Consent (2004) User Reviews

awesome short film

[toddbradley · 8/10 · 17 December 2006]

It's funny, well written, nicely acted, and thought-provoking. This comedy short pokes fun at the difficulty of sexual relations in the current era of litigation. In college, I was forced to attend a lecture about consensual sex, and I can guess the writer of this film went to a very similar lecture.

I loved how the main characters didn't even think twice about the lawyers being in the girl's bedroom. I guess that's how college sex is these days.

I wish I'd made this short film. I was pleasantly surprised to see this director did "Thank You For Smoking" which I saw in theaters when it came out.

Reitman proves his wit and talent

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 25 January 2018]

"Consent" is an American live action short film from 2004 that runs for minimally over 6 minutes and was written and directed by Jason Reitman. He is the big name here as none of the 4 (5) actors are really well-known today and he was still in his mid-20s when he shot this one and you could see that he would be having a bright future ahead of him. He saw it too I guess as this was his last of a number of short films he made in his 20s before moving on to full feature works. I thought this was a funny watch. The moment the first lawyer appears right in the room with them was hilarious and so was the roommate's comment near the end. Scene stealer personified. Shame she wasn't playing the female protagonist. Anyway, almost 15 years after this was made, the film could not be any more current given the subject and the currently (way too) heated #metoo debate. It's a nice, little movie to be watched best with your significant other and while it may drag a bit in the lawyer's talk in the middle of the film, the two great moments I mentioned earlier may make it very well worth checking out. No need to ask my lawyer about my recommendation here as it is an easy thumbs-up. You definitely wanna go for it.

full of laughter and wit

[anela-holck · 10/10 · 7 June 2004]

This short indie was an amazing make with a genius script as the complications of young relationships are discussed about two college students' lawyers along with sexual consent forms. The film covers many things that kids may consider on first dates as the lawyers argue about what their female and male clients are thinking. It is a witty view on relationships.

I loved this short film and recommend it to anyone who wants 6 minutes of laughter.

The four lead actors are perfectly casted. The actress R. Vacca did a wonderful job, if only the film were longer to show all of her talents.

Very funny, very adult

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 1 February 2008]

This short film by Jason Reitman is a great bit of social commentary concerning sex in the 21st century. A man and woman are lying on a bed and are becoming very turned on when the man suggests that before they go any further he gets something...his lawyer! Then, suddenly, lawyers appear beside them both and begin a very fast and funny round of negotiations for sex. What they will and will not do are all dealt with in a manner not unlike negotiations for a pay raise or divorce settlement.

The ludicrousness of all this that definitely make this worth seeing. Plus, with all the hoopla on college campuses about sex and consent as well as the proliferation of lawyers, this film seems to hit a bullseye. Funny, insightful and cute--this is a great short film, but it is also one that I naturally DON'T recommend you watch with your kids!

A hilarious six minutes

[arthurmauk · 9/10 · 3 October 2006]

I came across this gem of a short on a random website. I was shocked by how much I loved it. I don't normally rate/review shorts but I had to write one for this. The script is deliciously witty and pokes gentle fun at college relationships and the consensual sex that often pairs with them. The lawyers were a genius medium for bargaining what was really on their "clients'" minds. It's hilarious to watch the two lawyers work with such strict professionalism about such a crude subject while the guy and girl wait aside, listening patiently. You can guess exactly what each "Article" is referring to.

The direction is smooth and structured - Jason Reitman has of course moved onto bigger and better things: he went on to direct Thank You for Smoking in 2005, another favourite of mine. The cast is not bad - the two lawyers were really the stars of the film: in particular Jeff Witzke who manages to deliver hilarity with such deadpan. The ending cuts off at a great point - leaves you on an optimistic high note, but is actually the perfect length since the quality would deteriorate if more time was forcibly added on.

All in all, a great way to spend 6 minutes and I hope you love it as much as I did.