Outbreak

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Cuba Gooding, Jr.; Patrick Dempsey, Donald Sutherland, Kevin Spacey, J.T. Walsh (uncredited)
Directed by: Wolfgang Peterson
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller
1995

Times Seen:
Tim: 2


Summary: When a rare, deadly disease emerges in California, an army disease expert (Dustin Hoffman), his ex-wife (Rene Russo) and a military officer (Morgan Freeman) try to stop the outbreak. The disease is so deadly, a high-ranking official (Donald Sutherland) is convinced the entire town just needs to be destroyed to effectively contain the disease.

Review:

Tim: I really enjoy movies about disease outbreaks. They are made too infrequently, and are inherently exciting and thrilling. Diseases are so scary because they are invisible, yet can be extremely deadly. Outbreak creates such a scenario, and for the most part, delivers a suspenseful, thrilling story. The problem is that the film too often strays into over-the-top territory. Still, this is a very well made, solid thriller, and I enjoyed it.

I love the story of a group of disease experts trying to contain a deadly new outbreak. This just seems exciting and a fun story to watch. This movie works best when it focuses on this aspect of the story. However, we also have a subplot about the military trying to cover up the outbreak. I felt like this storyline worked less effectively. It certainly created some tense moments, but this is when the events began to be a bit hard to believe. There are a number of scenes (most involving a helicopter) that ultimately were too far-fetched for the film's own good.

The cast, however, is definitely the film's best attribute. Dustin Hoffman is very good in the lead role, and believable as a rule-breaking disease expert. I didn't really buy the whole Hoffman-Rene Russo relationship, and I thought Hoffman was weakest in these scenes. Still, Hoffman is an enjoyable everyman, and we automatically want to root for him. Besides a lack of chemistry with her costar, Russo is mostly good. She is a strong actress, and works in this film. Again, I believed she was an intelligent scientist, and enjoyed her in the role. Morgan Freeman is good as one of the military officers. I wish he had a bit more to do, though. Kevin Spacey's presence was welcome, and he gives a very enjoyable performance. He brought some much needed levity to the film. Cuba Gooding, Jr. mostly did a good job as well. Although his acting talents weren't quite up to par with the impressive cast, he still gives a good effort. I liked Donald Sutherland, cast in the "villain" role, although I felt like his character was a bit too one-dimensional. I never really understood his point of view, and so many of his actions seemed insane, when I believe they needed to be more justified. This was one of the weaker aspects of the film, although Sutherland was enjoyable in the role nevertheless. I also enjoyed a small role by Patrick Dempsey, as the guy responsible for the outbreak. The entire cast is quite strong.

Outbreak was a standout film because it told a story of a timely topic with intelligence and care. Director Wolfgang Peterson knows how to tell a thrilling story, and he wisely devotes a good amount of the film to character development. I really enjoyed this movie, although it does contain a few big flaws which hold it back from its full potential (which I've already mentioned). Still, this is a very good thriller, and a supremely enjoyable movie to watch. I desperately wish Hollywood would make more of these kinds of movies.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Sphere, 28 Days Later, 12 Monkeys, Gattaca