Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Hilary Haynie 01.27.15 / 1pm

   I have to say I wish this review was longer and a little more in depth as I don’t quite understand what the movie is actually about. What are the stereotypes exactly? Now I am even more intrigued to see the movie because I really know very little about what it is or what it stands for. I enjoy comedies, but there are so many different kinds of comedy like slapstick humor, to dry humor, or British comedy… Maybe at some point I will see this film and be able to write up a review as well.
2. Rene Gonzalez-Slizewski 03.15.15 / 12am

   This mockumentary delves into the daily lives of four Vampires, residing in New Zealand, taking the viewer on a thrilling ride into the dark arts. The supposed “social actors” give their accounts on the life of a vampire and the film aims to replicate an observational mode of documentary, with the filmmakers following the events without intervening. The blend of comedy and extreme bloodshed creates a compelling film that makes connections to famous vampire movies such as Nosferatu, Blade, The Lost Boys and Dracula by referencing them throughout the film. Although the film’s driving force is comedy, the development of the characters is very thorough, allowing for the viewer to get a more encompassing understanding of them and eventually even sympathize with them.
3. Mara Shepherd 06.28.19 / 10pm

   What We Do in the Shadows is by far and away my all time favorite film. It is a mockumentary about vampires living in Wellington, New Zealand. Even with this absurd premise, the filmmakers and actors manage to walk a fine line of believability that make the supernatural elements work so well. I am only sad that the proposed TV series continuing this premise is going to be on FOX and recast with American actors, because I found the performances endearing and hilarious and the Wellington the perfect backdrop to their shenanigans. I highly recommend this film to anyone – whether you like mockumentaries vampires, comedies, dark humor, great acting, or just New Zealand in general.
4. Jack Parker 10.16.20 / 8pm

   Although the film takes place in New Zealand, I was not sure about where the actors are from. Given how absurd the film is, I thought New Zealand may have been a random choice. It is a mockumentary about vampires after all. It makes sense that they are some of New Zealand’s most famous actors. For having such odd roles, the actors do very well. They are somewhat relatable. This film is absurd in a great way. Like many classic comedies, the humor is silly. Vampires cannot survive in a human society without killing others and breaking rules. The surrealism and violence add to the silliness and makes the film memorable.
5. Gus Hernandez 03.05.22 / 9pm

   I think pointing out Jemaine Clement’s quote about how “some people can find this documentary racist by some society because of the monster stereotype jokes” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this film. It is funny, silly, and notably dry in a way that really works. This being a mockumentary style film was different for me — especially for a film as opposed to TV shows like Parks & Rec or The Office — but I really enjoyed it in this format, especially with the added layer of fantasy. It was especially funny to watch vampires — of all things — have roommate quarrels like the rest of us, and even have turf/territory issues with werewolves (not swearwolves).

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