Movie Reviews: the assignment

The Movie Unit

OReilly

English 12

What You Will be Doing

For the next six weeks, we will be watching a movie a week. For each movie you will write or make (film or perform a la Siskel and Ebert) a movie review. You may complete the performed movie review assignment alone or with a partner. In addition, watch one of the best 100 movies listed on this site and present a review of it to the class: http://www.filmsite.org/momentsindx.html. In your review include all the information listed below, plus use the above website to research your movie and provide some interesting background historical material on the film. 

How to Write Movie Reviews: Checklist

5_______My opinion is clearly stated right away, probably in the opening. Readers immediately know whether I recommend they buy a ticket, wait for the video, or just read the book.

20_______I have given specific examples to support my point of view: such examples may refer to costumes, special effects, lighting, and/or camera work. Other specific comments may refer to background information, such as how well the film compares to other films in its genre; how well the film was adapted or remade from a book, play, or previous film; or how effectively the movie comments on cultural or historical events. Avoid superlative words such as best, worse, good, terrible, horrible, awesome. This is where you must get creative and prove your point. Show don't tell. Pick the telling, specific examples that prove your point. See below for examples.

5_______I have used the right tone and vocabulary for my reader/listeners. Please state where your review would be published below your title.

5_______I have included a brief summary of the action.

5_______I have not revealed the ending of the movie.

5_______I have included something about actors, actresses, and director (be specific, describe vividly, use sensory imagery). See below for how to parenthetically cite the names of the actors.

10_______I have used correct punctuation and spelling. If this is a performed review, provide me with a typed script.

5_______I have used the correct format: In your opening you state (at the least) the name of the movie, the director, genre, one of the starring actors, and the year of release. Include at the end of your review the running time, distributor, and rating

5_______I have been honest.

5_______Rate the movie (see below)

10 points _______ Maximum length: one and a half pages typed, usual formatting. Three pages NEATLY handwritten, skip lines, no more please. Be brief. This is a review for busy people. INCLUDE THIS RUBRIC WITH YOUR REVIEW,

Movie Ratings

5 stars: See the movie on the big screen. Don't miss it. Worth every penny;

4 stars: Worth seeing, but you don't need to go out of your way. You might want to wait for the DVD if you are strapped for cash these days.

3 stars: Go see it if you have nothing else to do; otherwise, just put it on your Netflix queue .

2 stars: Wait for the DVD if you really care; otherwise, forget about it.

1 star: Don't waste your time or money. Forget this one.

Important Hints

• Know your purpose: You are helping moviegoers to make a decision. Individuals cannot afford to go to every movie that opens. Some movies are not appropriate for all audiences. Some movies can only be appreciated on the large screen. While some movies are worth viewing, they are not worth the price of the box office ticket. These are the ones that should be viewed when they come to television or on video.

• Don’t hide your opinion. People are reading your movie review to know your opinion. Don't be afraid to state it.

• When writing about characters' actions, don't confuse the characters with the actors who are portraying them. Actors' names often appear in parenthesis after the name of the character they play. 

• Where does the title of the movie appear? What information is included at the end of each review for quick reference? Readers want to read the review quickly. Give them the information they need and an easy place to find it.

• Know the basics: Title, producer, director, rating, distributor, running time can be found on official movie Web sites.

• Know the genre. Is this a good example of the genre?

• Know the actors, actresses, and director. Include the names of leading actors and actresses and evaluate how well they played their roles. Include other movies directed by the director if they help to understand his approach or expectations viewers have of his movies.

• Summarize the plot, but don't tell the ending.  When a movie is based upon a book or play, and the movie has a different ending, you may state the movie is different, but don't give it away.

• Select a scene and discuss it: Is there a scene that captures the spirit of the story? A scene that demonstrates lighting and cinematography as well as acting?

Example of specific details

The following tells me nothing:

The acting was great and the villain was scary.

This is specific and vivid:
Scorcese's choice of directing the villain, Otis (Garcia Sonora), to rock a baby in his arms while he calmly discusses how he murdered and decapitated his cousin underscores the complexity of this character's evil. The viewers learn to unwittingly love Otis as we watch him care for the wounded and tenderly swaddle his baby, but then our repugnance is amplified by our previous confidence when we see him slowly strangle his wife after making love to her.

Role Models

Offbeat:

http://moviebob.blogspot.com/

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation

Traditional:

http://www.richardroeper.com/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/

Siskel and Ebert argue:

http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/atm/reviews.html?sec=6&subsec=Jurassic+park

Good example review of the Truman show:

http://www.observer.com/node/40603