Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Sara Grab 02.21.14 / 4pm

   I really enjoyed this film! I thought that the movie was great! I also agree that Ryan Reynolds did a great job and I never would have imagined him being such a great voice character. I also feel the same just thinking about this movie makes me happy it is defiantly one of those feel good films you watch when your having a rough day! I would give this movie an 8-10 I think the animation is amazing and the story is original and very cute!
2. adolfo_gonzalez 03.04.14 / 9pm

   I also enjoyed this film. I’m a huge fan of animated movies, and this one did not disappoint. I spent most of the movie trying to figure out who the voice-over of the main female character was. I eventually figured it out (with the help of my girlfriend) and it made it easier to enjoy the film. I think the filmmakers made a good decision starting the journey off with the discovery of fire. In addition, there could not be a better guide around earth than a normal human, so Guy was a good addition to the film. Overall, I give it an 8 out of 10.
3. Shannon Brown 03.14.14 / 10pm

   Well stated that, “One of the perks for filmmakers to work with animation, is the possibility they get to freely create something absolutely amazing,” which is exactly what the makers did with this movie. There was not a very strong story line, but it is a children’s movie and it should be more simplistic, focusing more on visuals and simple humor. The animators created such an amazing world, making viewers wish that they could be a part of it. The prehistoric, fantastical creatures and settings were stunning, making the movie a creative piece of artwork. Not only was it beautiful to look at, but like the review says, it was very cleverly hilarious. It kept me laughing the whole time. Overall I found it to be a very cute and heartwarming movie as well.
4. Conor Campbell 03.21.14 / 1pm

   I was initially wondering what a caveman film could be about considering their prehistoric ways of communication and lack of intelligence. However, being an animated film, their isn’t much of a realistic boundary to follow. So, the film plays jokes on our preconceived notions of cavemen, instead of trying to create different or realistic depictions of that world. I like the comparison of fear of fire to fear of change. Even the first human family on earth reflects some of the personal social issues we have with our own families. I think the Croods is the best depiction someone can create with a caveman film. The film is funny, heartfelt, original, and relatable.
5. Carlos Castro 03.21.14 / 8pm

   I liked this review of the animated film “The Croods” because it gives a great summary without ruining or spoiling the movie. In addition, I do like these types of film because they are truly for everyone. A great way to teach young generations about history of human kind, and evolution is through animation. Moreover, this animated film does contain quirks that only adults can get, but can still make children laugh and get entertained. Finally, this cast did a phenomenal job in adding life, and character to this story. The stories and adventures of this ancestral family will keep you glued to the screen, as they find a new and safe place to live in order for them to survive despite their adversities.
6. Claire Shuman 03.21.14 / 9pm

   I just watched this movie last night and I really enjoyed it. I thought that it was a very interesting take on what it was like in the early ages of Neandertal’s and their evolution. We see the evolution and the process of natural selection shown in an animation. I think that the animation in this film is phenomenal. I can’t imagine how creative the people that animated this film were. I overall enjoyed the movie a lot, it was a cute take on human evolution and the animation was amazing. I also really liked the fact that they did a play on plate tectonics and pangea. I think that this is a fun and cute way to introduce children to ideas of human evolution and geology!
7. Mallarie Stevens 03.21.14 / 9pm

   I, too, am a fan of Croods. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this film as much as I did, but an all-star cast combined with impressive animation, together detailing a relatively simple plot make for a really interesting film. I love the way that you sum up the film’s strengths: “Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders with their crew manages to create something extremely funny and entertaining in a very simple way. They use the absolute first humans in the world and their fear of fire as a metaphor of peoples fear of change, which is both funny and intelligent.” It’s true – this is both funny and intelligent, in that it calls attention to how the all-too-common fear of change is at times simply unreasonable. I might disagree that Ryan Reynolds is runaway star here (it is hard for anyone to outshine Emma Stone, after all), but I was happy to see him succeed as Guy.
8. Jennifer Tabibian 03.23.14 / 10pm

   I really enjoyed the film The Croods. Dreamworks has been doing an amazing job with its most recent animated films like How to train your dragon. This review was very well done. I agree Ryan Reynolds and his sidekick belt outshined Emma Stone and Nicolas Cage completely. I wish this review used more example of scenes from the film instead of aspects of animation. Ultimately this film is funny, and appealing to most audiences.
9. Sam Abkin 03.27.14 / 11pm

   I always thought it was a treat to actors if they got to work in an animated movie because they don’t have to take it as seriously (don’t have to get their makeup done, can come in their pajamas). When you said that Ryan Reynolds didn’t have what it takes to be a voice actor it made my perception change. Since these actors/actresses aren’t showing their feelings reactions through body language they have to try even harder to give off the meaning they are trying to portray through just their voice. I also found it interesting how they made fire symbolize change. I always find it intriguing when children’s films put symbols in to get a message across.
10. Alyssa Junco 04.02.14 / 12pm

    It is hard to gauge the skill of a voice actor when we are used to judging by our visual sense and not auditory, but I could’t agree more with Dennis Hanssons review of the Croods. I thought Ryan Reynolds did an incredible job shaping his voice to the influential, teenage character named Guy and really did carry the film. I thought the animation was unique and was really influenced by cinematographic techniques. It utilized closeups and zooms, tilts and pans, in a very unique way which really enhanced the emotion and tone of the film. There were a lot of comedic bits that were truly funny because of the clever animation and subtleties in the characters, such as the animal belt. The movie speculated on relevant societal issues through metaphors, as exemplified in the review “fear of fire as a metaphor of peoples fear of change.” It is great to see animated films discuss relevant societal issues instead of the outdated topics of life, love, and materialism. Though the subjects were small, it still discussed the idea that keeping up with the changes of society are beneficial but to never forget what you believe in and who is important to you. It was a great story of overcoming obstacles to express the power of familial bonds.
11. Michael Guess 04.02.14 / 4pm

    Going into this film I was not feeling it but after the introduction of the characters it completely changed my look on this film. The voice acting is amazing it’s just great , Ryan Reynolds and Nicolas Cage are just great in this film. The overall story is pretty good and its original and i found that this film is good for not just younger audiences but also the older viewers would find a good kick out of this movie. The story fallows a family of cave people who are at first very barbaric but after meeting a new comer to the land who warns them of the coming of the tide everything falls in. It’s overall a very well done family film and id view it every now and then .
12. matt 05.03.14 / 12am

    Dennis, I enjoyed reading your review. I also thought the animation; Croods (2013) is a heartwarming film. Even though I agree it was a bit funny, I also think it lacked substance and creativity. It almost seemed as if the Writers and Directors, Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders, were trying too hard to be witty and were not completely successful. The characters in Croods reminded me a little too much like Shrek, also a Dream Works film. The actors doing the voiceovers where amazing. In this case, you are correct, DeMicco and Sanders had the creative freedom to actualize in an animated film, their very own screenplay. Unfortunately, I did not get to see Croods in the theatre. I think I might have rated the film more generously if I had.
13. Emma Paul-Cash 06.30.14 / 2pm

    I have never seen this film but my kids in the preschool I work at are always talking about it so I was very interested to finally hear what it’s about. I think you did a good job describing the story line in this review. I was very surprised to hear there were so many good actors in this film. After reading your review of The Croods I really want to check the movie out myself. Great job.
14. rarce 07.05.14 / 10am

    I really enjoyed this film and would have to give it a 9 out of 10. It was a great movie and I agree that Ryan Reynolds outshines the rest with his performance, although it could be argued that that isn’t as much to do with talent as it is with the lines he had and the character he portrayed. While yes all of them change, Guy is the first one to see things in a different way and that shows with every word that comes out of his mouth. What he says is so different from the rest, talking about tomorrow and coming up with new ideas, that we can’t help but fall in love with his character as he is the one that most of us would aspire to be.
15. Alexandria Ramon 07.05.14 / 4pm

    I agree with several points in this review. Yes, animation allows for greater creative freedom by giving the director complete control over each scene. And yes, Ryan Reynolds brought life into Guy, the best character. Like Dennis said, this film draws attention to some of the very core principles of humanity like family and survival. It shows children not only the importance of being together, but growing together. The entire Crood family expands their mind while traveling to unknown territory. The one danger for impressionable children who watch this movie is the historical inaccuracy. Of course, we as adults have hopefully learned a great deal and should know about history, but for gullible children the absurdity of the animals and landscapes might seem believable. It would be worthwhile to discuss this movie with children to ensure that they understand the difference between fiction and reality. I agree on the 7.5/10, it’s a good movie.
16. Juliet 07.06.14 / 4pm

    I recently watched “The Croods” on Netflix and enjoyed it very much. Guy (Ryan Reynolds) was not what held the animated film together for me, though. Guy is well-developed at the beginning of the film and doesn’t undergo any major transformation except for the fact that he finds a “family” and learns that he doesn’t have face the changing world alone. While this is a significant change, he doesn’t seem opposed to companionship from the beginning because he has a pet and he seems interested in Eep from the beginning. In my opinion, the glue that held the film together was the father/daughter relationship between Emma Stone and Nicholas Cage’s characters. Eep and Grug have a typical relationship at the beginning: overprotective father and rebellious daughter. What I found to be the most realistic and human aspect of this film is Grug’s transformation from frightened caveman to a selfless and even adventurous person willing to take risks. Grug’s relationship with Eep is what set this apart from other animated films; the father daughter relationship is so relatable. The fact that the family is forced to embrace a changing world is also representative of life today; children and their parents have to meet each other in the middle in order to have an understanding and heathy relationship because the generation gaps become more and more vast. I also thought this film was animated beautifully, particularly the creative animals found in this strange world. They reminded me of creatures found in “Alice and Wonderland” but reinvented and modernized.
17. Amanda Carlson 10.14.14 / 7pm

    I watched The Croods for the first time in theaters and then twice on Netflix because I thoroughly enjoyed it. The film animation is truly wonderful and the storyline is one of the best stories in an animation that I have seen. The family was very realistic and provided an underlying moral lesson to the young minds watching the film. The film has humor for all ages, from young kids even to adults. The voice-actors brought huge recognition and credibility to the film and was the reason why I choose to go see a “children’s” animation.
18. maggiesotter 10.20.14 / 9am

    I didn’t think I was going to like this film as much as I did. I agree that this movie should get a 7.5 or 7 out of 10 for comedy and the voice-overs that are so well done. I watched this movie with some kids I babysit for and didn’t know that Ryan Reynolds was the voice of Guy! He becomes on of your favorite characters while watching because his voice is easy and not too distracting. I think it gets a little too messy towards the end of the film, which is why I wouldn’t give it a higher rating. In all the actors and the comedy make this film a great one!
19. Vance Brown 10.28.14 / 12am

    I am still a huge fan of animated films and don’t believe that will ever change but “The Croods” quickly become one of my top 5 animations. They have a very creative portrayal of what life would be like back then and how cave men would have to adapt and interact with their environment. The family comes across another person, Guy, who has discovered fire and is really one of the more creative characters I have seen in animated films. The use of humor, family, adventure, an ability to learn, and seeing things for all that they could be under the surface, is what makes this movie a fun, heartwarming film for anybody to enjoy.
20. Bryan Granados 07.29.16 / 5pm

    The Croods is such a lovely movie filled with laughter and tears. I enjoyed reading your review simply because you gave me a brief synopsis of the film while providing us with your take on it as well as how you feel. I am a huge fan of Dreamworks mainly because their films provide us with a great overall message, such as Shrek, and Rio. They all have an underlying theme that really connects with the audience, which in return makes the film unforgettable. In addition, I also believe Ryan Reynolds did an amazing job starring as the voice of “Guy”. However, I must say, Emma Stone did her fair share as well and for that I believe both were excellent. Overall, your review was interesting and fun to read, thank you!
21. Alin Garcia 02.28.21 / 9pm

    The Croods was a fun and cute family movie. I have watched it many times and loved it everytime. The Croods does it’s story telling by having Eep begin with a voiceover. After that the story begins and is overall straightforward. It is a beautiful story. In its focus is the father – daughter relationship between Grug and Eep. The music also contributes to the storytelling. Fast music in hunting scenes and emotive music in the end when Grug is forced to stay behind to save his family. There are also a lot of vibrant colors which is common in modern day animated movies. I can’t wait to see the second one.

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