Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Michelle Christensen 07.13.12 / 11pm

   Your review was spot on what I expected from this movie based solely on seeing the trailer. I anticipated a saccharine melodrama with a lot of issues that I just couldn’t bring myself to care about. I loved your comment, “The film claims to be based on true events which seems believable since only real people are this frustrating”. Great insight and comic relief all in one, hats off to you, sir! The only reason I might have seen this movie is because I think Elizabeth Banks is such a delight to watch, but like you said, she wasn’t enough to carry this film. Maybe I’ll catch this one when it comes out on Netflix streaming, but until then, I’m not going to shell out $10 for this mushy drag.
2. Deana Medina 07.15.12 / 11pm

   The film relates to our universe. In that I mean to say, we as humans tend to sometimes take the harder road. However as revealed in this film, the moments that we can learn from a bad decision are the moments that connect to our transformations that we are encouraged to explore.
   The illness that Sam’s moms has is a defining moment when he works magic into her getting more knowledge about her illness. Re-building relationships with family can make all the difference to know that people are on your side.
3. Haile Gallegos 07.20.12 / 7pm

   I certainly enjoyed this film review it made this film sound very entertaining. This was a strong informative review, but I think it could have improved more from a more detailed explanation of the story line. But I did find from what I read this to be a very touching movie and I would love to watch it!
4. Megan Mello 07.20.12 / 10pm

   I have been thinking about seeing this movie because my mom has been wanting to see it. After reading your review, it seems as though this movie can relate to people because it seems very realistic, besides the mother slapping Sam in the face. It appears as though this movie is about real life issues that can hit close to home such as illness and legal responsibilities. I don’t think I am going to go see it, however, after this review. It doesnt seem that interesting to me
5. Travis Noe 07.23.12 / 8am

   With Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks and Michele Pfieffer, you would think this would be one to watch. Sounds like to much sappy dialog and not enough depth or action. I’m glad to save both my time and money by avoiding such thin story lines. I’m curious what the setting was and how the film was shut. I bet there were lots of super tight closeups so we could identify with each of these characters. Good job on the review!
6. Michaela Messing 07.25.12 / 7pm

   I thought this movie was quite frustrating because yes, life does not need to be that hard, but for some people (most people), find themselves in these situations that just come about with no intention or direction in order to get out of it. I thought the story line was okay and maybe needed a bit more spice to the drama, I felt it gave a negative vibe and personally I enjoy entertainment that brings on a good, positive note. Overall I thought the characters and acting were great but storyline, not so much!
7. Gabrielle Hanks 07.26.12 / 12pm

   I have been considering seeing this movie after watching the previews because it looks like a movie I would really enjoy. By watching the trail I think it looks like a really good movie and something I would really enjoy. Your review is the reason why I am going to see it .I am someone who really likes movies about real life circumstances with characters I can relate to. I think you did a great job summarizing the movie without giving away too much detail and also how you discussed the main characters constantly pushing their stress and responsibilities to the side until the start t become unavoidable.
8. Madison Ludlow 07.26.12 / 1pm

   People like Us was a film full of crazy surprises. As a directed audience member i was completely gullible, fascinated, and greatly influenced by all of the perks. this film carries a lot of emotional weight because today divorce rates are so high so children are starting to see a normalcy in living in a single parent household. it is just a movie that is very relatable in many different audiences’ lives.
9. Andrea Luke 07.26.12 / 4pm

   Thanks for the warning! Everything you pointed out about this movie that made it difficult for you to enjoy, are things that tend to bug me most in movies. Even when I read books I get incredibly frustrated by the characters going out their way to not do something, that would make their lives a hundred times easier. Then I can’t even pay attention to what else is happening in the film because I am left fuming by the stupidity of the characters. Although this is not necessarily the fault of the director, I’m sure someone great could remedy this frustration that completely sucks you out of the story with their stylistic choices.
10. Ashley Owens 07.26.12 / 4pm

    I’ve heard may talk about this movie before and not have too high of reviews. My mom recently rented it and said it was a so so movie which was surprising considering she lives for sappy love movies. From the review I don’t feel I would enjoy the movie.
11. Lauren Sutter 07.26.12 / 11pm

    This review was interesting and I can see where all this is coming from. I have not seen this film but I do think from the trailers that this movies seemed a little cheesy. I also wondered why he did not just tell her immediately they were siblings and it seemed like the movie is all about him trying to tell her they are siblings. I like Elizabeth Banks a lot as an actress but this does not seem like a role she usually plays, I don’t think this type of role is one I would enjoy her playing. From the review it seems like this movie is very dragged out and there are parts in the film that aren’t necessary.
12. Rachael Middlekauff 09.12.12 / 9pm

    I reviewed the film “People like us” what a film, such great acting and, such a storyline. I had shed a line of tears out of my right eye, after viewing this film. I don’t care what bad things anyone says about this film, because I think it is such a good movie. Such great actors and Actresses with such great performances. What a great storyline to be told in such a film. I don’t know why it wasn’t in second place in movie theatres. This is a straightforward family comedy-drama, a movie made for adults, and one that actually gives its actors – among them Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer and Philip Baker Hall – something to do. But with that said, has more of a rarity on today’s landscape than it should be.
13. Stephanie Harshberger 09.30.12 / 10pm

    Well, this review sounds like something I’d write. I actually really like Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks and I don’t think I’ve even heard of this movie – which isn’t a good start. I’m glad I read this because if I saw the poster on Netflix or something, I’d probably watch it just for the people in it, but it sounds like it kind of drags on too long before getting to the point. I still might watch it to try it out, but I’m not convinced that it’s lookin too good right now.
14. Grifyn Flattery 10.01.12 / 10am

    I could tell just from the cover of the movie “People like us” would be cheesy. I tend to like movies about families and real life events that usually don’t happen but sometimes on a rare occasion do happen. I almost like to pretend that I’m living in the moment. I thought the review of the movie was a little bit harsh but I can see how most people would think that movie is bad. Most viewers don’t enjoy these type of movies because they drag on and aren’t relatable. I haven’t seen this film but I could see how the reviews stated negatively about how the brother took so long to tell his sister they were related. Everyone watching the film new it and was just waiting and waiting for him to reveal it. Having anticipation for events is always good but dragging it out too long just makes you lose your audience.
15. Karisa Zimmerman 10.01.12 / 10am

    Before watching the film, I believed the story line would be full of clichés and awful acting. After two hours, I was proven wrong. Although the film was a bit predictable, I enjoyed the film. The major plot events such as Sam’s father’s funeral tied me emotionally closer to the characters and it was as if I was effortlessly watching their story unfold on screen. I believe most would undoubtedly enjoy this film due to the current and real connections to the common person. I agree with Bryon, I also believe that the driving force in the film is Sam and Frankie being siblings. I also agree that some of the minor events in the film could have been taken out to enhance the film’s plot. Moreover, I enjoyed this family oriented comedy and would recommend watching it only if you’re not looking for a film which is not too critically acclaimed.
16. Kaitlin Dolan 10.15.12 / 8pm

    I have not seen this movie, and based on the review am interested in seeing it because I want to see if its really as bad as you portray it to be. I think it has a good story line and many people could possibly relate to some of the issues in this movie. the review seemed a little opinionated but that’s perfectly okay , what are film reviews for if not to inform other people of what you thought of it! based on the trailer it looks like an interesting movie and I will watch it to see weather I agree or disagree with this review. I do like movies about family and movies that I and other people can relate to and I don’t mind a little cheesiness here and there so maybe my opinion will be much different than that of the review.
17. Chenxi Tian 10.29.12 / 12pm

    Great review! However, it would be perfect if it were longer. The review here is kind of short. I haven’t seen this review before. After reading this review, I really want to see this movie. From this review, it seems like this movie is a traditional Hollywood narrative structure. The main character has clear goals and confronts difficulties during their journey. And he solves his difficulty at the end of the movie. And the movie has a special meaning, which is teaching us to fix our mistakes and try to cherish people we love around us. I will definitely watch this movie.
18. Jessica Taxara 10.31.12 / 7pm

    When watching the trailer for this film I actually wanted to see it but never got around to it. After reading this review I do not really have any intention of seeing it anytime soon. It seems as if some of the events that would happen in this film wouldn’t be very relatable and that would make the film seem unrealistic. The examples you give how the mother wouldn’t go to the hospital or Sam’s issue with his job that he fails to deal with, would probably frustrate me as I watched this film because I would feel that a normal person would try and take care of those kinds of things. You did give a good summary of the film without giving away the important events that occurred, depending on the persons mood I think this film could be a hit or miss.
19. Jaclyn Marie Murdock 11.07.12 / 8am

    I would have to agree with you completely on the content of your review. Although both Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks are great actors, the narrative and execution of it was lacking major substance. I understand his reason for not wanting to directly go to his half sister, he was in financial trouble and didn’t want to accept the fact that all along his dad did care for him. Great review though, keep up the good work.
20. Stephanie Williams 11.26.12 / 12pm

    I have been wanting to see this movie, but I haven’t gotten around to it. After reading your review for this movie I have decided that i’m going to see it. This is because you have made the movie seem like something that I could relate too. The real life issues that you talk about seem like something I could relate too or others so I believe that those things will make this movie a good one. I haven’t seen this movie today still, but when I have the chance I’m going to see this movie because this review has made me want to see this movie more the ever before.
21. Rebecca Herrera 07.31.15 / 11pm

    Thank you for sharing your review of this movie. This film sounds like it qualifies as a Netflix instant queue movie. I just watched a movie that was also based on a true story, and I thought to myself that only in real life could something so outrageous happen. I feel that you described most movies I have watched recently; they have a good story but don’t tell it well. I guess one of the hardest parts of movie making is getting the wow factor just right. I find myself an hour deep into some movies and wondering when it’s going to get to the point.

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