When a dormant disease last seen in Africa over twenty five years ago resurfaces in a small rural community, military scientist Col. Sam Daniels and his crew only have a matter of days to find and contain the spread of the disease before more drastic measures are taken. Things quickly change as the disease called the Motaba Virus mutates and becomes an air-bourn illness. His days now gone to hours and with members of his own crew affected, Daniels now must find a cure before the disease spreads world wide or the small town in which he is based in is firebombed, with all of it's inhabitants, to stop the deadly outbreak of the Motaba Virus.

Directed by Wolfgang Peterson and featuring a stellar cast, Outbreak is a fast, tight, and gripping ride.

Like in The Stand, the first 20 minutes or so of the movie deals with the spreading of the disease, from a monkey to a sneeze in a crowded theater, the outbreak of the virus is fascinating to watch. The Motaba Virus itself becomes almost an actor in the film as you begin to wonder where it will strike next. From men, women and children no one is spared from the dreaded disease. And the disease itself is a nasty and gooey death indeed, to quote the movie "It kinda turns your insides to soup.".

Throw in the standard military cover up and Outbreak is a great conspiracy movie as well, also Outbreak is one of those potential movie ideas that could actually happen, especially in the world we live in now, that makes it all that more fun and scary to watch.

My only problem with Outbreak is at the end as the movie and it's solution become just a little too convenient, but it's still a very solid film. If you've never seen it give it a try and even though you'll probably find it in the drama or action section of your favorite rental store, Outbreak is still one hell of a tense and scary ride.

7/10