Movie review 2

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Planning

Les 1:

• Introduction project ✔
• Introductory analytical exercises ✔

Les 2:

• How-to: write a movie review
  
• Exercise

How-to write a movie review

1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion

Preparation

Before writing your review, you should:

• Watch the movie at least twice
• Make notes
• Already think about interesting
  points you could make

Introduction

The function of an introduction is to introduce the movie to the reader. Things you should mention are:

• Title
• Director
• Actors
• Release year

Introduction

Include a short summary of
the movie so the reader knows
what you are talking about. 

Introduction

Write a good hook to
grab the attention of
your reader.

A hook ⇢  1 or 2 sentences that capture
the reader's attention and makes them
want to continue reading

Body

The function of the body is to discuss the film more in-depth.

It should include: 

• discussion of plot elements
• discussion of technical elements
• your opinion

Body

Discuss elements that are related
to the plot. This could include: the (main)
 characters, important themes,
possible cliffhangers or plot twists.

Body

Discuss elements that are related

to filmmaking. This could include: 
camera angles, use of color or sound

or the use of filmmaking 

techniques such as the zoom

in or zoom out.

Body

Do not just state facts, but give
your opinion! For example: "I think 

the use of red colors in the movie

is smart, because it fit with the
theme of war." It's okay if you think

it is a bad movie, but tell the

reader why!

Conclusion

The function of the conclusion is to make your final claim about the movie. You quickly summarize your thoughts and tell the reader why they should, or should not, watch this movie.

Conclusion

For example: "I would not
recommend this movie, 

because it says it's a
comedy but it isn't funny
 at all. The jokes are bad
and the characters act childish."

Tips

• Don't worry too much about technical terms (like cinematography). You are not film students, we will not pay attention to that in grading your papers
• Be creative!
• Have fun. Don't overanalyze, think about the first thought that pops into your head when you're watching a movie. It's usually the right one! 

Sully (2016)

Why do you like
or dislike this scene?

Examples and inspiration

• David Ehrlich (Indiewire)
• Roger Ebert and contributors (robertebert.com)
• Leonard Maltin (leonardmaltin.com)

Info

• Pick a movie
  
• Write a review
  
• 350 words (10% deviation)
  
• Deadline: before Monday March 1st
  
• Will be graded
• Questions/need help? E-mail me

Movies only

Because of the nature of the
exercise, this assigment will
be limited to movies only. 

Questions?