Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Aubree Weyrick 10.04.11 / 1pm

   I went to go see this film recently and I loved it. I found the movie to be very disturbing, emotional, and extremely believable. It made me think about how incredibly hard it would be, even for the most experience and knowledgable team of doctors, to try and stop such a wildly-spreading virus. It also brought up another question as to what society could actually do and would do if something like this were to really happen. I found the movie very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone.
2. Lucero Garcia 10.04.11 / 8pm

   I honestly didn’t like the movie so much. I went to see it this pass weekend not knowing what it was about. I thought the ending was pretty good because it explained how the disease spread throughout the world. I have seen plenty of movies with saying “a scary disease spreading fast.” I saw how people reacted to the disease which that was interesting. For example, the protective father and the well-known elite that tells the people he knows that they need to leave wherever they are located. I did not find this scary at all it was more informative and tragic that so many people died. I also don’t believe the audience didn’t watch the movies without popcorn because I know I didn’t. Overall I give it a 6.5 out of 10 score.
3. Jenna Rubin 10.05.11 / 11am

   I recently viewed this movie and I could not say that I enjoyed it. I had a sense of what this movie was going to be about before I watched it and was a little weary whether or not I wanted to commit to watching it. I do not usually prefer movies that imply a tragic ending of mankind or of the world. I feel that these movies are somewhat realistic, but mostly hopeless. I feel that this movie was completely predictable. Due to the big names in this film, the acting was on point and did not fail to entertain. However, the plot of this specific film was dissappointing and is not my first pick in genre. If you enjoy watching thousands of people suffer and eventually die, or enjoy having threatening ideas planted in your mind, then this is just your type of movie. As for me, I am at fault for my dissappointment because I knew from the start that Contagion’s genre is not in my movie preference. As for the review, I thought the review was well-written and could possibly change people’s opinions about this movie.
4. Dagmawi Teshale 10.09.11 / 3pm

   First of all, I really enjoyed reading your very thorough analysis. It is interesting how you incorporate both your comments on the plot of the film as well as cinematography and other aspects the film. I haven not yet watched Contagion but I have been planning to for a while. I have heard a lot of different things about it, but I do think that I would like it. Other Soderbergh films such as Erin Brockovich, Traffic and Ocean’s Eleven (remake), I tended to like very much and if Contagion, as you write, is typical Soderbergh film, then I will for sure take the time to go and watch it.
5. Derek Stettler 10.09.11 / 4pm

   I saw this film and had high expectations based on the fact that it was a Soderbergh film, the cast is amazing, and it got really great reviews…but I came out disappointed.

   While I really enjoyed Cliff’s score, and Soderbergh’s style was very enjoyable and complimentary to the story, the story itself was a disappointment. It felt like it was building up to something, but with no real payoff. The story with Marion Cotillard’s character was basically abandoned at the end without a resolution, and at no point did I feel the paranoia that I was expecting to feel.

   The cinematography was great, but I couldn’t help noticing that it looked like something from my camcorder. It turns out the whole film was shot on a RED digital camera. Needless to say, I’m very disappointed in the RED. Panavision’s Genesis is capable of producing a much more pleasing image in my opinion. Although I do realize that this camcorder look could have been intentional to create a sort of modern cinema verité look, but it still looked pretty bad in certain scenes.

   Overall a 6 out of 10 for me.
6. Danielle Felts 10.10.11 / 12pm

   Your review of the movie Contagion was extremely well written, and made me want to see the film. Before reading your review, I was on the fence about whether or not the film was worth my time and money, but you convinced me to go see it. I really like most of the actors in the film, but have to say Matt Damon and Jude Law are among my favorites. I’m excited to see their performances in this film since you said they stand out the most. Based on your descriptions of the main characters, it sounds like the film was perfectly cast.
7. Sara Berkowitz 10.11.11 / 4pm

   Too be honest I really didn’t like the movie Contagion. I found it to be very long and not that interesting. It was weird how there wasn’t a central main character and that made it less interesting because as a viewer I didn’t get invested or care about the movie because there was no one to follow throughout the entire film. The movie was advertised to be ore scary than it actually was, it was more sad because of all the people dying for the disease. However the film did raise certain ethical questions about what society would do if a disease like this happened. It was interesting to see but however I would not recommend it.
8. Samantha Marmion 10.12.11 / 2pm

   I have not seen this movie yet, but I will most likely rent it when it comes out on DVD. I felt like it was just one of those movies for me. I appreciated the fact that it was about a frightening pandemic that could possibly happen in our world, but other than that I found that the preview was not attention-grabbing enough for me. I agree with you about the cast although. The director definitely stocked up his respectable actors when casting this film. In the preview alone, I saw so many recognizable faces that I could tell it would be a movie full of good acting. By your review, I can definitely prepare myself properly with your tips and I will surely bring that hand sanitizer.
9. Lauren Williams 10.13.11 / 2pm

   I just watched the trailer for this film and it made me want to go wash my hands! This movie kind of reminds me of Outbreak, it has the same kind of style to it but I would say that this movie has a better cast and it seems a little bit more scarier. From watching the trailer the score definitely sets the mood and makes it more chilling to watch. I’m definitely going to put this on my list to see, because I’m interested in how it ends and see how it was done and how they made America react if something like this would really happen. I’m not sure if I will love it but it looks like a good movie.
10. Keric Moore 10.14.11 / 4pm

    I have not seen the film and heard that it had received bad reviews, however reading your review made me want to go watch the films. I enjoy watching good actors and by your review the actors did an amazing job in this film. I would be interested to see their parts in the film. Another thing that really interests me is a good soundtrack in a film. Without this a film is really just not the same to me, it is the music that finishes drawing me into the film. If it is as good as you say I may have to find some time to go and watch the film. The idea of a world preparing for mass deaths due to sickness seems like and interesting, if not unique, story to watch. In conclusion I think I will add this to my list of films to watch.
11. Anastasia Sagawinia 10.14.11 / 5pm

    I watched this film and I thought you did a wonderful job on reviewing this film. Everything was very clean clear and presice. I also agreed with you when you said to bring hand sanatizer! That’s a good warning and the coughing part too! The movie was really good and a well done film but I wouldn’t suggest it because it was scarey and I’m not into scary movies!
12. Stanley Callahan 10.14.11 / 6pm

    To me I think this film is overrated. I only saw it once and it was at a drive-in so maybe I did not get the full affects as everyone else did which means I have to see it again. William Conlin wrote this review in a way that would make anyone eager enough to spend their money on this film. Personally I would wait for it to come out on DvD. It was very clever how he ended the review with a little comedy advising the viewers to not buy popcorn and to bring hand sanitizer along. I also liked how he mentioned Matt Damon’s roll because that is what really made the movie entertaining to watch.
13. Joseph Racicot 10.14.11 / 7pm

    Laurence Fishbourne’s performance in this film was my favorite thing about this film. I would agree that it would be a contender for the Screen Actor’s Guild Ensemble Award, because the great chemistry of the actors and actresses in this film. However at the end of the film I felt myself wanting more. For example, the cinematography of the white body bags and basic feel of the apocalyptic drama were approached on a lesser scale than previous films with the same theme, such as Outbreak. The abrupt coughing and sneezing that occured at the end of the film by audience members was a humorous moment.
14. Stephney Brigman 10.15.11 / 10am

    While I haven’t seen the film I feel that your analysis of the film pretty much falls in line with other people have said about the film, and how realistic it was. It makes you think with how diverse our world is and all the different people from all over the world that migrate into the united states from third world countries what types of diseases are being brought into this country and what is our government doing to keep us safe. This film just brings all those issues to the surface that make you wonder hummmmm.
15. Brittany Brennhofer 10.16.11 / 12pm

    Contagion

    Recently I took a trip to the Westwind Drive In and saw the movie Contagion. I also thought that it was a very suspenseful film. I expected a lot out of this movie due to the full cast of phenomenal award winning actors and actresses, but I must say that the movie fell short of my expectations. I really like Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow and its not to say they did a bad job of acting, it was the ending of the film that didn’t impress me. I am not very familiar with Soderbergh’s work, but I agree that the movie was quite long and gave no clues of the resolution until the very end. It almost felt as if they got sick of making the movie and decided to wrap it up in the final two minutes. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed in the film over all.
16. Bryan Beverly 10.16.11 / 1pm

    I saw this film a couple weeks ago with my roommate and loved it. The plot was a little slow at first being a little confusing. As the film went on, you began to feel a connection with some of the main characters. You began to feel the anxiety and stress of the characters as family members were dying, and people were running out of food. The film itself got me more aware of staying sanitized and taking care of myself. It is truly amazing how easy it is for a disease to spread so fast and swiftly. I thought this film was a good wake up call for the world to show how people might react to another big epidemic.
17. Daniel Edwards 10.18.11 / 6pm

    I remember first seeing the preview for Contagion in theatre’s about six months ago and thinking, “This film is either going to be great, or completely unbearable”. After having heard more about the film from friends, I decided it was more likely the latter and declined watching the movie. However, after reading your review, I must say my interest is once again sparked. I new little of the leading Director in this film but from the little I have read Soderbergh’s films sound captivating. Great review.
18. Eric Skeen 10.27.11 / 1pm

    I was immediately attracted to this movie because of the amazing casting—Matt Damon (most notably), Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Marion Cotillard. I went to see it at the movie theatre and was captivated. I usually don’t prefer these types of movies, however this movie exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed how they focused on individuals’ life stories throughout, because it makes this contagious epidemic hit closer to the heart. As William Conlin said, the cinematography also has a major affect on us as viewers with regard to separation of community and sickness. When the movie concluded and the whole story tied together I felt satisfied with my $10 spent at the theatre.
19. Erik Helling 10.31.11 / 9am

    Oh Contagion, how you surprised me big time. I had very low expectations for this film and went to see it because of peer pressure. I had a jaded view at first because of the trailers I was seeing. One of those movies that have been done a thousand times, however I was proven wrong. The plot was exciting and had a few different twists. This is not a happy story by any means, however I thought the movie had great flow.
    The theme of this movie alludes to how this type of pandemic may affect the real world if this were to actually happen. It signifies the inner workings of government, highlighting secrecy and favoritism. They demonstrate the effects of bribery, extortion, and hostage situations fairly well.
    The ending was well done. The film could’ve ended in many different ways and left the audience out to dry, however they brought the events that took place full circle and didn’t leave too much room for further interpretation or gray areas. I definitely could’ve done without seeing Gwyneth Paltrow having a seizure and watching the ME’s pull her scalp back… ;-)
20. Olivia Spaulding 11.01.11 / 4pm

    I haven’t seen this film yet, but it seemed interesting when I heard about it and after reading your review I really want to see it. I love movies like this, and though I wasn’t too sure about it when watching previews, your review makes it seem like just the film I was hoping it was. The way you describe how perfect the actors are is extremely persuading to me because the choice of actors really make or break a film for me. Also, the score of films is very important and interesting to me and since you commented on how accurate and mood setting the score is, I will definitely watch this film soon.
21. Chloe Facenda 11.06.11 / 11pm

    I have seen this film about a month ago and, I had low expectations of it. Although I was pleasantly surprised by the intelligence of the film. Being a nursing student I had greatly appreciated the realism of the film. In the way they use the vaccine analysis is much like real life. This film was a great way to show an audience how such a devastating pandemic can ruin us globally. People do not just start to act like animals they become them. This review although showed great aspects of the film that would make people want to go see it, the humor of the review in the ending was what made it as well.
22. Sanni Frostenson 03.14.12 / 3pm

    I agree with the reviewer that Contagion is clearly a Soderbergh film when looking at the structure of the mise-en-scene, and all praise to Soderbergh – but honestly this movie was not that good to my disappointment. We went to the Arlington theatre expecting to be exited, but for anyone European like me that read the newspaper during the SARS outbreak in Asia and the Bird flu scare it is just describing what measurements could have been taken if any of those would have spread. And adding on to people’s fear of uncontrolled disease by realizing this film; fear is a great way to control people’s action. I am impressed over the actor line up that contain one of my female favorites Kate Winslet, but it’s a shame she had to waste her talent on such a meaningless movie. I also agree with the reviewer that Jude Law did an excellent performance as a slightly neurotic blogger, and he is for me the only “light” in this movie. I might watch it again to see if I missed any details in the movie, but it will not be for entertainment or to learn anything about diseases. We could stand most infections today if they are not lab made so I can’t help wondering what the agenda is behind this movie.
23. Shauhin Moazezi 03.16.12 / 6pm

    I think what made this movie so appealing and suspenseful was the fact that this could actually happen. I appreciate Matt Damon’s acting the most as he created the mood very well for the film. The whole movie was fast paced, jumping around scenes, sometimes you had no idea what to expect next. This all added to the Mise-en-scene, or design aspect, of the film which was eerie, mysterious, quite scary but all satisfying. The best thing about the film was its ability to draw you fully into the film, almost like if you were Matt Damon. He was just an average guy who came into some horrible luck that related to the mass killings of millions of people. It all just made it seem like it could happen to anyone…
24. Lisa Santry 04.04.13 / 10pm

    I agree with the previous commenters, Contagion was massively popular because it presented a narrative of a story that in reality can happen to us. The pandemic of disease is an ever looming threat in modern society and because nothing else was like Contagion in the film industry, that is what made it popular. The threat in reality brought in the masses. Though the cast starred big names like Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow the movie could have been more effective and successful most likely. Though the film had an overall intriguing narrative, watching the film as an audience member, I did not always feel engaged and I believe that the film could have engaged the audience in a more effective way. For lack of a better word, some scenes seemed drab and constantly gloomy. In order to engage the masses, I believe more lucrative and vibrant mise-en-scene is needed in some scenes. But this adjustment would not be needed for all of it because other scenes were completely fine, like when investigating the source of the outbreak at the casino in China. Overall this was an innovative film that broke the barrier of real threats to human kind but I believe that it could have been done in a way that left the audience with more of an impact.
25. Sherri Fountain 04.05.13 / 11pm

    I really liked reading your analysis on this movie. I thought this movie was very exciting and suspenseful. One reason why I was very excited to see this movie was because of the cast. Every single actor in this movie did an excellent job. This movie had my full attention and I was completely drawn into the film. It is very frightening to think that this could happen, very rare, but it could happen. I could understand after seeing this movie that people would want to carry hand sanitizer with them everywhere they go, you never know what people have been around or touching.
26. Kathryn Issaris 07.18.15 / 4pm

    I saw this film a few years ago and I think you did an excellent job reviewing it. I really enjoyed the movie and before this I had never seen a Soderbergh film. Now that I know that this film is a good example of his obvious style I think I will look into watching another one of his films. I loved how this was a movie that made you think, and even though it felt a little long I loved being able to watch the progression of the epidemic, and the length helped add to the suspense. It wasn’t a typical scary movie, but because the story was realistic and could potentially happen it was scary. After seeing this I was washing my hands all the times for a few days. The all star cast was a big draw to see the movie and they didn’t disappoint. I thought the cast did a great job in portraying the drama and the unique story line kept my intrigued the entire time.
27. odiliaalcaraz 03.06.20 / 6pm

    I like your review of this film and I love this film. I like the realistic aspect of this film’s plot. It follows the obvious story line of a disease spreading through the masses but it also includes a lot of interesting side stories. Of course maybe there are too many side stories of this movie but it still manages to keep you hooked. It adds a curve with the crazy conspiracy theorist who adds harm to a growing crisis. I like the director’s take on this movie. Rather than be another insane zombie-type movie it portrays a realistic grim reality of what could happen. Which is more horrifying than a gruesome zombie plot. Even the resolution and the reveal of the disease source serve as little relief to the audience, because of how great Soderbergh directed this movie to feel real.

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