Activities on June 7th: Movie Reviews

Today, we will start our last unit of the semester. As a recap, you have learnt how to write descriptions, letters, and stories. Today, it is the turn of movie reviews.

So... what's a movie review?
Just to make a point clear: a movie review is not to tell a plot again, nor to point out the sequence of events. It is a critical analysis of a film.

Have a look at the following steps to write a review:

a. Watch the movie & get to know the movie's behing-the-scenes: In a familiar environment without distractions. Ideally, watch it twice, so you can observe more details. Take notes as needed. Also, find out about the director and actors. Have they worked together before? Have they won any prize?

b. Opinion: Most reviewers give their opinions. You can then tell what you liked or disliked. Yet, you need to give impartial details to make the reader/viewer create his/her own opinion. You may say "three out of five stars; thumbs up"

c. Sense of audience: As in any kind of writing, writers need to think of who your readers are going to be. It is different to target a group of children than a group of teenagers.

d. Outlining: When giving a brief reference of what the movie is about, don't tell any essential detail! If so, please warn the reader that there will be a spoiler.

e. Actors: Give brief references of who the actors are and how their performance was.

f. Structure: How was the structure of the movie? Did it have a regular story line?

g. Cinematography and lighting:  How well was the movie shot and directed? How was the lightening and effects?

h. Music: Did it have a special score or did it feature songs from popular artists?

i. Permanent revision: Read it as many times as possible. Ask for peer review and edit it permanently. Use the check list. It would be embarrasing to find a mistake once it has been published!



Now that you know what you need to look at, let's try to draft something out:

This is Wallace & Gromit. They're an animated series from Great Britain.
Let's see what you think and make a brief brainstorming with your classmate in your copybook.

Now... a classic:

What about an adorable ogre?

Or a romantic one?

Now... it is always good to find good references of movie reviews. One of the best websites is IMDB which includes thorough, well-structured and objective reviews. Please visit it and get some ideas about how these are structured.

Sources::

Danesco, B. "How To Write a Movie Review | Writing Tips." How To Do Things » How To Articles & How To Videos. Web. 05 June 2011. <http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/a2206-how-to-write-a-movie-review.html>

"How To Write a Movie Review - a Guide | Spirit of Baraka." Spirit of Baraka | Celebrating Baraka, Koyaanisqatsi and Other Non-verbal Films. Web. 05 June 2011. <http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/how-write-a-movie-review>.