Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Brittany Moran 03.06.16 / 6pm

   2. I really enjoyed the introduction part of your review. It helps the reader understand more about the film and how it relates to you and other students. A little bit of background information is always helpful. I also liked that you described the character because it gives the reader a better impression of what the film is like. Your word choice and overall way of writing is helpful and easy to read which makes this review successful. Your conclusion is also informative and true. It makes me want to watch this film which is the whole point of writing positive reviews.
2. Conrad Lightfoot 03.07.16 / 4pm

   This film sounds incredibly interesting and would be nice to learn more about the culinary arts in Los Angeles. I do not know much of the life of a food critic and the life of Jonathan Gold sounds like one that would be good to explore. This review has greatly persuaded me to check out the film and experience it for myself. Your use of diction was very descriptive and lively making the movie feel like it is a “must see”. You have successfully made the reader curious about the movie and eager to watch this film that is described as “a human interest story for everyone.” This helps broaden the audience at which the film is directed to and interest more potential viewers.
3. Jnfarrell 03.10.16 / 11am

   This film is one that seems very unique. For the amount of films that are made each year in the Los Angeles area, this definitely seems like one that will stand out and grab the eyes of the right people. The director of the film seems as if he’s very creative, and really knows how to exhaust all possible resources. I too direct films, so when there’s a director behind the camera that I believe could be an inspiration to me, it makes me want to watch the film that much more. Also, it would be cool to learn about the behind the scenes of the culinary industry in Los Angeles. Again, this plot is not something you see often! Going to have to watch this.
4. Jonathan Esqueda 03.10.16 / 5pm

   This film would definitely be of my interest since I enjoy watching food shows and documentaries. I like when you described Jonathan Gold as a “humble, egalitarian common man, with an open mind and endless culinary curiosity, who describes himself as a “cultural omnivore.” I can relate to his beliefs and approach on food, which makes me eager to watch the film. I am frequently visiting my brother in Los Angeles and I would be glad to hear Gold’s opinion on certain restaurants so I can check them out myself. This director seems to have a passion for what he does and I will take that into account if I ever get to watch this film.
5. kira wyckoff 03.11.16 / 10am

   Hi there!
   Wow, great review! Your concise descriptions and storytelling is really showcased in your review. The small details and flowery imagery really captures the colorful and vibrant food scene in Los Angeles. I am very happy that you noted that the documentary showcased a variety of different food and restaurant types. It is all too easy for these types of films to only go to the very highest ranked and most expensive restaurants, but this documentary keeps it real and relevant by including the classic taco truck that so many of us go to. I also really enjoyed how you commented on the development of the local chefs and how they were aided by Gold’s reviews, it really adds depth to the movie. Overall, great review! What other city would you like to see a documentary like this? 
6. summer spencer 03.11.16 / 10am

   I really enjoyed your review of this film. I am also very familiar with the LA area and the points that you have mentioned make me very curious to see how this film turns out. I like how you included the fact that Gold focuses on a variety of different types of restaurants. You say, “Downtown taco trucks, fancy restaurants in Hollywood, family shops in Little Ethiopia, etc”, this right here makes me what to see this film. I think that it is very important to experience as many cultures as possible, and your point of this has intrigued me to look further into this film. Thank you for your thoughts, I look forward to seeing it!
7. albertmartinez 03.11.16 / 9pm

   Wow I must say this film seems like a very interesting viewing experience. Being the child of an immigrant cook I feel I could sort of relate a lot to the life the immigrants you explained about in your review. But this review gives me the vibe that there is more than just going to taco trucks or small shops, you gave me the scenes that Golds intention was to go out and see the cultures of these people. You have completely persuaded me to honestly check this film out not only because I am curious to see what it is about but who knows i can get a better scene of what good restaurants there are in L.A.
8. Daniel Escherich 03.11.16 / 10pm

   This documentary intrigued me from the start. The title in itself is very clever. As Los Angeles is known as the “City of Angels” and the subject’s last name is Gold, I believe this is a perfect title. I do not watch many documentaries but the ones I do watch I always enjoy, and I know I would enjoy this film, especially due to the fact that my hometown is only an hour south of Los Angeles. Just from your brief description of Jonathan Gold, I feel like I have known the man for years. Your review perfectly captured who this man is and what he stands for, and has made me want to watch this movie. Great job Elizabeth!
9. Jenine Edwards 03.15.16 / 10pm

   This is a very interesting film that I learned about and I’m really interested in watching it. The film definitely had more meaning of going and just eating at taco trucks. Also this does bring out an cultural aspect of Los Angeles and what the city of gold really means.
10. Keawa Rozet 03.20.16 / 2pm

    Thanks for the review Elizabeth! I have yet to watch this film but after your review I am quite interested in checking it out. I used to live in L.A. myself so I can’t wait to see some of those scenic shots of L.A. and figure out if I recognize any of them from my time exploring the area. Always being fascinated by food as well, I am shocked I haven’t heard of Jonathan Gold before this. It shows quite a lot that he won a Pulitzer prize for food reviews, and I can’t wait to see how his reviews impacted the area around him.
11. Changyuan Yu 06.04.16 / 7pm

    I do not know who is Jonathan Gold before I read your review. You describe the film very well, and you have a deep understanding of the film. Although I have not seen this film yet, I have an idea what this documentary film is about. I lived in LA before, but I rarely went to restaurants, because I am a person who do not like to try different tastes. Every culture has a different understanding of delicacy, and some tastes are unacceptable for me. After I read your review, I decide to watch the film. Perhaps, I will try some restaurants in LA. I think City of Gold should be an interesting movie.
12. IvanMartinez10 06.04.16 / 10pm

    This movie review is very well written and thought out. You gave us a great background about the main character and the many different aspects included in the movie such as how it was shot and insight on how Gold’s reviews helped restaurants. This movie sounds like a great movie to watch especially since you get to see how Gold’s reviews have an impact on the city. It sounds like it would be a nice city to explore as well. I’m convinced that it’s a great movie based on your review. Great job!
13. kayla middlekauff 06.04.16 / 11pm

    i loved this documentary. it was very insightful and intreging.i would love to learn more about the making of this film and everything they did to get the shots.
14. Brian D Taylor 06.16.16 / 9pm

    Great review! I haven’t heard of this movie, but am very interested in watching it because I live and go to school in Los Angeles. I am a big fan of good food and want to find out his favorite places so i can go to them myself. The review was very well written and perfect length and summary. You gave just enough detail to make me want to view the film. I am surprised a food critic could win such an award like he did. That is very impressive.

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