Contagion (2011)
3 out of 5 stars
I’ve actually seen better pandemic disaster movies, but I can’t recall the name(s) of them off the top of my head. I agree with most critics that the science and especially the government bureaucracy and corruption depicted in Contagion reflected reality (or predicable reality).
I found fault with the sporadic evidence of the aftermath and consequences shown. For example, we are shown empty sports clubs and malls, grocery stores being looted, trash left to pile up on the streets, nurses striking, police and fire departments woefully undermanned, yet the electricity, water and cell phones continue uninterrupted at the home of our ‘every man’ who is immune to the virus, but lost both his wife (the originating case) and his step son. As far as I can tell, he never leaves the house, except to scrounge for food for himself and his remaining teenage daughter, although they hardly look like they are suffering from starvation or other modern amenities.
So I’ll give the film an above average rating for medical science and government portrayals, but a below average for disaster depiction. Hence, my three out of five star rating.
And, no, I didn’t immediately rush out to my local pharmacy to purchase their entire stock of hand sanitizers. Hot water and soap used frequently throughout the day to wash your hands works wonders as well, and is usually less expensive.
