Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Max Fuery-Robbins 03.09.16 / 8pm

   Thank you for your review! This movie sounds very, very intense. Additionally, it seems interesting that he has to get himself out of a situation that he knows so well. Personally, I had a little trouble following the whole review but all in all I thought it was very informative. This really made me want to watch this film!
   Your explanation of the speeding scene was very interesting. My first thought before I continued reading was that this man must be drunk too. However, using his speed as a distraction is such a smart idea. I think I will have to try and watch this movie soon because it seems so intriguing.
2. clarke8ball 03.10.16 / 2pm

   Thanks and great review Justin! I love your summary of your film and it sounds really intense and seems like the type of movie that would keep me on the edge of my seat. The amount of tough decisions that the main character has to make probably helps the audience connect with the scenes throughout the movie. It seems like you only share the plot points but you do a stellar job in explaining the tension in the film. I would love to know if the directors decisions were coexisting with the screenplay and if the acting was good or not.
3. Georgina Ornelas 03.10.16 / 2pm

   I am not up for such movies with action unless it has comedy in it, for example Rush Hour. Not necessarily they are bad movies I just have no interest in them, because they seem to always have the same plot to it that revolves around revenge of some sort. However, after reading your review I am willing to make an exception to watch this movie whenever I get the chance to do so. What your review mostly convinced me to watch this film is that he is neither a hero nor a villain. After his encounter with a woman whom he falls in love with puts him in a position to either continue his lifestyle that he is living or choose a new path sounds like a pretty interesting story to me.
4. Nadja Ranieri 03.10.16 / 4pm

   I really enjoyed your review on Lazar. At first, I was under the impression that this would be a typical action and adventure movie with the cliche ending when the hero gets the girl and escapes to a normal life. After your analysis, I was pleased to find that this wasn’t a typical action movie, but rather a film where the main character endures hardships that don’t hand him a happy ending. I find this to be much more realistic and captivating knowing that there is a twist to the plot. Just from your review I can see this film being very high paced and intense throughout. I also enjoyed how you successfully captured the intense plot scenes without giving away all the details of the film. It was defiantly a small taste on the intensity and complexity of the story. Overall great review, and I hope to see the film sometime soon.
5. jtbrookins 03.10.16 / 5pm

   Good job on this film review! You did a great job explaining story line of this film. This film seemed to be quite different than any other I have ever seen. For that reason I am interested in it and will put it on my watch list. The contrast between good and evil in this story creates a situation the audience can relate to and can help create a positive relationship with the main character, even though he commits serious crimes. It can seem impossible to get rid of bad habits and lifestyles and the main character definitely deals with that throughout the film.
6. Patrick Sterling 03.10.16 / 8pm

   Hi Justin, thanks for reviewing this film. I haven’t personally seen this project but it sounds very interesting and if I can attain a copy or find some way of watching it, then I definitely plan to. It sounds like a good, gritty crime movie that is packed full of suspense and I personally enjoy that in a film. I also take interest in seeing how people (Lazar in this case) deal with everyday problems and the consequences of their actions, which seems to be a very predominant idea in this film. Although I have never previously visited the Santa Barbara Film Festival, I definitely plan to make it to next years!
7. AdrienneJohnston 03.11.16 / 1pm

   Interesting review. You give a detailed blow by blow of the main points of the movie. Clearly this is a fast paced, high intensity thriller and you do a great job conveying that in your review. I’ve never even heard of this movie but now it’s on my radar. I would be interested in reading how you personally felt about the film. Were there specific scenes you liked or disliked and why. This movie sounds interesting and I’m interested. I enjoys these types of storylines, the conflicted character and how love, rational or irrational, can completely turn your world upside down.
8. Michael Penza 03.11.16 / 2pm

   Wow, I really enjoyed your response Justin. I think you did a great job summarizing the film, I have not watched it myself but your depiction seemed complete and allow me to get a feel for the film. Yea and I also thought that the film seemed exciting and suspenseful. Also I found it interesting that the film involved illegal immigration, a topic that seems to be heavily debated in the real world too. I think you did a great job explaining the plot in an effective and concise way. I don’t have many questions that I feel could be answered by watching the film, it seems worth it.
9. Amy Lucier 03.11.16 / 2pm

   This review definitely made me want to give this film a watch. When I first began to read I thought that it was just going to be a predictable love story between two people who weren’t meant for each other but went for it anyway. Although it seems like that’s how the film ended, I did not expect the topic of immigrants migrating from country to country. I thought it was noble to distract the police officers by speeding in order to give the immigrants a chance to escape to a better life because he himself migrated and knows of the hardships immigrating entails.
10. ashleybowler 03.11.16 / 4pm

    Hi Justin, this probably wouldn’t have been my first choice in picking out a film to watch based off of the cover or by first glance. Your review was very interesting and encouraging to watch the film. Lazar seems like a very interesting character, but also very lost and torn between his decisions. By reading the beginning of the review about immigration, I didn’t expect the film to turn into what your review talked about toward the end. The film seems full of action but also has a serious tone. I am looking forward to watch this film.
11. Davis Regan 03.11.16 / 4pm

    This movie sounds very interesting. Though the premise itself is not the most relatable, the themes and main ideas certainly are. The film sounds somewhat reminiscent of Nicolas Winding Refn’s Pusher trilogy with a romantic twist–a very interesting idea. The illegal smuggling business is one that I have been learning more about recently, and so this film would perhaps give me an even greater insight into the smuggling industry. The film sounds very dark in tone and atmosphere, which intrigues me as it deals with matters of love and romance with this tone. Though the film sounds very depressing, I still look forward to watching it, and feel as though I will enjoy it.
12. Chandler Davis-Strickland 03.11.16 / 5pm

    Thank you for the review Justin! I for one do not watch foreign films, not because I am biased to American films but because I have no knowledge on foreign films, I’ve seen a few like “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” series but that’s because I read the series. Now based on your review of this film I am intrigued by this film and may watch it which could open a whole new world for me. I will have to say the review was kind of confusing but I get the overall review and I have enjoyed it.
13. rlopez 03.11.16 / 6pm

    Hi Justin, nice work you did in this review. By your description this is a film that is worth watching it, i always liked this kind of films, where the protagonist is surrounded by situations difficult to address, specially when you look for happiness. I liked how the plot is continually ascending into more detailed scenarios. No doubt if i have a chance I will make some time to watch the film anytime soon.
14. Tyler Hanson 03.11.16 / 7pm

    I thought you did a great job Justin with your entire review! I thought you did great with describing the summary because after reading that it feels like a dark intense movie that we would all want to see. I liked how you involved the plot including mentioning the events that feature the illegal immigrants because just that slider of information is enough to grasp some of our attentions. I thought you do okay on explaining the plot points but that might be impart by not giving the storyline away but I really thought it was cool the amount of tension you feel that lies within this movie from the review. This film seems like a interesting one and I thought your review was a big part of it.
15. Michael Marom 03.11.16 / 7pm

    Hey Justin, unbelievable review. You described the plot and summary of this film very well. The way you have introduced us to what the film is going to be based about with just a 2 sentence summary is amazing. It instantly made me really feel like I could enjoy the film. Also, from in your descriptions I could tell that i would enjoy this film a lot because f the dynamics of what it was going to be. About how a person can’t escape the love he has fro a girl. I am fascinated by the power of love so this film I think would be a good watch for me.
16. Wesley Ghan-Gibson 03.11.16 / 8pm

    Great review! Thank you for sharing this! Great job summarizing but describing it in detailed ways to give us an insight of the film without giving away to much. My heart was racing as you described the freeway chase and helped me create a vivid image in my head. Your’e review makes me want to watch this film. The seemly push and pull this character goes through sounds dynamic. Sounds as if the film is mixed with action and romance which is right up my alley. With out this review I do not believe I would be interested in watching this movie thank you.
17. Mattie Weadon 03.11.16 / 8pm

    This review was extremely well written, it has intrigued me to want to watch this movie and experience the thrill and suspense for myself. I enjoy the description of his crazy and out of control situation that he endeavors, in comparison to his ‘lovers’ simply, daily routine of work and school. The details revealed of the business he takes part in, and the inescapable lifestyle it brings him is interesting, yet not too revealing. Although this review was very good, I believe you revealed just a little bit too much about his attempted departure and fail.
18. Mohammad Azani 03.11.16 / 9pm

    This was a great review to read that made me interested in actually watching the film. I think the summary was good and thorough while at the same time did not give too much of the plot away to the reader. This movie shows how people in life have to make hard decisions, even if it is not in their best interest so they can stay with the ones that they love. This movie is pointing out to a lot of things that happen in our world today like illegal immigration and love between people, which make this movie even more interesting. I’m glad you did a review about this film!
19. albertmartinez 03.11.16 / 9pm

    Hey there honestly you make this movie sound like an action packed romance novel, something that I am completely into. I also enjoyed the way you described the film in those few sentences. Right away you got my attention and made me feel like this would be a type of film that I could actually be into. But what also caught my attention was how you explained Lazar was an immigrant smuggler trying to get out of the game in a sense. I just can’t see myself abandoning everything especial the people I love just to get away from a certain life. Great review and a good job to catching the reader’s attention in the beginning. By catching the reader’s attention I feel that you had a better chance of getting your point across instead of twisting people’s thoughts.
20. Mia Serge 03.11.16 / 10pm

    I think that is such a great review. You did a really good job at explaining this film in clear detail. I enjoyed how you described the plot without giving out to much information. I have noticed that in some reviews to much detail is given which lessens my interest to go see the film because I feel like I know everything already. The way you chose to go about portraying the characters and the love he seems to have, makes this film seem very interesting. This film seems to give me the idea that it is a suspense and I like seeing movies like that.
21. Daniel Escherich 03.11.16 / 10pm

    Awesome review, Lazar seems like a pretty dynamic character. Although I am not familiar with too many foreign films, your review makes me want to find a way to watch it! Lazar seems to be troubled and conflicted between his professional life and his personal life. I cannot imagine being in such a business that makes me feel like I am trapped and cannot escape, no matter how hard I would try to. The one scene that I particularly think I would enjoy would be the one where he fails to prove his identity on purpose. Overall a great review that describes the movie well and one that really captures the essence of the film.
22. Kornel Bukalski 03.11.16 / 10pm

    Very good review Justin. You really encourage me to watch this movie. As a European person I am looking forward to see this film. I like how you sum up the whole story of Lazar without putting any spoilers in it. The story of the movie seems very interesting. However you did not mention if it is based on the real events or the whole story is just created by the screenwriters. For me that is very important, because I am the big fan of the movies, which tells the stories that actually had taken place in real life. To sum up, you made me to watch this movie!
23. AnnieRNeuner 03.12.16 / 10am

    Wow, this movie sounds like it is pretty serious and intense! Human trafficking is a very serious issue especially nowadays, as it has spiraled out of control and many people aren’t aware of both the problems and the extent of this issue. The plot of this film seems to address some of the aspects of this industry, such as transport and the difficulties of leaving this field. I liked how you presented Lazar’s dilemma between money and the human trafficking industry and the girl he loves. As it is with most movies, he choses love, but it isn’t always the best choice as you show when you wrote about the end of the movie. Good review!
24. matthallvb 03.12.16 / 11am

    This review was very interesting and sounds like a very intriguing movie with lots of twists ant turns. Especially the part where you told us he was handcuffed and forced to party with them. I think Lazar is very indecisive, he recovered and became happy but he was torn by his boss. I can’t believe in the end he left his girlfriend behind. For me I would always have to be with her. Overall, very good review.
25. loganmiller14 03.13.16 / 6pm

    Great job on the film review! Lazar sounds like a pretty wild movie packed with action and seems like it would keep me interested throughout. The lead role sounds like he makes some pretty harsh decisions in the film and this resonates with the audience. The process of immigration is often inspiring and I feel like Lazar has the potential to be a really gripping, strong movie that the viewer will digest nicely. Immigration is a relevant topic in today’s society so the connection could bridge an understanding that maybe some people never put together. This is an informative review and I would love to see the movie.
26. hunterhiegel 03.13.16 / 6pm

    I personally believe this was a great review for Lazar. Although I have never been too interested in the topic of human trafficking, it made me want to learn more on the situation and open my mind to large problems that go on in the world. Lazar seems to be struggling with personal conflict which is caused by balancing his business life and his personal life. You can only think of what someone goes through being in a business such as his. This review truthfully made me want to look into this film due to its strange plot even though it can be a tough subject to approach.
27. Alexis Gealy 03.15.16 / 1pm

    I am personally not into human trafficking/immigration/refugees, as we all know everyone has their own opinion on it. Although, Lazar looks extremely interesting, and may change my views on how strongly people feel the need to leave their homeland for a better future. Even in the end, it seems as if Lazar became one of the immigrants he was once assisting on their voyage to a better country. Viewing the trailer and reading Justin’s review, I have definitely gained interest in broadening my horizon and viewing this film. It seems like the film Lazar would have perfect amounts of action, violence, intensity, love and sorrow!
28. mmatea 03.15.16 / 7pm

    Thank you for this review. After reading your review I am very interested in watching this film. You very descriptive while examining what the film consist of. I love how Lazar had to make big life decisions in order to live a happy “normal” life, it makes the film more relatable for the viewer.
29. robnyvold 03.16.16 / 1pm

    After seeing this film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, I thought this movie was very powerful in the sense of how the characters felt, and I thought it was a very good crime and drama film. The way that I felt it had a powerful sense of how the characters felt is how Lazar is an immigrant smuggler pursuing financial gains while being hunted by the law. Another powerful thing is where Lazar fell in love with this woman and it ended up being a conflict with potential danger. I thought this was a good crime film because I have never seen a French crime film, and I thought it was very similar to American crime films.
30. mikebernotas 03.16.16 / 8pm

    I was able to preview this movie Lazar as well. I liked the brooding character of the protagonist and I like his fellow cast members as they played their roles. But I did find the story line a bit hackneyed. This is a plot that his been carried out many times before in movies and it follows and all to familiar arc. The best part of the movie was the immigrants themselves who, even thought they were mostly extras, some of them were developed characters that I came to care about. I wish Lazars love interest was a bit more developed in her background it would have been interesting to see exactlly what her history was
31. daisymendez 03.18.16 / 7pm

    Films like these intrigue me most because of how realistic each action can be and how each character portrays a real life experience. It is not often that one sees immigrant smuggling and how exactly one goes about doing so. I believe that the contrast in the two, Lazar and the woman, led to a very admirable relationship. It is not common for someone to find someone when they are a certain state of mind and have them completely change their way of being or view. The bit of romance was a great addition. I think that this is a great review and because of it, I was able to understand fully exactly what occurred, who was affected, and the ending consequences even before watching it. Thank you.
32. Bryant_Ramsey 04.17.16 / 6pm

    This movie sounds really interesting! The plot seems really intense on focusing how Lazar is psychologically struggling to decide on which is the right or wrong thing to do. Whenever there are films with drugs, violence, and woman I always want to see them because some (not all) of those things can be considered pleasures of life. I feel kind of bad for Lazar though because he wants to live his old filthy life behind but after he met the love of his life he can’t seem to do decide if he wants to go or not. Even though he was about to leave his life and girlfriend behind, I think he made the right choice to stay back and be with her. I do not know how it ends but since you say it ends dreadful for the girlfriend then maybe it was not the best idea. I will definitely have to check this out!
33. Jieru Wang 07.16.16 / 6pm

    The review is very clear and objective. It sounds like a crime and drama film, the character is an immigrant smuggler who has to face many challenging choices from business and family. From the review, I can see the plot is really interesting and attractive. This movie is really realistic; there are so many decisions which have to be chosen in life. I am so interested in this movie, it is like Bad Breaking, there were choices but he had to be in that way, their life has too many unexpected choices which maybe ruin their life completely. I have a strong feel about Lazar’s life has been split. I would like to watch this movie.

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