•REVIEWS

• An article that presents

a critical evaluation of a
text, performance, or
production (for example,
a book, movie, concert,
or video game).
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
1. motion picture- another term for movie
2. cinematography- is the art and process of movie photography. An
example of cinematography are the decisions made about lighting,
camera filters and lenses when shooting a movie scene.
3. screenplay- or script, is a written work by screenwriters for a film,
television program or video game. These screenplays can be original
works or adaptations from existing pieces of writing. In them, the
movement, actions, expression and dialogues of the characters are also
narrated.
 A review customarily includes the following
elements:

• 1. Identification of the genre or general nature of the subject

being reviewed
• 2. A brief summary of the subject matter (such as the basic
plot of a film or novel)
• 3. Discussion supported by evidence of the specific strengths
and weakness of the subject reviewed
• 4. A comparison of the subject with related works, including
other works by the same author, artist, or performer
MOVIE REVIEW
• - Usually ranges in length from 250 to 750 or 1000
words.
• -The main purpose of a movie review is to inform the
reader about the film and its ideas.
• -While movie review allows writers to express their
opinions about some film or documentary, there is
also the need for the unbiased and objective
approach. An ideal review combines both.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING MOVIE REVIEW
I. Introduction
-with title, release date, background information

II. Summary of the story

-What is it about?

III. Analysis of the plot elements

-rising action, climax
GUIDELINES IN WRITING MOVIE REVIEW
• IV. Creative elements
-dialogues, characters, use of colors, camera
techniques (shot sizes, angles and movements) mood,
tone, symbols, costumes or anything that contributes from
the overall plot such as script.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING MOVIE REVIEW
• V. Conclusion
-announcing whether the filmmaker was successful in
his/her purpose, re-state your evidence, explain how the
motion picture was helpful for providing a deeper
understanding of course topic.
 Mistakes to Avoid
• 1. Not focusing on the film –strive to avoid writing about unnecessary details or
introducing irrelevant information such as the history of cinematography or that
particular genre.
• 2. Inserting yourself – The paper reflects your understanding and opinion of the
motion picture you’ve seen and there is no need to write in first person all the
time:
• I noticed this, I saw that I liked this, I disliked that
• 3. Giving out your opinion without mentioning any reason why you think that way
• 4. Writing generalities such as great acting, cool effects, a good movie, it was bad
etc.
• 5. Writing a review without substance or analysis of the feature
 GUIDELINES IN WRITING MOVIE REVIEW
General phrases to consider:

1. As observed,
2. Generally, the movie depicts…
3. The music conveys…
4. The film is a worthwhile watch because…
5. On a scale from zero to five, I give this film a…