Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Carly Jacobson 09.30.09 / 11am

   I absolutely love this movie! It unreal that it has already been 70 years since the making of the film. I too was a huge fan of the film when i was younger. I am pretty sure I was Dorothy for Halloween once or twice. After watching this movie again, now that I am older and understand the meanings of films much more than I did as a child, It really sends a great message. We all posses the power we want, whether it is to be home, to have a heart, brain or courage. everything we really need is right in our own backyard so to say. Also a congrats to Victor Fleming for producing two fantastic movies!
2. Xenia Kolpakova 09.30.09 / 7pm

   I agree with the comments previous made that “Wizard of Oz” is an incredible movie and has so much to give. I also remember the; I first heard about it from my mom reading to me. I loved the story and felt in love with Dorothy, her character. Afterwards I saw it also as movie; but that is such a long time ago that I feel I definitely need to see it again. I think that films like “Wizard of Oz” are not anymore produced ant therefore I am very glad that someone remembers all these beautiful movies and celebrates them. This film was truly amazing, because it had a great theme, characters, actors, set, and production. I also agree that Victor Fleming deserves all the respect out there for such a fantastic movie.
3. Kathryn Shahan 10.08.09 / 8pm

   The Wizzard of Oz is one of my absolute favorite movies, and this review did it the justice it deserves. The wonderful part about this movie was that it was created during the Great Depression and it could bring a sense of hope to those who were struggling. They could imagine and daydream that possible, just maybe, there is a place over the rainbow where rent isn’t due, food is in plenty amounts, and everything is beautiul and welcoming. This “imagination land” was much better then how America was during the 1930’s. The actors involved were true talented actors. They all sang, beautifully and could act and bring a tear to your eyes when needed. This really is a classical movie that will be loved by all generations to come.
4. Brian Powers 10.12.09 / 2pm

   The Wizard of Oz was an amazing film for its time. It really proved to the other studios of the 1930’s that MGM and ready to put time and money into making their films very extravagent and above the rest. Everything from the costumes to the sets were truly a fanatsy land letting your imagination run wild. MGM also put Judy Garland as the main character of this film. They did this as she was one of their most high profile and well-know contract actresses. This film without a doubt showed MGM to be the biggest and most highly funded production companies of the era. The performace by Judy left a lasting impression on musicals forever and set the bar higher than could ever be matched. It was an amazing film that will never fade out.
5. Chelsey Forrey 10.13.09 / 10am

   When I was younger my sisters and I used to watch this film at least once every week. I love the fantasy theme of the story, that you can escape and dream of an entirely different world. The contrast in color between Dorothy’s real life on the farm and her dream in the Land of OZ is one of the most simple but outstanding and creative ideas I have ever seen in a film. The bright and cheery colors in munchkin land and other scenes are very eye catching and evoke happy and fun feelings for viewers. This film will always be my favorite fantastical adventure to watch. The review made by Kathleen was simple but perfectly put. It was a very refreshing outlook on this old classic.
6. Sarah Amiri 10.14.09 / 8am

   The Wizard of Oz represents everything I want out of a film: escape, surrealism, and unbelievable sets. This film inspires a lot of nostalgic memories for me, and always puts me back in that place where imagination and randomness is absolutely acceptable. MGM did a pretty fantastic job with the production of this film, as the sets, props and wardrobe are out of this world. I also appreciate how each prop had so much detail put in to it, and how outrageous the sets are, especially in Munchkin Land. Judy Garland holds a strong performance in both acting and singing, as there are so many memorable songs and dancing sequences in the film. Overall I would have to agree that this is not a film to miss!
7. Hailey Peterson 10.14.09 / 12pm

   The Wizard of Oz is one my all time favorites. It never seems to get old, no matter how many times you watch it. I love the costumes, make up, and characters. They really took a risk in this film but it paid off. It’s interesting to watch the film change from black and white, to color, and than back to black and white. This film really stands out from the rest of the films during its time. Even some of the new films that are being produced now can’t compare to The Wizard of Oz. Halloween is coming up and I was seriously thinking about being Dorthy, but than I thought that it might be too little girl-ish. Over all I would rate this movie a perfect 10. It has all the qualities you would want in a movie.
8. Sean Retzloff 10.14.09 / 6pm

   The Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies growing up. It is a classic story which represents the hero’ s journey very nicely. The Wizard of Oz was a great turning point for the film industry, and continues to be one of the most beloved films of all time. The AABA song structure from the theme song, Over the Rainbow, inspired many of the early hit Rock and Roll songs, so this was not only a powerful symbol in the film industry, but in the music industry as well. The wonderful use of color, and amazing props were also cutting edge for the era that this film was made in. All in all, The Wizard of Oz is a great film that should be viewed by all film lovers.
9. Elias Posada 10.14.09 / 9pm

   The Wizard of Oz is for sure one of the most memorable and loved movies of all time. For its time it was really revolutionary. The noticeable storyline is a beloved story that all children know of. It was great story writing and great acting mixed with new camera ideas and shots. The genius was also shown through the story behind the movie. This movie alludes to the crisis in America at the time. The dust bowl was ruining family’s lives and everybody wanted to follow the yellow brick road. Only to be disappointed when finding out there was no real wizard. This movie is one of the best of al time and will be around for generations.
10. Amelia Neverman 10.15.09 / 12pm

    Every time I watch The Wizard of Oz I am always taken back to when I was younger. The euphoric message it brings back to me is indescribable. When I watch this film an overwhelming sense of joy spreads through my body, it’s a classic that brings memories of my childhood and the excitement of imagination. The Wizard of Oz follows such a strong morals and presents the audience with amazing characters, dialogue and scenes. I always notice something new in either what they say or the background, which keeps me on my toes and it never gets boring. The support and love from everyone who watches The Wizard of Oz is remarkable and makes you love it even more.
11. Makiko Goto 10.15.09 / 11pm

    Whether it’s on the big screen or on a DVD, The Wizard of Oz is a film that can’t be missed. I agree with Kathleen Ambov that they don’t make films like they used to. The large amount of extras used in the Emerald City scenes and when Dorothy meets all the Munchkins is a rarity in films made today.

    I always enjoyed watching how the movie goes from black and white movie for the intro and ending to a beautiful three strip Technicolor film in-between. It really does flow well and makes you really think that she is dreaming about being in another world that is magical. Everything about The Wizard of Oz from the cast, the Technicolor, colorful costumes, and extravagant sets were very detailed and realistic. The use of special effects (the tornado scene and the writing in the sky by the Wicked Witch) was great! The use of the camera close up shots (as Dorothy taps her ruby red slippers) and zooming out (showing how far in distance the Emerald City is as well as the color of the castle) are great ways to enhance the Technicolor. I will always love this great classic and would recommend everyone to watch it again and again.
12. Mia McAdams 10.16.09 / 7am

    I love the movie The Wizard of Oz (and the series of books, too). The Dark Side of Oz is a fun controversy. Many people think there is an uncanny synchronicity between playing the Dark Side of the Moon album to the first 45 minutes or so of the Wizard of Oz. I have to say, it does seem to be synched somehow, and it IS fun to watch together. However, band members say it is purely coincidence. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_side_of_oz
13. Bridget Conlan 10.16.09 / 1pm

    “The Wizard of Oz” is one of my all time favorite movies. After reading your review I now know I am not alone. It is one of my favorites not only for the acting, but for the cinematography. I love how the film starts in black and white and then changes to color. I believe it really helps emphasize the point that the “Grass isn’t always greener.” The event of the re-release sounds like it was entertaining and educational. I wish I could have witnessed the documentary of creating “The Wizard of Oz.” “The Wizard of Oz” is a great film and I believe that your review did it justice.
14. Olivia Rennacker 10.16.09 / 4pm

    Seeing the Wizard of Oz is a sort of rite of passage than anything else, kind of like seeing Gone With The Wind. It’s part of growing up. It’s funny that I stumbled upon this review because yesterday as I was folding laundary I was singing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” This movie isn’t just a film, but it’s, in a sense, a part of our country’s history. As Kathleen pointed out, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression and inbetween wars. It was something that effected the youth and elders the same way. A film like this never dies, obviously, because 70 years later we’re still talking about it!
15. Ryan Lien 10.16.09 / 5pm

    I believe The Wizard of Oz is one of the greatest movies of all time. To start things off, it was the first movie to be filmed in both color, and black and white. If you can only imagine the impact color had over the audiences that were so use to movies only being filmed in black and white. It must have been absolutely mind blowing to see real life colors on the movie screen of a theatre. The Wizard of Oz changed the way people saw movies forever and because of this amazing accomplishment the movie had within the film industry, The Wizard of Oz will remain a classic in the history of filmmaking forever.
16. Austin Delve 10.16.09 / 8pm

    “Wizard of Oz” is a classic movie. It is a movie that i can watch over and over. I think this is a film that all families must show their kids because it is one that i grew up on. I know when i am older i will show it to my kids. I agree with this critic. When they ended saying they just don’t make them like that anymore. This is true. This film had the classical Hollywood theme too it. Not many recent films have this anymore. Somewhere over the rainbow is a quote that i like to chant when i skip. I never say this out loud but i do and think of this movie a lot and how everyone is happy.
17. Wallace Gabby 10.16.09 / 9pm

    The Wizared of Oz is a very classic movie that allows one to use their imagination. I remember my parents making me sit down and watch this movie when i was younger telling me it was one of the all time greatest movies ever produced. And after watching it even being that young i could agree with them. The story line of this movie is great and very it creative. It allows its audience to use their mind and bring them to the places they want to go in this movie. They use a great scenery and costume/wardrobe in this film and the acting is actually pretty great. The way they choose to shoot this film is very appealing to the eye and the country side was one of the greatest parts of the film. Overall this film is amazing and will always be on of the most remembered.
18. Danielle Daymude 10.16.09 / 10pm

    I wish I would have known about this special screening at the Arlington because this was my favorite movie while growing up. I loved it and watched it almost every day after I came home with my grandmother from kindergarten. She’d put this movie on to calm me down, cheer me up, and keep me entertained. She would watch this move with me, and no matter how many times it was played, we would never get tired of it. This is one of the movies that has lasted through the ages and touched the hearts of countless people, young and old.
19. Sam Shipley 10.17.09 / 4am

    I AS WELL HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THIS SPECIAL SCREENING AT THE ARLINGTON. IT SOUNDS LIKE AN EVENT THAT YOU WILL NOT SOON FORGET THOUGH. THANK YOU FOR EXPLAINING, AT LEAST BRIEFLY, THE NIGHTS EVENTS FOR THOSE OF US THAT DIDN’T GET TO GO. I THINK MY FAVORITE PART THOUGH WAS YOUR BRIEF, BUT ATTENTION GRABBING REVIEW OF THE BASIC PLOT OF THE FILM WITH CHARACTER HIGHLIGHTS, ETC. IF I HADN;T SEEN THIS FILM BEFORE I WOULD DEFINITELY GO OUT AND WATCH IT AFTER READING THIS REVIEW, BECAUSE LIKE OU SAID “THEY DON’T MAKE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE”
20. Kasey Johnson 10.17.09 / 12pm

    The Wizard of Oz what a great movie. That was a really good review. This movie definitely reminds me of my childhood and brings back good memories. The famous lines, “There’s no place like home,” and “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh, my!” will never be forgotten. This movie was released at the perfect time. It brought a lot of joy to kids and always will. This movie had such good characters, scenes, settings, etc. It couldn’t have been done any better. I would recommend this movie to anyone, no matter what age.
21. Zi Huang 10.18.09 / 12am

    I had never seen The Wizard of Oz until last week, but don’t pity me because I am not a American and I had watched many good cartoons for my childhood in China. When I watched the movie, the looks of the main characters were familiar to me although it was my first time watch the movie. The image of the lion, the tin man, and the scarecrow have always been well-known. No one can forget those after seeing once. Actually i didn’t like the costumes and make-up of the crowd characters in the film because I thought some were ungly and exaggerated that some make-up made a child look like an adult. That’s weird. Anyway, the looks of the lion, the scarecrow and especially the tin man are very creative and imaginative. I love that so much!
22. Kaylie Reynolds 10.21.09 / 9am

    Great Review! I wish I would have known the Wizard of Oz were playing! I love the movie, it’s such a classic; and you were most certainly right when you say “They just don’t make em’ like that anymore” I remember watching it for the first time as a little girl, it was wonderful! The colors, the story line, the characters; it was and still remains magnificent. After all, who doesn’t love a classic movie where the good guys win in the end, and everyone lives happily ever after. The Wizard of Oz is a movie full of positive messages, and I remember this movie giving me the motivation to look deeper within myself when I thought I couldn’t do something. Anyone who has yet to see this movie is completely missing out!
23. Deanna Daglas 10.23.09 / 5pm

    The Wizard of Oz is a very imaginative film that people of all ages can enjoy. The movie is in both back and white and color. When Dorothy is in real life, in Kansas, the picture is back and white. When she is in her dream world, the picture is in color. I thought that this brought imagination to the film and made the dream world more perfect and realistic. The Land of the Munchkins and the Land of Oz seemed that they were places that Dorothy wanted to stay at, but you learn in the end that there is really no place like home.
24. Jenna Finch 10.24.09 / 7pm

    I love this movie! I remember watching this film over and over when I was about five years old. When I was little I just loved the characters and how the colors were so vivid. I also loved the idea about a magical place like Oz. Now watching it, I have noticed it has such a strong positive meaning. I never picked up on the actual meaning of the film when I was little and now watching it, it all makes sense and makes it that much better. This film is such a classical film and will never get old not matter how old you are. If you have never seen this film, I highly suggest watching it!
25. Michael Kessler 10.26.09 / 10am

    If I were at this viewing I would have been applauding too. The Wizard of Oz is epic. We used to watch it frequently when we were little kids and I couldn’t grasp the train of thought when my sister taped over our twenty-year old VHS video for Dawson’s Creek episodes. This movie is a classic MGM production because of all the extravagant colors and characters and scenes. It’s a tale that I know I will show my children so they can imagine a real Emerald City and midgets and a yellow brick road like I did as a child.
26. Andrew Sokolsky 11.24.09 / 1pm

    This movie is a classic. The last time I probably watched this movie I was probably 10 years old, I’m pretty sure. Now seeing it in college I really can understand the underlying meaning of the film and what message Mr. Fleming is trying to create through the film. Furthermore, I think it’s really neat how you got to see this in a special screening as well that was held in the Arlington Theater! I’ve always wanted to go in there and see a film, hopefully one day I’ll be able to do that. I also enjoy Mr. Fleming’s work as well, he is a director in which I really value as a person.
27. Ryan Veasy 07.18.14 / 4pm

    I agree with the the author when she talks about how important both the music and the timing of the film were. SInce this movie was set in the great depression, it gave people hope when they sometimes had none. It allowed them to envision this magical world of happy singing people and people who teach her life lessons. Even though there are evil characters such as the wicked witch of the west, Dorothy is able to overcome the obstacle that the witch poses and is able to realize that home (which is Kansas for Dorothy) is an incredible place because she has her family by her side no matter what struggles the people of the world are going through. When she sang the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the movie, it was very touching. She was singing of a magical land where everything was better and everyone got along. This song also played a major role of helping people overcome the struggles of the great depression. Somewhere over the rainbow continues to have an influence on people today which we can see because so many artist have made their own renditions of the song.
28. Mark Monaghan 06.02.15 / 9am

    The Wizard of Oz to many is noticed as one of the greatest films ever made. The country was in the great depression during the time of this films release. MGM, the production company that produced this movie invested a great deal of money and resources which helped The Wizard of Oz stand apart from other films at this time. Other production company’s were just trying to stay afloat as the declining economy had poorly effected their businesses. MGM was able to hold on and excel during this time. The Wizard of Oz was part responsible for that success as it became very profitable.
29. Kyle Shipe 06.04.15 / 5pm

    The Wizard of Oz is a classic that everyone has seen and for good reason. It starts out in black and white in a miserable life in Kansas and transfers over into a colorful new world of Oz. This was one of the first movies to appear in technicolor and transcended any other movie that preceded it. It provides a classic narrative with a clear conflict and resolution to it (the yellow brick road to see the infamous Wizard of Oz to get her back home). Dorothy meets several conflicts throughout her journey such as the witch and gains help from new friends along the way.
30. Cameron Dennis 06.06.15 / 5pm

    “The Wizard of Oz”, directed by Victor Fleming, is an American musical classic, renowned for its advancements in Technicolor. It is about a young girl named Dorothy and her dog Toto’s adventure in the fantasyland of Oz. It all starts when a wind-blown window hits Dorothy’s head and she falls unconscious. Then she finds herself in the Land of Oz, being praised by many Munchkins for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Out of revenge for killing her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West swears that she will kill Dorothy and Toto. This is when Toto and Dorothy start their adventure to find the “wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Along the, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion join them. These three characters represent important people in Dorothy’s life and I really like how they tied that together at the end. I toughly enjoyed this movie, but I would not recommend it to younger children because many of the scenes are disturbing. I did not like the voices of the munchkins. They made me feel uneasy. The advancement in Technicolor really emphasized what the Land of Oz looked like. If this movie were made 10 years earlier, it would not have the same effect on people.
31. Dayana Salgado 06.16.17 / 7pm

    The 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio production of The Wizard of Oz directed by Victor Fleming is a classic film filled with fantasy and music that makes the novel come to life on the screen. I enjoyed watching the film as it provided color, singing, dancing, special effects, elaborate settings, and imagination that comes to life. Also, I strongly agree that the film helped people get through tough economical times such as the stock market crash and the Great Depression. The film provided for a few hours an escape and distraction from reality for moviegoers and films like The Wizard of Oz were entertaining and hopeful for many. The film provides hope as a young Dorothy faces the difficult issue of returning home to Kansas and ventures on a quest filled with many obstacles such as the mean Wicked Witch however her journey also allowed her to meet new friends. In continuation, the costumes and settings were very stylishly done with the red sparkly shoes and a vibrant yellow brick ride. This film will forever be one of my favorites!
32. Nancy Ochoa 10.14.17 / 1pm

    Growing up, my siblings kept watching this film over and over again. It’s not a bad film at all, my siblings just ruined it for me by playing it on a daily basis. On a positive note, the way color is introduced when Dorothy enters her dream state is pure genius. The story kept me wondering what was going to happen next, especially when the Wicked Witch got introduced. When the scarecrow, lion and tin man also joined Dorothy’s side they all carried unique personalities. The editing is almost unnoticeable and the background music blends in as well.
33. Shashank Thattaiii 10.18.19 / 10pm

    The wizard of oz is a great movie. The mise en sene present throughout the movie is well done. The contrast between the characters link together very will and all the characters throughout the movie as all of them are together, its almost as if all the pieces of the movie are coming together. For a movie that’s 70 years old the camera work and lighting usage is well done. Lastly the plot is laid out very well where its clear and we can follow it throughout the movie.
34. Lisamarie Ramirez 06.17.21 / 1pm

    The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite childhood films, but I will be honest with my critique. The music rendered in the film was classically melodious, loving Judy Garland’s voice in somewhere over the rainbow. What always stood out to me the most about this film was the use of a black and white film but then once Dorothy transports to as she finds her self in a vibrant and colorful world. This change in film color adds to the apparent change and obvious transition to two different worlds. For its time, I feel like the colors used in this film to manipulate how the audience feels ( energetic and vibrant) was what made this film superbly unique.
35. ryan varshawsky 09.14.21 / 12pm

    The Wizard Of Oz is a favorite of all ages. I remember the first time I watched it being in Kindergarden and falling in love with sets. I was so intrigued with the details that they put into the costumes. Looking back at the film and me being much older I realize how much hope this piece gave people. You forget that this was released in such a dark time (The Great Depression) but within that the movie had the ability to put smiles on faces who were in the dumps. For a movie that was created nearly 100 years ago, the techniques that were used were incredible. The panning shots while Judy Garland is singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” makes you feel as if you are in the movie itself.
36. Elijah Delgadillo 10.15.21 / 10pm

    The Wizard of Oz is a very classic film. I agree with you when you say that the audience applauded once the movie was over because “they don’t make them like that anymore.” Which is totally true, there’s something about these classic films that are so fantastic and nostalgic. The sets of this film was absolutely masterful and so vibrant with color. The color that was also shown through Dorothy through her dress, shoes, and personality was really well put together and marvelous as a whole. Fleming does some fantastic work and it definitely shows here in this film. Another thing that was really fantastic about this film was the amazing effort put into the costumes, extreme amounts of creativity being shown.
37. Claudia Gamez 03.07.22 / 12pm

    The Wizard of Oz is a complete classic and comfort film, it would be a crime if audiences didn’t applaud at the end! It is interesting you mention that the film was released during The Great Depression considering at this time, the film industry was at troubling times, many film studios were not making enough money. However, the only exception, of course, was MGM, the film studio responsible for bringing us this classic film. Despite the depression, it seems that MGM was doing great, not only in a financial aspect but in artistic creations as well. With The Wizard of Oz’s special effects, special makeup, eccentric costumes, and dramatic sets, actors Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, Margaret Hamilton all perfectly brought their respective characters to life!
38. Dakota Hill 03.09.22 / 10am

    The wizard of Oz is definitely going down in the books as one of the best films ever made. This film came out in 1939 and has aged well to say the least. Amboy did a great job of relating the film to the great depression because of the time period this came out. The theaters were a great place for people to get away from their lives for a couple hours and feel emotional about a film. Amboy also goes on to talk about the acting which was good because the actors/actresses display what the world of Oz could really be like.
39. Trinity Jennings 10.19.22 / 1pm

    I grew up watching this film and it was definitely one of my favorites–it is just crazy that this film is over 70 years old now. I think the overall narrative of the film itself is fantastic and really embodies that American theme as Dorothy wishes to be “somewhere over the rainbow”–especially during the time, people fantasized over this idea of the American dream. The Wizard of Oz seemed to become such an iconic and well known piece because off MGM as they were one of the main studios who were actually making a profit as the film industry was struggling at the time. The characters and stars like Judy Garland really brought this film together along with the social effects and costumes–MGM during the time was also known for using big stars within their films which makes sense for the reasoning behind their films being some of the only successful films during the Great Depression.
40. Liv Chitamun 10.17.24 / 11am

    Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite films growing up, it was an escape from reality for me. I relate Dorothy and value her character as a person. She represents hope in times of darkness. This film relates to the Great Depression yet took a captivating spin on this tragedy. The extravagant sets and the special effects were all new to the film industry at the time yet Wizard of Oz. MGM studios produced this film and profited well from it despite the Great Depression. Overall this film is a 10/10 from the characters to the props to the message behind the film.

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