Outbreak (1995)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007

"Outbreak" is a fun, thrilling movie because it puts us face to face with the unthinkable: a deadly virus epidemic spreading in the United States.

This movie is about 12 years old now; but with fears of bird flu and biological terrorism, this is still a timely film and unfortunately, probably always will be.

When a dreadful disease called Motaba is unwittingly brought into the U.S. through animal smugglers, its repercussions are hideously disastrous. Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) works for the Army and is an expert on disease-causing organisms. He becomes the alarmist, warning voice against the contagious bug, but is, of course, disregarded to the detriment of many.

"Outbreak" is suspenseful and fiendish in its devilish scenarios. For example, we nervously watch the disease-carrying monkey approach a little girl who loves animals. We cringe and squirm. And more than anything, "Outbreak" is one of those "race against time" movies.

The edited version omits the profanity. But we still see the visually unpleasant effects that the disease has on its victims. Naturally, "Outbreak" is shamelessly contrived, but a good rental choice for those who are entertained by disaster movies.

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Dustin Hoffman / Morgan Freeman / Cuba Gooding Jr.
127 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up

DVD release date: May 21, 1997
Copyright 2007.
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