Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

Home | All Reviews | Festival Courses | Film and Media Studies | SBCC | | Log in

1. Jake Soldner 03.03.19 / 9pm

   Gravity is a movie that opens up the idea of how dangerous and deadly space travel can be. Unlike many space themed movies, this film shows the real life possibilities of what may happen when up in earths orbit. This movie is heart pounding and left me on the edge of my seat for most of the film. Alfonso Cuarón did a great job at capturing the fear in the eyes of the characters when everything started to go wrong. This movie shows the real life possibilities of what dangers lie outside earths atmosphere out in space. I recommend this movie to anyone interested in the dangers of space travel.
2. Daniel Carrera 03.04.19 / 7am

   I agree with some point of views from your review. The amount of detail is brought into play tremendously well and is a key part of making this film as realistic as it had been with our technology at a time. I did not see the 3D version but am more inclined to do so after your review. George Clooney as well did not drop his,”Clooney-charm”, on me but I disagree with your analysis on Sandra Bullocks part. Bullock played her role as delicately and seamlessly as she could, having this said most space scenes were shot underwater to create the zero gravity affect. Holding your breath doing the same shots over and over, Im cutting her some slack and nominating her for an award.
3. Markus Rusti 03.04.19 / 11pm

   Gravity is a movie that has to be experienced on a big screen. The stunning visuals of space and earth from afar combined with the intense score and sound effects make for a great experience. I don’t think this film needs to be seen in 3D. The cast could not have been better. George Clooney does an amazing job the short while he is on screen. Sandra Bullock takes us on an awe-inspiring journey about life and survival, and she does a great job. While some scenes tend to drag on for a while, it is all part of making you feel as lost and disoriented as the characters.
4. Jake Dunn 03.05.19 / 12pm

   I agree that in terms of graphics and the art that is within those graphics, not many movies can keep up with this film. The creation of a setting that makes you feel immersed in all of the cosmos, right there with the characters is what makes for a very exciting movie. I also saw lots of holes that need more explanation, and a few character areas are a bit unbelievable. But I will chalk that up to “movie magic” and keep looking. I think Interstellar was better anyways.
5. jack johnston-glick 03.05.19 / 4pm

   I totally agree with you about the affects in this film! the use of practical and cgi effects is honestly stunning, and I’ve never really seen a sci-fi style film (I know that Gravity isn’t exactly sci-fi, as its set in a modern day time period with realistic tech, but its the best genre to place it in.) the looks as convincing as gravity. All of the pieces of the various ships and shuttles, and how everything falls apart look so real its crazy. great review!
6. Hilll Hardy 03.06.19 / 8pm

   I agree with a lot of what you are saying. The opening shot of the long take still sticks in my head today, and I saw the film on my home TV. I didn’t know that about the amount of detail they put into this film with the boom mics on the astronauts, and that really is impressive. This film though as you pointed out, really only deserves praise for its technical achievements. The characters and plot is so weak it seems like they wrote it in less than a week. They could have plugged in really anyone to play the two leads. Honestly, that might have been better if they cast two unknowns instead of big stars like Bullock and Clooney. Gravity is similar to another space film, Interstellar. Both look amazing, but their stories were obviously not as thought out.
7. Toby Spach 03.06.19 / 8pm

   I completely agree with your review of the movie Gravity. I thought that the effects and visual aspects are second to none. This is definitely one of the most accurate space movie depictions I have ever seen. I agree that I feel like the acting could have been more convincing, but I believe that the actors did fit for this film.
8. Paolo Pedrigal 03.06.19 / 9pm

   The first time I watched director Cuarón’s Gravity was in the fall of 2018 for my introduction to film studies class and, like you, I was amazed by the film’s great attention to detail. When a movie about space comes to mind, I first think of totally fictional films, such as Star Wars and Star Trek, and never realized how unrealistic they are until now since I can compare them to Gravity. In Gravity, unlike Star Wars and Star Trek, one attention to detail that stands out is how actual science is applied to convey a more realistic experience for the audience. For instances, Dr. Ryan’s Stone’s never-ending motion as she was flung towards the outer ends of space applies to Isaac Newton’s first law of motion or how there was no sound put into the movie’s sound editing whenever a collision takes place within a scene due to the concept of sound waves being unable to travel in a vacuum. Cuarón’s attempt to make Gravity pay attention to detail, which thus makes the screening more realistic, plays a huge a role not only towards impacting audience members but in the movie’s plot as considerably simple-minded mistakes in space can lead to huge conflicts. Gravity could be considered as a high-concept film because the entirety of the movie can be explained in a sentence or two: a stranded astronaut seeks to survive and return to Earth.
9. weikeyang 03.07.19 / 7am

   Gravity is one of the best films that I have ever come across. The composition and the staging is perfect giving a more defined approach of the film which makes the viewers feel like they are there, at that particular time with the characters. This creates an exciting factor enhancing the concentration of the viewers. The use of sound effects used in telling the story, as well as the visual effects is so amazing.
10. Ty Whelehan 03.07.19 / 9am

    I agree with a lot of your comments about Gravity, especially when you talk about the amazing camera shots that make the audience feel as if the characters are actually in outer space. I thought the opening shot was extremely impressive because it was 10 minutes of un-cut filming with amazing angles. The graphics and whole feel of the movie are some of the most impressive I’ve seen. Although you talk about how the script writing and characters are not that impressive, I felt as if this was a large reason for why this film did such a good job. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are some of the best actors in the business and I really thought their story throughout the film was extremely interesting.
11. noah thompson 03.07.19 / 11am

    I 100% agree with the graphics and effects of this film. After watching this film personally and readings the critics and reviews on it, this movie plays lots of green screen time as well as Hollywood time. By thus, the movie is not like a typical movie as we have seen in class. This movie is staged as they are floating throughout space as well as some scenes are dead and need some more explanation to them as some of us viewers are not knowledgable about some characters wondering in space. This movie showed a great sense of space and what the processes are up there to a certain extent, and by this it gives some individuals an idea of space if they may be thinking of having that job as a living or possibly the fact of just the studies of outer space. It is a great movie and I do recommend it to any one else that has not seen the film yet.
12. julietdavis1 03.07.19 / 11am

    Director Alfonso Cuaron’s film Gravity was one of the better newly released movies I have watched, and this was a common attitude from a large portion of the public seeing the great reviews it received. The imagery and audio were quite captivating and advanced, making you feel immersed for the whole hour and 30 minute duration. With very advanced film techniques and post production editing, high status actors, this was certainly a high budget, and well done film. I agree with your comment about how George Clooney was slightly distracting, it’s a fine line to choose an actor that will draw in viewers but are neutral enough to fully convince you of very unique roles such as an astronaut. Overall good film, and fair review.
13. Kayla Gunsolley 03.07.19 / 1pm

    Gravity is one of my favorite films, it definitely opens up your eyes and makes you think a little more about space than you actually would. I agree with you on the graphics, they are incredibly nice and makes you feel as if you were in space. The actors they chose for this film were amazing. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in sci fi /want to go to space. Great review!
14. Carter Soto 03.07.19 / 7pm

    I also find this film to be aesthetically outstanding…I mean who wouldn’t. Alfonso Cuarón appealed various audiences but I too noticed the loose ends of the film if you will. I agree on your opinion about Sandra Bullock and how her character did not benefit the film in any dramatic way, however she did hold her place in the fact that she is a good actor. Overall I enjoyed reading your analysis and I hope I too can watch this film in 3D.
15. Kassidy Lihme 03.07.19 / 9pm

    Gravity is a movie that I enjoyed very much. The realistic ness of the setting in this movie is what makes it so great. I felt like I was actually living out their experiences. I do not agree that the characters were lacking. I find Sandra Bullock to be great in every film she does. But overall, great review.
16. erick miranda 03.07.19 / 11pm

    Gravity is one of those films that is breathtaking from the perspective of the special effects. The majority of the story revolves around Sandra Bullock’s character trying to survive and find a way to go back to Earth while stranded in low Earth orbit. I do not agree with the review about her portrayal being disconnected. She was in a dire situation which honestly would take a toll on anyone having the impending doom of dying in space and felt more as a coping mechanism for her to survive and give her some sense of composure rather than screaming and losing your mind to the situation. The movie does an excellent job at given the viewer the sense of doom and tentision, as well as the loneliness of being in her situation.
17. Wenbin Chen 03.08.19 / 2am

    The movie Gravity holds few characters, and much is depended on the shoulders of the protagonist. Sandra Bullock’s acting makes it possible to believe in the story narrative. As far as the movie review; I found it insightful. The long shot at the beginning of the movie shows the smallness of the satellite and even more the concept of dying in the outer space. Space and its vastness do not concern itself with the death of the astronauts, yet the story highlights the grave importance of survival.
18. JaredYoungHiskey 03.08.19 / 12pm

    I completly agree with your review of the movie the camera work and special effects and especially the beautiful opening scene of the camera panning of Earth and then going into the scene of them on the shuttle was amazing. I also agree that Sandra Bullock was very disconnected and not really a role that she usually plays as well as probably shouldn’t have played and was very annoying that constantly throughout the movie was making critical mistakes that threatened their lives. I know this was for the excitement and to put you on the edge of your seat for the whats gonna happen next and will they make it feeling and thoughts going on in your mind, but to me it became very frustrating.
19. Saffy Algarazi 03.08.19 / 12pm

    While it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this movie. I do remember that it was filled with expansive shots of Planet Earth. I found an implicit meaning to these shots, showing how small humans are in Space and that it’s truly no joke to be out there. Overall, I feel like this film was just another space film to intrigue the audience about space travel and whatnot. What we do learn is how incredibly dangerous it is. I honestly found the movie Interstellar more entertaining and filled with more detail than Gravity. Bullock and Clooney do a great job of playing lead, BUT, seeing the same characters in all hollywood films starts to get boring and very very repetitive.
20. Ryan Peacock 03.08.19 / 2pm

    I saw Gravity a few years when it was released and I thought it was a great film. Alfonso Cuarón does a great job of convincing the audience that they are really watching a journey in space. The special effects are out of this world (literally).
21. Rachel Gillhouse 03.08.19 / 2pm

    What an interesting perspective on this film. I also saw this movie shortly after its release a few years ago and seemed to hold similar views to your initial experience. Looking back on the movie I do see why you feel Sandra Bullock’s was somewhat disconnected while in her role. However, I believe that was a major element of her character, she was not an astronaut, space exploration was not her ultimate goal in life, and she was much life a fish out of water as far as comfortability. She still managed to excel in what they brought her there to do…until the lack of gravity caused a domino affect of chaos after her tools floated away.
22. Raymond Johnson 03.08.19 / 5pm

    I remember watching Gravity back when it first released and it was an interesting film. I’ve never been a fan of 3d movies, as sometimes the 3d affect is added after the fact and it adds no real dimension to the telling of the film. For example, action movies might have a 3d fist ‘coming at you’ through the screen, but did we really need to see that? 3D in ‘Gravity’ would seem spectacular, as it could show you the sheer magnitude of how large space actually is.
    I agree that the film lacked a lot though, specifically due to inaccuracies and just plain stupid concepts. Like how everyone is always in danger, and the super silly scene where Sandra Bullock is reenacting the scene of ‘Wall-E’ where she grabs a fire extinguisher and propels herself towards the ISS with no problems.You’re right, that the story was not convincing whatsoever, but the visuals are spectacular.
23. blaine bailey 03.08.19 / 6pm

    Your point about Gravity being a visual masterpiece is a a point anyone who sees Gravity will agree with. The film is epic in scale leaving little to nothing to be desires in terms of beautiful, soulless, striking atmosphere. I agree with this being the high point of the film. George Clooney should not have played the role that he did. He was completely underutilized as an actor and only made my question the casting directors motives. Clooney is far too well known of an actor to play a role as small and emotional as the one he did. I also agree with Sandra Bullock not fitting the role. She does not feel as concerned with the death of her child as she is supposed to be and consequently her character lacks emotional depth.
24. Hector Villasenor 03.08.19 / 7pm

    I watched gravity a while back when it came out and I agree that director Alfonso Cuarónthe did an amazing job with the cinematography and special effects in this film. I also agree that the actors lacked on playing the part well in order to make the whole being stranded in space more realistic. I believe Alfonso Cuarónthe did a good job showing a perspective that we don’t see often in the opening shot in order to show how insignificant the earth looks from space. I can only imagine the visuals how they would look in 3D.
25. Ezinmaya Uzodike 03.08.19 / 8pm

    It was very interesting to see your take on the movie Gravity. I watched the movie when it first came out in the theatres, I too loved this movie. As you said it is truly a masterpiece. It does pull you into a visual and physical experience. Watching the movie was so amazing, the graphics of the movie are amazing, the actors portrayed the movie beautifully. Seeing that you too enjoyed the movie is really nice. Your review was beautifully written and it’s nice to see that you actually got something from the movie and didn’t only just watch it. Although we don’t agree with the way the actors portrayed the their roles, I do see where your thinking comes for. It was really interesting to read your take on the movie.
26. skalexander1 03.08.19 / 8pm

    Gravity is a unique film that incorporates explicit detail to convey the formidable attributes of space. Space is depicted as the setting in the film and the audience can autimatically assume it’s unforgiving and dangerous characteristics. As the film progresses the characters become exposed to space quite literally and are faced with the horrifying fact that they are without a spaceship. The characters radiate fear at this point and the audience is able to connect with this fear as the scene displays a variety of imagery that depicts the situation. One example that Jackson Davis pointed out was the comparison between the astronauts and the Earth behind them. This comparison gives the audience an important visual that implies what the characters are feeling at that given moment. It portrays their hopelessness in getting home because the scene shows the significant distance between them and earth. For the most part I agree with Davis’ outlook on the film, however I disagree with him when he argues that the actors played an unsignificant role in the film. Sandra Bullock’s character appears distant in the setting at first, however this is because her character is not familiar with space. In fact she was not an astronaut at all and by portraying this distance it shows the characters unfamiliarity with setting itself. Therefore it was not Bullock who was distant, but her character who had to illustrate these characteristics in order to portray her background in this piece.
27. BrianHemmenway 03.08.19 / 9pm

    The movie,Gravity, was a very interesting and fascinating movie all throughout it that brings you on a emotional rollercoaster. I thought that the fact that Sandra Bullock was the main character made it very interesting to me and cool as she was ultimately an astronaut for NASA. This is obviously a different opinion compared to that of the review’s as I actually thought Bullock’s character was portrayed in a pretty good way. I also agreed with this review’s regards to the well use of 3D throughout the film and how much of a difference in played in a film like this that involves space.
28. Dcarlos 03.08.19 / 10pm

    I really enjoyed your review on the film. The film had intense sound effects accompanied by breathtaking visuals of earth and space. I feel that in order to receive the full experience from the film, it must be seen on the big screen no matter the version (3D or normal). The cast did a great job, but out of the cast I believe George Clooney stands out the most. I also disagree with your analysis on Sandra Bullock part, I could see why you felt Bullock was somewhat detach from her role but nevertheless I felt she did a fairly good job. Overall, I enjoyed reading your analysis and great review
29. Donnie Carlos 03.08.19 / 11pm

    I really enjoyed your review on the film. The film had intense sound effects accompanied by breathtaking visuals of earth and space. I feel that in order to receive the full experience from the film, it must be seen on the big screen no matter the version (3D or normal). The cast did a great job, but out of the cast I believe George Clooney stands out the most. I also disagree with your analysis on Sandra Bullock part, I could see why you felt Bullock was somewhat detach from her role but nevertheless I felt she did a fairly good job. Overall, I enjoyed reading your analysis and great review
30. Maddie Starbuck 03.08.19 / 11pm

    Hello Jackson,
    I enjoyed reading your review of Gravity, it helped me to develop some of my pre existing opinions into further detail. First and foremost, I agree with your analysis that the film is a visual masterpiece and should be acknowledged for its extreme attention to detail. Your bringing attention to this helped me to realize that this attention to detail and realism is what made me feel like the film was so realistic. I have yet to see a film that compares in realism to Gravity. I have not seen it in 3D, but agree with the fact that the visuals of the astronauts against the earth and space station evoke incredible reactions from the viewer and contribute to the films feeling of authenticity. I do agree with you that something felt off about Sandra Bullocks performance and didn’t seem to quite fit the role as what it should’ve been in my opinion, but I do think that she did an excellent job of bringing her own take of her character Dr. Ryan Stone.
31. Aidan Wirshing 03.09.19 / 6pm

    I have to say I really liked this film. You wrote a great review and my only opinion against yours is the acting criticism. I thought Bullock did an amazing job. And deservedly so, as she was nominated for an academy award. Yes, I will agree there were times when it felt like Murphy’s Law was on speed dial and Bullock’s character should have at some point stopped freaking out because she just knew something bad was going to occur, but aside from that the movie hit on every emotional trigger point it could find and hit it well. The film was absolutely beautiful and conveyed loneliness romantically. The scene where she can hear a man on the radio but does not speak the same language—amazingly melancholy and real. The scene where Clooney “comes back” had my heart skip a beat with joy and then be brought back down to reality at the gravity of her loneliness and her situation, pun intended. Overall, great review on a great film.
32. Kathleen Kelly 03.10.19 / 12pm

    I enjoyed this movie a lot! I never noticed that “added” realism factor, I just assumed it was unintentional. But the image that was included with the boom mic in the reflection of the helmet is quite interesting. The sound effects in this movie were striking and shocking, but never too much to handle or out of place. I like how the plot of this film includes how dangerous space travel can be or would be, which is in a contrast to other “space” movies, where it seems to idealize the fun space travel.
33. Melanie Elenes 03.10.19 / 11pm

    I also strongly agree with your comment. I do believe that the visuals are absolutely breath-taking and the plot was good but it is very understandable with your comment that the acting and potrayal of the characters could have been executed better. I agree with your statement that the amount of time Bullock and Clooney made frustrating actions made the movie not as believable. Another impressive factor is the way the director executed this movie in 3D. I am personally not a big fan of 3D but I do think this film was able to make you feel the movie that 2D can’t make you feel and it was very impressive. Besides some flaws overall the movies was a great suspenseful movie that kept you at the edge of your seat.
34. brookeoutcault 03.12.19 / 9am

    I also “Gravity” in theaters around 2013 when it came out. I agree with your analysis of the graphics of the film. I think the effects and visual aspects made this film one to never forget. The composition and the staging gives the audience a feel like they are within the movie, not just watching it. I also agree the use of sounds in this movie go hand in hand with the digital effects. It creates a better understanding of space.
35. Matthew Garcia 03.12.19 / 9am

    I appreciate your honest review of this film. I also saw this film at the theater in 2013. I have seen it since then on DVD and each time I’ve seen it, I have found it very visually entertaining and thought the plot was suspenseful. I didn’t really notice the lack of character believability, but the points you bring up are very good. It made me think about the film in a different way. I do think that George Clooney is a bit of an odd choice to be in this film. But I think the producers had a role in casting him since he is a well-known actor that would help in marketing and selling this film. Overall, this film is still really entertaining and quite a masterpiece from Alfonso Cuaron.
36. Matthew Coulson 03.17.19 / 8pm

    I myself viewed Gravity as a spectacular film but unknowingly overlooked the flaws that were evident in this film. Viewing the film from your perspective it is blatantly clear that Sandra Bullock is acting without experience and has trouble adhering perfectly to the role. Although having the experience of zero gravity in space is something that can’t be fully recreated here on earth. Therefore Sandra’s self awareness did not closely coincide with the actions/movement of actual clips of astronauts. Zero gravity within a film is hard to recreate but I feel for what it’s worth Sandra’s acting was a little above par and did the film justice
37. Stephanie Chow 04.17.19 / 9pm

    I think everyone has considered watching Gravity due to the fantastic ratings and the very known leading actors George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, and even Ed Harris. We were all rooting for them to make it back to Earth. I found the film to be very exciting and interesting especially watching Bullocks character struggle to survive and find balance again. It is a thrilling movie hoping and rooting for the characters to find each other again and make it back to Earth safely together but we had to be realistic in the end. I found the movie to be very engaging and visually exciting.
38. Ena Jeong 07.15.19 / 1am

    Hi, Jackson. Thank you for posting the helpful review of “Gravity”. I also saw this movie in 2013. And it is still one of my favorite space films to date. Despite having already seen this film many times, I am always amazed at the realistic graphics and directing of this film. It makes me feel the fear as if I am directly in space with the characters. I agree with your thoughts about the visual aspect of this film. But in the case of actors, Bullock’s acting style has made me more immersed in the movie, so I think her acting was also optimized for this film. Thank you.
39. Brenna Alvarez 08.01.19 / 9am

    Hi Jackson, I would have to begin by strongly agreeing with your statement that this film is utterly visually stimulating to the max. This film does a wonderful job of putting together amazing and realistic graphics that make the audience sit on the edge of their seat as they see the characters under go such traumatic events. I have watched this film numerous times because it is so captivating, it seems to suck you in and forget about anything else outside of the film. You as an audience member can see the scares that the characters go through in space and begin to feel sympathy. I would also have to say that the shots used in this film were very quick, but efficient in the way the directors focused on certain scenes to optimize the characters and their surroundings. Over all, this has to be one of the greatest films and also holds a unique place in the film industry.
40. Jackson Smith 10.18.19 / 2pm

    I originally saw this film in Imax 3d and it was a super immersive experience. The sense of scale and use of space/sound really is spectacular in this film. I however disagree about the acting in this film. I thought that it was spot on. I think you just have to get past seeing Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts and it becomes much better. At the same time, this film is not trying to be anything to write home about in terms of its story. It is just trying to be a science fiction thriller that has audiences immersed in action from beginning to end. I also liked how certain aspects of actual science were used in this film when most sci-fi films ignore this. I do agree it is a far from perfect film, but I enjoyed it greatly in theaters.
41. 林宗义 11.16.19 / 6pm

    When a lens of gravity appeared, I immediately stopped beating (perhaps because someone deliberately let us remember the space nightmare that Kubrick had left us) – we are like a satellite, above a thousand miles The oxygen-free, inanimate, innocent universe gaze at the beautiful blue planet on which it lives – I can’t help but “wow” – the astronauts who must walk in space on the space station are so embarrassed Thinking about whatwow – sure enough, the prospect of the lens into the face of the beautiful uncle astronaut George Clooney staring at the earth. Against the backdrop of the blue planet, perhaps this will be the most beautiful shot taken by Uncle Clooney in all the films. Because he wants to open the folding fan to stare at the door of space on behalf of all the audience.
42. colton tedesco 06.05.20 / 8pm

    I still remember when I first saw “Gravity” coming up on 7 years ago. This film was made to be shown at the theaters. The sound design, the visuals, the lighting, just everything. Speaking with sound and the lack of when outside the space station or space suit. Just incredible. They even had the conscious to remember where the sun is in the shot for lighting or if it is not there at all due to them being on the other side of Earth. Probably one of the best movies that actually gives you the perspective on the size of a human relative to space. I felt claustrophobic as well as agoraphobic.
43. Tal Halperin 07.31.20 / 7pm

    I watched Gravity in theaters and was surprised at its immersive nature. As you mentioned, the first 10 minutes are an uncut shot of the protagonist floating through space. You can see all the stars, her light breathing, it’s truly special. It seemed like the film focused a lot on those kinds of scenes that immersed you in them, using a lot of sensory imagery. I would agree with you on the lack of characters/writing. It felt like there wasn’t much plot at all.
44. Lizbeth Ramirez 10.12.21 / 8pm

    I watched this film when it first came out and loved the storyline and plot. I enjoyed reading through your review as it opened my eyes to the real life of space traveling. This movie did a great job of expressing emotion and indulgence to the audience. The camera use in this film is incredible as it focuses on the character’s feelings. The visual acting was spot on and I believe this was a great fit for everyone and introduced them to another side of the film world.

Home | SBCC | Class Schedule | Film and Media Studies

Contact: Prof. Nico MaestuCopyright 2007-23 Log in