Student Film Reviews

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1. vongnguyen 02.28.15 / 6pm

   Improv is always a hit or miss. No one can really predict how a national audience will react to these types of films. This film, seems to look like a miss to you, yet you encourage people to see it. The storyline seems promising, though. Anytime a movie has professional career characters in the storyline, it deals with real world problems that people can relate too, especially those in our first world.
2. taja levy 03.05.15 / 12pm

   This type of movie seems as though it is definitely channeled more for the audience who already watches some type of improv where they may be able to understand or enjoy this movie more. A majority of the audience may not know how to react to this type of movie but every person should view an improv movie like this at least once in their life. The plot of this film though seems very interesting and seems as though it can relate, on a level, to many other couples and families out in the world. Although this movie could possibly take a turn for the worst, the fact that they have many professional popular actors, gives the audience a little more security
3. john watson 03.08.15 / 9am

   Improvisation is one of my favorites! This critique is very informative and clearly lets you know what it is about. Most improvisation has very little plot line and that is made very clear in the above critique. Having professional actors in a film is always a plus and certainly helps in the area of improvisation. After reading your critque, I probably would not recommend this film for anyone other than an improvisationsal fan!
4. Josh Alpert 03.08.15 / 11pm

   Improve can be risky especially with people who are not experienced with art of comedy so I am glad to hear that this film was pretty good. I am always a skeptical but when it is done right it tends to seem more genuine and conversational just like a set of jokes you have with your friends with the occasional inside joke. This is why I feel like the movie This is the End was a commercial success, which was also an improve film. After reading your review I will definitely keep a look out for this film, and keep an open mind since you made the story sound interesting and the situations seem funny.
5. dnatcher3 03.10.15 / 9pm

   I am really glad to have read this posting, actually, because I am a huge fan of improv. I find it so impressive when others have that quick witted skill to throw out the funniest answer possible in such a short time. I spent a lot of time watching Whose Line Is It Anyways, growing up, and feel like this film could be of the same genre after what is said here. I completely understand and appreciate how hard it can be to always be quick on your toes with a response and especially for a lengthy period of time. I do find it interesting, though, that the title of this film is “A Better You.” It is slightly misleading and had me assuming that it would be a motivational booster film.
6. China Rose 03.12.15 / 2pm

   Thanks Gordon for the heads up on this somewhat odd-ball sounding film/slash play/slash improve class. Sometimes when a film does not have a strong identity it leaves the audience wondering who or what it is. Perhaps this is simply experimental improve captured in pixels. In that case it takes some deft edits to resolve what sounds like a piece of cinema that just spooled on. I’m sure your review saves it from itself. Recently, I read an article on why one reads a bad book rather than tossing it down. Somehow I felt the same sort of logic in reading your review on this project, except in the context of film. Gordon to the rescue.
7. Chloe Sherrill 03.12.15 / 9pm

   Not only am I a huge Larry David fan, but I also enjoy awkward and uncomfortable improvisation. It makes me feel like my real life awkward encounters are viewed as funny and spunky rather than embarrassing and awful. Improvisation feels real to me and when an actor/actress can come up with absurd one liners off the top of their head I find them to be the most talented of all. It sounds like a strange film but strange is different and, in my eyes, films that are strange and take risks are definitely worth my time.
8. Brandon Bolender 03.14.15 / 8pm

   The film “A Better You” sounds very interesting since most of it is improv. I have actually never seen a movie that consisted of almost entirely improve, so I would really like to watch this film to see what its like. As you said in the review, I am guessing the acting is a bit different because acting out scripted lines is much different than improving the lines. Due to it being improv I feel like the acting would be more natural, but at the same time a bit weird since everything isn’t timed, and you have no idea what another character is going to say! It seems like the film has some good actors to fit the roles, although none are really blockbuster actors. The idea of using a therapist’s office for the plot is brilliant because any patient can come in saying anything, giving the actors tons of room to work with. I can see how there would be very little storyline since with improv its difficult to convey a story with different actors thinking different things. I will actually probably go out and see this movie because it sounds entertaining and like a cool way to shoot a movie.
9. jtblatnik 03.15.15 / 2pm

   I have enjoyed Improv ever since my first drama class in middle school. I enjoy that the analysis is informative and that it lets you know on what it is going to be about. I treasure others on how they have the ability to fling out the funniest responses in the amount of time they are given, and try there best to make it least awkward as possible. The problems that seem to occur in this improv make me chuckle, as they seem silly. For example, as the hypnotists wife leaves him because he is too focused on his practice as a therapist rather than a father and friend. I am encouraged to see this film, as it is considered to be a guaranteed laugh.
10. Stephen Emerick 03.16.15 / 8pm

    This film seems very interesting. I really enjoy the topic and seems like anyone can watch this film. Highly recommend this film because everyone can relate to spilling problems. Everyone has problems and nobody really knows how to let it all out without being a little rude or whatever the case is. There are always problems in this world and there will truly never be a balance in todays world. Im glad this film is being made, really glad t have read this posting and seems like it will be very enjoyable and seems very enthusiastic! You get something from every film but this film seems like some juicy information.
11. Sarah Zamir 03.18.15 / 7pm

    Wow, I really enjoyed this critique, especially the Larry David remark. I knew exactly what you meant by that. I also enjoy how you still were able to describe the plot yet leave the improv up to reader’s imagination, it makes me really want to go see this film. This is also interesting because it seems as if the cast is just all “human” compared to polished and scripted in most movies. Also the fact there are recognized stars in this film makes it a plus, great review. Thank You!
12. gabymahoney 04.06.15 / 12am

    Great review! I decided to watch the trailer to connect your thoughts with the film. I notice that the main character is a doctor, who has a passion for helping others, yet is a point in his life where he needs help from an outsider because his marriage is deteriorating. I agree with you that the plot is straight to the point and in between has comic points. I will definitely put it on my list of movies to watch in the future
13. Rachel Bishop 04.11.15 / 9pm

    I love improvisational movies. It can really show who the true actors and actresses are and how their wit has been able to blossom their careers. As being a fan of the Larry Davis series, I’d imagine I’d get a lot of joy from this film as well. I think your review helped demonstrate the key features of the movie and the overall feel the viewer can expect. It is nice to see that improv still carries a good following of actors/actresses as seen starring in this film. You did a great job creating a review that familiarized the reader with similar series and focusing on the highlighting aspects that made this film enjoyable. I will have to check this out! Thanks!
14. Steven Risch 04.22.15 / 4pm

    Dear Gordon,
    Overall I thought this was a well written film review. In high school I took three years of drama and was always fond of improv. So I can make a huge connection with the material you have written about. I love that your review is short and cuts right to the point. I went onto IMDb to watch the trailer of this film and thought it was interesting and very humorous that I decided to watch the film with my housemates. We thought this was a great film to watch and couldn’t stop laughing. I hope to see other reviews written by you in the future!
15. Tera Ohleyer 05.09.15 / 3pm

    Improvisational films are always interesting to watch. It truly shows the raw talent of the acts involved in the film. This review makes me really want to go see this movie. I ould be interested even if I didn’t know it was played at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. This review was easy to read with little grammatical errors. Thanks!
16. ava nania 06.06.15 / 10pm

    Hey Gordon, improvisational films have always been very interesting to me and I am glad that you share this interest with me. Watching improv growing up has developed my profound interest in it and after reading this review I am even more motivated to watch this film. The liquidity of the plot is an aspect of improvisation that is especially appealing, in my opinion it is easier to act then it is to be successful at improvisation. I liked how clearly your explained the plot and main characters and I intend on viewing this film in the near future. Thank You!
17. nicole elias 06.16.15 / 5pm

    Gordon,
    I always find improv to be an exceptional talent not all people have. Theres something magical about the way someone can create this intricate story on spot with no reference or developed script in front of them. I appreciate how you reviewed the film in both positive ways and the negative. I find it interesting that some of the scenes felt forced although with improv you act out whatever you want. Thank you for the honest review.
18. connorrisch 06.26.15 / 8pm

    It really interested me how this film was an improv type of film, because I lack a great amount of knowledge on them. It looked like the film had a good amount of comedy in it, which is the type of film that I would really like. Improv films could either be good or pretty bad, but I feel like this one would be one to watch. Another part that I enjoy about improv is that I could truly see the actors’ skills to think quickly on their feet. It is interesting and really enjoyable to watch actors do improv.
19. Hailey Yarrington 06.26.15 / 11pm

    Improv is such an amazing tool, and I truly wish it was exercised more often. I truly love when it is involved in filmmaking. I know that with many comedic, big-name people, including Adam Sandler or even Robert Downey Jr., they are so good at just going with the flow. I think this particular film sounds delightful. You mentioned a thin storyline, which I’m sure it is, but I think that must add to the film because it doesn’t require focus on the plot, really the purpose is the improv (or so I would think). I love your review because as I read it I feel like I can imagine what a quirky and enjoyable film it must be. It is awesome to see that this kind of solely improvisation film is being released, as it seems like it is unique in comparison. Thank you for sharing! I will be sure to check this one out.

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