Outbreak (1995) ***

Even though Outbreak (1995) was released sixteen years prior to Contagion (2011) (my review here), it's basically the Hollywoodized version of the latter film. That's to be expected with Wolfgang Petersen at the helm—he's directed a handful of entertaining big budget films (including this one). But whereas Contagion takes an incredibly realistic and terrifying approach to a pandemic, Outbreak opts for dramatic high stakes, movie tension, sympathy-inducing delivery (with some one liners for good measure), large scale action and stunts. There are some absolute scientific/medical faux pas throughout the film but the cast is solid and the theme of the caring, logic-minded doctor fighting the stupidity and corruption of the government remains as relevant as ever. Watch this one with some popcorn, but watch Contagion if you really want to be scared (and decide that you should eat your popcorn with mittens).