Student Film Reviews

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1. Sammiemacneil 10.16.18 / 9am

   I really appreciated how in depth you went in your analysis of the characters in “First Man”. I especially liked how you pointed out the strength of the character Janet Armstrong and how she brought unique depth to the movie other characters could not. This showed that you truly thought about the movie and had a deep understanding of what each character brought to the table. I also enjoyed your review since it included some insightful and relevant critiques of the movie. I would be interested to watch the opening sequence of the film and see if it strikes me the same way as being conspicuously low budget. Overall great review!
2. Colton Ingraham 10.16.18 / 11am

   This was a quality review. I felt that it was well-rounded, and gave a solid idea of what to look for and what to expect to fall short in the film. The discussion of cinematography and visual effects, especially in how they relate to setting the tone of the film, felt vital for the discussion of this film, and the “deft sense of the surreal” mentioned gives me a much better idea of the way this film will feel to watch. Of course, characters come first and foremost, and Gleeson does not fail to give succinct yet in-depth summaries of the type of characters we see, especially referencing Gosling’s work in La La Land to remind us of the minimal acting style better remembered than described. Overall I felt this was a good review for a film that definitely seems worth my time.
3. Jacquelyn Cabrera 10.17.18 / 12am

   I was expecting to hear more about the plot and was surprised to read such an in depth review! This is my first review of First Man that I’ve read and I’m glad because there were no spoilers or extremely harsh remarks about Ryan Gosling. I appreciate your input on the production and especially appreciate the fact that you brought up NASA. I’m glad that you were honest with how disappointed you were with the opening sequence. I won’t be discouraged now when I watch it. Thank you for your review. I look forward to reading more from you in the future!
4. Shaosong Xing 10.18.18 / 6pm

   Hi, Larry. From your review of the film “First Man”, I have a clear thought about this film. First of all, you provide the background information about the film “First Man” and then introduce the director that he also directs the “La La Land”. Afterwards, you present the awards that the film wins to show that this film is extraordinary on composition, camera lens, and the movement of the scenes. You then give your personal opinion about the film and state that the director Chazelle has not done extremely well due to the budget but his works are still pretty amazing. Furthermore, the special effects are mentioned and according to your statement, the camera lens is 35MM IMAX cameras. I like the next part which you illustrate the special effects that the film used in detail: the mirror-effects, the effect of smoke and gasses, the shots of lunar and sunrise, and those dramatical lines. I like your decent review and your review helps me understand what the film “First Man” is about and what I should expect from this film.
5. Zsav35 10.19.18 / 8am

   Hi Larry,
   Wow amazing review and very well detailed. After reading your review, you have painted a clear picture in my head about what this movie is about and even more about the themes and characters as well. I really enjoyed reading the information about the director and how he also La La Land, which was amazing, Whiplash and now First Man. Damian Chazelle is is one hell of a director and to be able to direct a movie like this and for it to end up the way it did is not easy. I also like how you mention the characters the characters and give a back story on them, saying that this character is important because she brings something to the film that no one else can. This review was done very well and now I might just go have to watch it.
6. DylanLisus 10.19.18 / 11am

   The review gave me an idea of the overall film and what to expect when watching First Man for the first time. The characters were well described as well as Director Chazzelle’s previous work and how it could have effected this film. I like how you described Ryan Gosling acting style and Claire Foy’s emotional performance. Chazelle shoting on 35MM with IMAX cameras explained to me how he made this film. I did not know that First Man was based on the New York Times Bestseller ‘First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong’. I plan on watching First Man and enjoyed reading this review.
7. Denise Higuera 10.19.18 / 4pm

   Hi Larry,

   Your review was very in dept and detailed from the budging of the films and the actors that played their roles in this film. I liked that you payed attention to the little details such as the costuming, hair, makeup and the overall production design that the director intended for the audience to see. I was expecting a little more of a short summary of this film but you did an excellent job regardless.
8. Taylor Briner 10.19.18 / 5pm

   This was a great review, you made it clear where the movie excelled and where it could use some work. I enjoyed that this wasn’t a summary of the movie and that there was depth in both the characters and the director, which got the reader thinking about more the movie itself and also the people who created it. I agree with you when you talked about the opening scene of the movie and how the viewer could almost tell it was shot in an empty room. Over-all this review was well said and made the movie seem worth watching.
9. Alberto Magana 10.19.18 / 6pm

   Hi Larry, I enjoyed reading your review. I could tell you’ve done extensive reseach on the development that went on behind this film and are familiar with the director’s style film making. As well as the infamy the film has garnered since it’s debut. I would have wanted to read more of what your thoughts were on the rest of the film but nonetheless, it was a great review.
10. Sonny 10.19.18 / 6pm

    Hi
    I think Neil was extremely humble, as were many of these astronauts, and time and time again he deferred the focus from himself to the 400,000 people who made the mission possible,” Gosling said. The actor noted that he believed Armstrong didn’t see himself as an “American hero” and that the filmmakers had opted to focus on “the way Neil viewed himself.
    Really good reviews you did an excellent job.
11. IsabellaMolony 10.19.18 / 6pm

    Hey Larry,
    I can tell you have put a lot of effort into this film review, and I appreciate it. I have been considering seeing this movie and your in-depth review has given me a good reason to.My favorite part is your overall outlook on this movie, you really reach all the main points.In regards to your audience I feel as though this will attract many other interested film goers like myself. First Man seems as though it is a Film ( from your perspective) that many would enjoy. I hope to go check it out soon, good job !
12. Lauren Nathanson 10.19.18 / 7pm

    I highly enjoyed this review due to its thorough description and sophisticated tone. I recognize and appreciate the admiration you brought to not only the director, but also the cinematographer, editor, and actors. I also like how you took the time to recognize the two other feature films that Damien Chazelle has directed, LaLa Land and Whiplash. I enjoyed how you described acting styles and paid attention to the small elements such as the costumes, hair, makeup, and production design. I also noticed how you brought up how the camera was shaky. These are things that we talk about in Film Studies 101.
13. Blake LaViale 10.19.18 / 8pm

    This was an awesome review. I really like how you shared all the details in the film even to the point of the actors that starred in it. This film seems to be very interesting and reading this really helped paint a picture of what it will be like. Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review.
14. Syrena Duran 10.19.18 / 10pm

    Hi Larry,
    I love your attention to detail when describing the actors who played their roles and their costumes, hair, and makeup. This in depth description showed how meticulous and knowledgeable you are about this film. When describing the directors previous work, you prepared me for this film in a way that just a normal review could not because I was able to see the styling of the movie prior to watching it fully. I also loved how you beautifully reviewed this movie without revealing too many spoilers unlike many reviews I have read in the past!!
15. kenzie garrison 10.19.18 / 11pm

    Such a wonderful review! You made some very reasonable and knowledgeable points that really help people understand the movie. I really enjoyed how you pointed out the use of smoke and gasses added type of sense that not a lot of people would see. I also really enjoyed how you described the use of smooth shooting style used by the director. I got a better understand from this about how the director likes to film his movies and why he does. It was awesome how pointed out where “first man” came from the NYT because it lets me know more information about the film. Your review helped me better understand the movie because I hope to rewatch this one day and think more about your comments!
16. Jenna Costello 10.20.18 / 1am

    Hi Larry,
    Besides the title picture of an astronaut your thorough review gave me all the information I needed to know to figure out what the film was about. Sounds to me like you are very familiar with this director and a fan of his other films. After reading your review I will definitely have to see this movie, nothing like some great visual effects! I enjoy when directors focus on every aspect including small details of films.
17. Lucy Mowers 10.20.18 / 10am

    I really enjoyed reading your review on this film. You gave some really great insight and touched base on many aspects of the films creation. From the description of the Chazelle’s directing continuities and style to the composition of the film, you really gave your readers a feel of what to expect and what to look forward to. I also thought the background information you gave on the director and other people apart of the film firstly established the film’s credibility and secondly allowed the readers to get a glimpse of how the crew went about creating the film. Great job!!
18. Jose Gil 10.20.18 / 4pm

    Saw first man last week I thought it was an excellent take on the Neil armstrong story. In reading your review I didn’t realize that Justin Hurwitz and Linus sandgren were part of this movie as well as La La land. Being that La La land was an Oscar winning film First man to me has a strong story with great acting and actors that can put it up there with big movies. Ryan Gosling playing Neil armstrong was a great selection he nailed the role they gave him that 1960s look to fit the time which complimented with the mise-en-scene from the cars to the house and clothing style. Also you are right Claire Foy was a good supporting actress she brought so much emotion to the film especially in a time where the wife was a stay at home mom her acting really pulled you into the story gave it a feel that made you emotional as well.
19. Jason Park 10.21.18 / 11pm

    Hi Larry, I really enjoyed reading your review so much. I can tell how much hard effort you put here to explain and describe everything about this film very in detail. Also, I can see how hardly you’ve done your research on the director of this film because you actually describe the director very well so that I can easily draw and imagine what this director’s all of the film made may look like. Before I read your review, I actually didn’t know anything about the director and the film, but as of right now, I have found so much interest in this director and the film after reading all your comments.
    Overall, I want to tell you that you did a really good job on reviewing! You not only summarize the story of the film but also do all the research about the director and the characters so that the readers like me can know and understand so easily about it! Thank you so much for your hard work here.
20. Ellyse Linder 10.22.18 / 10am

    Great post! I like how you gave a bit of the plot and story behind the film before analyzing it. This made it easier for me as the reader to understand your analysis. I also like how you compared this film to La La Land, including the budget range and so on. You also discussed the mid-es-scene, including setting, clothing, and props, which was good. Overall wonderful job on your review, it was an interesting read!
21. jerry.griffiths 10.22.18 / 2pm

    I went movie hopping last week and was able to see First Man along with the new Predator movie. I didn’t know much about Neil Armstrong’s life, outside of him being the first man on the moon, until watching this movie. I thought the movies portrayal of Neil Armstrong was good. He was a man who wanted to know the unknown and wanted to achieve. Larry I agree with your assessment that the special effects used on the rocket launch were excellent. I also agree with you that the film portrayed Armstrong in the best light which made the film better.
22. XUE DU 10.22.18 / 4pm

    Hi! you have an awesome review! I actually have just watched this movie a couple of days ago due to its review. After watching it, I have a different thinking on this film is that
    “First Man” is not a film full of exploration of the spirit of the universe, so do not expect it how magnificent, twists. The film is not how to render the main melody of the country or the United States and Soviet space race in full swing, Kennedy’s speech is only the glimpse in the film, the Soviet Union’s progress is only a noise in the background of the whole film. It’s just a documentary film about Armstrong’s landing on the moon, about what Armstrong endured, paid, and lost in order to get to the moon. He had a pair of eyes that had been looking to the moon, and it was the practice that made him a pioneer in the universe. However, at the same time, he endured the loss of his daughter, the pain of losing his comrades, and his family, and the world slowly produced distance, finally, when he touched the moon that moment, he has left home so far, so that he can not see the antecedents. This is a tragedy.
23. xinyuan du 10.22.18 / 9pm

    Hi Larry
    Your review was very in dept and detailed from the budging of the films and the actors that played their roles in this film. I liked that you payed attention to the little details such as the costuming, hair, makeup and the overall production design that the director intended for the audience to see.This is my first review of First Man that I’ve read and I’m glad because there were no spoilers or extremely harsh remarks about Ryan Gosling. I appreciate your input on the production and especially appreciate the fact that you brought up NASA. I’m glad that you were honest with how disappointed you were with the opening sequence. I enjoyed reading your review and thanks for your sharing and hard working.
24. Peyton Raab 10.23.18 / 1pm

    Mr. Larry,
    Your review was very eye-opening to me and really outlined the main ideas of the film well. You had a good and subtle analysis of both structure in the film and how the director used this element of film to completely shape what the viewer interpreted from the film. You brought up some very interesting points about the acting which I thought was nice to see. I haven’t yet seen this movie but your review has urged me to go see it. Thank you for your time and awesome review.
25. jordan orozco 10.23.18 / 8pm

    Larry,
    I was interested to read your review because I have been wanting to watch First Man since I saw the trailer for it. I thought it was funny (in a way) how you commented on Ryan Gosling’s minimalistic acting style (in La La Land and in First Man), because I knew just what you were talking about. I agree that he is very minimal, but usually does a great job. When you said “In my opinion, the best part of the film, by far, is the special effects”, I thought to myself that I would have to agree with you, although I have’t seen the movie just yet. After watching the trailer and reading your review and other reviews, it looks like it is going to be a very well made graphic film.
26. Laura Ludwig 10.26.18 / 2pm

    I have been really excited to see this movie, as astronomy is one of my favorite subjects that I have taken in college. Also, who can complain about watching Ryan Gosling? Overall, this was a great and honest review. You clearly payed attention to the detail of this film even watching the credits of the film carefully. Really great introduction of the director and actors. You have me excited to have my own perspective of the film!
27. Marleni Rodriguez 10.26.18 / 7pm

    Larry,

    Let me start of by saying, great review it was very detailed. I have seen the movie and I wish I could give it a bigger rating than i did. I saw this movie on its first day debut and I had high expectations given the hype, but sadly, this was no what I was expecting. The problem i think is in the main character on which the movie is based, Neil Armstrong. He is portrayed as a colorless person who is somewhat cold to his family. The movie focuses mainly on his family relationships, and the landing on the moon is somewhat secondary, therefore the movie lacks a lot of drama. This is unfortunate since Armstrong led a very charmed life as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. I respect your position about the movie and i appreciated all the information you provided about the fims in regards to its successful box office reviews and revenue and the movie as a whole. I do have to say though that i would probably watch the film again as Ryan Gosling is one of my favorite people in Hollywood. Thank you for sharing
28. Jack Chase 10.31.18 / 4pm

    Great review, Larry. I do believe that Chazelle is teetering up there with the best in the business, in terms of not only gross sales but distinct talent, shown initially in its splendor in the priorly mentioned Whiplash. I particularly liked your description of Gosling’s acting style. The minimalist yet hard-hitting nature of it is likely what makes him one of the most powerful leading men in Hollywood today. I have not yet seen the movie, but plan to soon, as both parties usually deliver.
29. Mark Herrera 10.31.18 / 7pm

    Hey Larry,
    I loved how your review by talking about Neil Armstrong. This review was very good and had a lot of depth which helped make this film very understanding. I love outer space because space is a very interesting and mysterious place to be and it was really cool how you talk about space and astronauts in this movie. I hope this movie was a success because it sounds pretty successful to me. Overall great review, thank you.
30. Jordan Barr 11.08.18 / 11am

    Larry,
    I loved reading your review and it made me excited to see this movie. You included the perfect amount of background information and wrote it an a really intriguing way. You also described the production details really well without giving away too much of the plot. I’d love to see this movie’s special effects in an IMAX theatre.
31. Andrew Wood 11.17.18 / 5pm

    I have not seen any of Chazelle’s films before but he seems interesting, I will keep them on my radar. I appreciate that you included the pros and cons of the movie rather than giving a one sided opinion. Too many reviews are either all glowing praise or dismissively criticized while only giving lip service to the other side for the appearance of objectivity. As a fan of all things space related, I am glad to hear that the special effects were done well since landing on the moon for the first time warrants a good spectacle. After your review I feel prepared to see the film and know what to expect both good and bad.
32. ctakka 03.09.19 / 7am

    First Man was the third film of the young director Damian Chazelle. Although the movie itself was not praised like Chazelle’s prior work, I thought that it was a very well crafted movie. The sound design of the movie was spectacular, especially the sequence in which the rocket tries to connect to “Egena.” I especially loved the original soundtrack, the track “Landing” in particular. The movie looks like it was shot and color graded with a very particular look in mind to match the feel of the time and era. One fun fact for the film is that the biggest set light in the world was constructed manually just for the moon landing scene of the film.
33. Kassandra Ni 06.10.19 / 6pm

    Hey Larry,

    I really enjoyed reading your review of “First Man” (2018). I was able to go to a UCSB screening of “First Man” (2018) and meet the screenwriter, Josh Singer. Being able to watch the film and listen to Mr. Singer talk about his process of collecting facts and stories from the Armstrong family, was amazing!
    Ryan Gosling provides a fantastic performance of Neil Armstrong. Gosling was able to eloquently show the personal struggles of Armstrong, while also maintaining the motivation and perseverance that Armstrong had to continue his work with Nasa and successfully land on the moon. I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed all three feature films from Director Chazelle. He truly is a “self-acclaimed auteur” and I can’t wait to watch his next film soon!

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