CountBisonMaster805
Instead of our normal graded discussion, this week you will be…
Instead of our normal graded discussion, this week you will be composing a film review and posting it to the discussion board. You will be reviewing a single film and then posting the review to the discussion board. To prepare you for your review, I would like for you to take a look at a few other review sites. While I do not expect you to copy their format, I would like you to see how you review film.
One of the best places to start looking for a film review is the Movie Review Query Engine (MRQE). This site allows you to enter a film title and find reviews on the Internet and in print. The site is quite useful because it does include major reviewers such as Roger Ebert. With this engine, you rarely have to go anywhere else for reviews.
There are also a few specialty film review sites including Twitch (strange films from the US and abroad), Midnight Eye (Japanese films), and Koreanfilm.org.
In addition, another invaluable resource is the Internet Movie Database (IMDB). While only offering reviews from members, it does provide tons of information about any film you want to review such as the actors involved and the director. I use it whenever I review any film so that I have that information at my fingertips.
I also have my own film review site Faded Requiem. While it has not been updated in a while (seems to correspond with the beginning of the semester, I wonder why?), it did spring from this exact assignment in my film class. Due to my many reviews, I have developed my own style which means my reviews tend to be a bit different than other critics (notice I said different and not better!)
So what should you be thinking about when you compose your review? Here are a few items that will make your review more solid. These may sound a bit familiar since they apply to music reviews as well.
Write for your audience. The goal of a review is to influence someone who has not viewed the film you are reviewing. You are suggesting to them whether or not they should watch the film.
Only give essential plot points. A film review is not about telling the reader everything about a film, it is about giving them enough to make a decision on viewing it. Also make sure you do not reveal spoilers to the film. No one wants to read a review that tells them exactly how the film turns out, what would be the point of watching it then?
No film is perfect and no film is all bad. Remember that someone created this and therefore respect should be given to the creative process. Rather than bashing a film, consider giving ways to improve. Remember that unless you’ve made a film on this level, these filmmakers have done something none of us has done.
Compare to similar films. This is always a great way to add depth to your review.
No stars or ratings. Convey your evaluations in words rather than a scale. Scales are only beneficial if you have established a ratings system through many other reviews.
When you post your review on the discussion board use the film name as the topic, i.e. Wanted or One Missed Call. This will make it easy for classmates to view the reviews. Your film can be from any genre and any time period (although film before Edison may be a bit difficult).
