because it was enjoyable, even if a bit confusing.

Blood and Chocolate (2007)

If you haven't read the book, you may like it.

[6/10 · 5 January 2008]

A viable effort to turn one of the greatest supernatural teen books into a movie to capture a new audience, Blood and Chocolate has been changed from it's original form to be adapted to an older teen audience. The acting was good, the characters were interesting, and the story wasn't bad, but the changes that occurred are what make this film a problem. All the characters have become older, the location has changed, and there are a few really silly scenes, but the actors try to give it some depth and keep it alive. The directing was good, not the best I've seen, but not the worst. The screenplay had it's quarks, but I think if you haven't read the book you might enjoy this film for what it is. The hardest part about adapting a book is trying to keep the most important elements in it, which Blood and Chocolate has tried to do. Not the most horrible film ever, but not the best book adaption. 5 stars for good acting, some great shots and effort.

Alex & Emma (2003)

If you love Kate Hudson or Luke Wilson, see this film!

[7/10 · 5 January 2008]

Despite what I've read review wise on this site, I got this movie because I enjoy Kate and Luke and thought that together they may make a great team. An unconventional love story that makes sense, the move from reality to fiction is smooth and sweet. Luke's funny, crazy, a bit charming and sweet as Alex, a writer who has to write his next book in 30 days or be killed by Loan Sharks. He hires Emma (Kate Hudson) a sweet, opinionated and odd character, so he can narrate and she can type. Things get strange from there as Alex narrates and envisions them as the characters, but it's charming none the less. I giggled and enjoyed the scenes and I thought it was a very cute film that people have read to much into. Meant to be a sweet and enjoyable film, it's not meant to be the next Gone With the Wind. Charming and cute none the less with Rob Reiner behind the camera. Worth 7 stars for it's cute effort.

The Departed (2006)

Another Gory, Raw Scorcese Picture

[8/10 · 5 January 2008]

I'm not a fan of Martin Scorcese, and I'm not really a fan of Gangster movies, but my husband really wanted to watch it. The acting was great, the story was good, I've seen the Chinese movie this was derived from which I also enjoyed. The plot is like molasses, you get sucked in by the situation. Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson have great chemistry and I would like to see them do another movie on a lighter subject. There was so many twists and turns that you can't help but get interested. All in all a good film, the end leaves you shocked and a little confused, but all in all a very good film, and the nominations were absolutely deserved. If your not into gangster movies but enjoy any of the main actors, you might want to check it out because the cast is first rate!

Catch and Release (II) (2006)

A Film That Everyone Can Enjoy

[9/10 · 5 January 2008]

I've borrowed this movie three times from the library and finally got around to watching it the fourth time around. The story is as old as time but it has a bit of a new twist to it. Jennifer Garner shines as a woman who's mourning and hurt, who finds out a few things about her fiancé. There's soft and sweet romance, great comedy (by the great Kevin Smith) and a feel good sense to it. You'll laugh, you may want to cry but in the end you'll be satisfied with this slowly melting and savory story that comes around every once in a while. So don't just write it off as another sappy, old story love movie, but a refreshing and comedic take on what people do when confronted with pain and fear. A wonderful film that gets a 9.

Keeping Mum (2005)

This movie is ridiculous...

[10/10 · 24 November 2007]

This movie is ridiculous in his humor. Totally enjoyable with amazing performances and not a bad line in the whole film. Maggie's fun and charming, Kristin is wonderful and sassy and Rowan takes a different path in this film, but is hilarious none the less. If you get the chance to see this movie you should most definitely watch it. The film's not for children but adults will enjoy it if they like British humor and if you love Rowan Atkinson, Kristin Schoot Thomas or Maggie Smith this is a must see for any fan! The cinematography is great, the directing is wonderful and the connection between the actors is so wonderful that it almost leaps off the screen. I've watched many movies, and haven't come another film like this in a while! Three thumbs up!

Women's Murder Club (2007–2008)

Women's Murder Club

[10/10 · 2 November 2007]

I have read the first three books and I saw 1st to Die with Carly Pope and Pam Grier, who I enjoy very much, and was a little disappointed. I tuned into the show to compare the three and I love this show. Angie is amazing and as brash as Lindsay. I adore the entire cast and really like the story lines. So for those of you who don't like the show, find something else to watch because this is true to the books. Thumbs up for putting it on the television! The cast works well together, the stories are very complex and keep you guessing and the directing works very well. I would like to see some other characters and killers from the books come in to the show, but so far it's been a whirlwind of great fun. If you enjoy tough chicks who are smart and savvy, tune in.

Veronica Mars (2004–2019)

Veronica Rocks My Sox!!!!

[10/10 · 28 April 2007]

Veronica Mars is a sassy, addictive obsession of mine. I Love Kristen Bell, and the entire cast make this show so great. Great wit, excellent plots, twists and turns, fantastic characters. This is what teenage shows should be. Veronica Mars is in the top five teen shows ever. This show will be a favorite for a later generation, much like My So Called Life. I was a little worried that the second season wouldn't have the punch, wit and drama as the first season, but I have to say I was very happily surprised as the season moved forward. So those of you who find the show, boring, dry, unwitty, played out or whatever you called it...I have one thing to say..."Don't Watch It!" Simple as that. Veronica's a great show, and I'll be mad when they cancel it and not 24.

Maya (I) (2001)

What A FILM!

[10/10 · 18 September 2006]

Having many friends who are Indian, I have been to quite a few Prayer Ceremonies. Neha, a friend of mine had told me of the ceremony her mother, Chitra, had had back in India, but I never really thought it was more than a rare occurrence. But Neha told me about a film she had watched with her family, that had caused her usually stone faced, never show emotion in front the children mother, Chitra to leave the room. After hearing that Chitra had cried due to the film, and after watching the film, I now understand what Chitra's life must have been like. I give this film 10 stars for showing how after the Ceremony, Maya's forever changed, and all the grown-ups baby her, and tell her that everything's OK, that everything is fine, and Sanjay, her cousin is willing to insult His Holiness, and take the wrath of his father. This movie once again shows us how different a world India is, and any other country. I thought this movie was a coming-of-age film, but it takes us into the world of what a person will do into the name of "GOD". This is a film that needs to be seen, especially by people who don't understand Hindi, Punjabi traditions. I'm just glad that this film is out there for people to see, to make them angry. Well done Digvijay Singh, and Emmanuel Pappas for making this incredible film.

Prozac Nation (2001)

Incredible

[10/10 · 23 July 2006]

I adore Christina Ricci, but it took me five years to watch this film. I myself have suffered from Depression for five years, and am once again beginning to recover. After I had my daughter I thought I would be OK, that I could get off the medication, live life like a normal human being, who didn't have to rely on this pill once a day to save me from myself. Seeing what Elizabeth went through was an exact replica of what I myself went through. Only I had a different surrounding, High School. Christina's portrayal is gripping, emotional, and beautiful. If you have suffered from Depression, or know someone who has, this movie, this book is an incredible way to understand the depths of the mind, what is lingering in the deepest darkest corners of our inner body. How we play a part, pretending to be happy, all together, but yet our mind, our soul is screaming to be released. All the anger and hatred of ourselves is shown in the most artistic way with this movie. I think this movie is incredible, and encourage all to see it.