Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Daisy Aguirre 03.16.17 / 8pm

   This is a very positive review of these movie, and it actually makes me want to see the movie for myself. I liked the fact that you named some of the people that worked on the film. Also, that you described how the outfits of the characters as well as their personalities are colorful and that as a viewer you got to see their true selves come out. Reading this review I could feel intrigued by the questions you included and that I could picture many others having the same more or less reactions that you did. Also I liked that you included the flaws that you saw and I think that is what makes a review truthful because not every movie is going to be perfect. Also, that many others could see different flaws.
2. Lawrence Gleeson 03.20.17 / 6pm

   I agree. Daisy. Not many movies are perfect. I liked the film quite a bit. The opening scene was presented brilliantly. After getting through the sniper fire, the film’s narrative moved into a deeper level with some psychological commentary as the characters innermost selves were revealed and laid bare. At one point. I did feel Director Iglesia went too far with one of the characters. However, in retrospect, his presentation helped to identify the character’s psychological disposition. After I viewed the film, I came away with the adage of not judging others on first appearances. The lead female character’s development was pretty profound.
3. Nicholas LaQuay 04.02.17 / 1pm

   Larry does a great job of inciting interest in the film, The Bar. He was successfully able to describe the film in a way that doesn’t ruin the plot for those who wish to see the movie. I was immediately captivated by the way in which Larry sets the scene; we’re given the location and mood right from the start. I would definitely give this movie a chance after reading the review. Thriller/Mystery Genre is right up my ally and since this film begins with two unsolved murders it seems like a great candidate for a movie I would enjoy.
4. Lawrence Gleeson 04.16.17 / 12pm

   Thank you, Nicholas. The opening scene is a gem. After the gunshots are heard, the tone of the film alters drastically and for the most part, the film makes it way back to the beginning. Along the way, some colorful characters using colorful dialogue are posed with choices. In this respect, it is a character motivated narrative. Yet, in the end, the director also presents an amazing transformation in the lead character. I’d like to hear your thoughts on The Bar after you have seen the film.
5. Amelia Borrayo 04.03.17 / 5pm

   Larry does a good job at reviewing this movie by describing the characters and their goals. The introduction he explained for this movie sounds very interesting to watch. By the review of this film, it seems that this is a good movie to watch at night time since it sounds like a thriller movie. It would be interesting to watch a film that is based in a bar with life-threatening events occurring between the characters. This movie does not sound like anything I have ever watched before, therefore the review caught my attention.
6. Lawrence Gleeson 04.16.17 / 12pm

   Thank you, Amelia. Good point about seeing the film at night! After reading your comment, I also would add another categorization of cult film in describing the film through genre. The opening scene is a work of art. In addition, to see the characters learn about who they really are as they are placed in situations where they are forced to make life and death choices, I found particularly interesting. Lastly, the lead character’s metamorphosis on screen left me sitting with my mouth agape as the film ended. I’d like to hear your thoughts after you see The Bar. Thank you, again!
7. Christian Camarena 04.21.17 / 10pm

   The overall tone of the movie review sounds very positive which makes me interested in watching this film. The overall plot of this film seems very original and interesting. It sounds like each character is very genuine and makes you actually care about what is going to happen to them in the film. It is crazy to see how the tone of the film appears to change halfway thru. I think Larry did an amazing job in reviewing the movie. He provides good insight and makes me eager to watch this film. I will be taking Larry’s word about this movie and decide to give it a chance.
8. Lawrence Gleeson 04.30.17 / 4pm

   Thank you, Christian. I’d love to hear your comments after seeing the film. The plot is an oft-used scenario with a group of people trapped in a dire situation. Yet, Director Iglesia keeps it fresh with what I see, from a U.S. perspective, as a highly unusual and quite eclectic group of individuals. The dialogue reveals much about the characters as do their actions and the cinematic language helps convey a good deal of emotional information as does the mise-en-scene. Thank you, again.
9. Zora Mihaley 04.21.17 / 11pm

   Your review is really well written. Your summary of the film is very intriguing, capturing my interest to see the film for myself. Furthermore, I love how you address the fact that the film has its flaws after your well-constructed, glowing review of the film. Your willingness to present both sides of the film’s critique makes me believe that I can trust your review. Also, I loved how you were able to express what you liked about the film and what about the film made it so great without using personal pronouns and simple statements, such as “I liked …”. You did a great job integrating your personal opinion into your summary of the film. Well done.
10. Lawrence Gleeson 04.30.17 / 4pm

    Thank you, Zora! First and foremost, I did enjoy the film. Secondly, the filmmaking was unlike anything I’d seen before. So, naturally, I was intrigued. And, as you pointed out, I did feel the film had moments where I felt it went “fishing” for a laugh. Nevertheless, Director Iglesia gave plenty of latitude in allowing the various personalities to develop some emotional depth. For me, therein lies the beauty of the film.
11. geholt 05.10.17 / 8pm

    Álex de la Iglesia’s The Bar sounds incredibly funny. Between the use of music and assumingely a very diverse set of characters, The Bar sounds like it has for the makings of a great film. I am a huge fan of underground tunnels and the fact that this film has it is even better. I took a look at the trailer after reading this review because of how good it sounds. If the entirety of the film is anything like the trailer I know for a fact it will be a good one. I was interested to see that it wasn’t a full feature length film. I wonder if that gives it an independent feel or having people stuck in that location for that long gets exhausting after a while. Overall I look forward to it.
12. JordanRubin 06.05.17 / 12am

    After reading your review I was very intrigued about watching this film. I personally enjoy the thriller genre of movies and finding one I have not seen is rare. You did a fantastic job going into detail about the characters and capturing the essence of the film. The triumph to stay alive and work together as a team makes watching this movie seem more interesting. They truly figure out themselves and I think they each personally have a reason for being there together. Everything is meant for a reason and they will quickly understand that. I am glad I stumbled across this review, thank you for a fascinating movie suggestion!
13. willsmith0 10.13.17 / 3pm

    After reading this review thoroughly, i still am very unclear as to how the plot of it unfolds or what it even is. This movie seem’s uninteresting to me even the way you described it with their great filming. If the streets were empty right after a shooting in modern day Madrid that seems very unrealistic to me, where are the police? The only plot i interpreted was that the characters peel back their layer’s and overcome personal obstacles, which doesn’t really interest me. You claim it as a “must see” but i dont see the evidence to support it, therefore i am not going to watch it. all in all fair review

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