Movie Review Essay

Supplemental Information About Movies, Movie Reviewing and The Grammar of Film

This document contains a nice assortment of important terminology (vocabulary) related

to movie reviews and the ―grammar of film‖. There is also: (a) a ―movie review worksheet‖ to assist you in your pre-writing movie-watching activity; (b) a possible outline of a structured movie review (this is only a suggested paragraph by paragraph

approach; you do not have to write yours this way!; (c) a short movie review writing sample. Your extra credit review must be 1000 words or more (best to try to keep it

under 1500 for this project, as much fun you will have writing it!).

A FEW BASIC FILM GRAMMAR TERMS (from Dr. V)

Title sequence Introduction of film title, main actors, producer and director,

and key production personnel (e.g., cinematographer, score composer), usually (but not always) shown at the beginning of the film

End credits sequence Comprehensive listing of all personnel involved with the film, usually shown at the end of the film.

Establishing shot The principal shot showing the opening location and beginning (general) context of a scene.

Wide shot A type of panoramic establishing shot often displaying a large geographical landscape or full environmental context of a scene

One-shot Shot framed with only a single actor shown

Two-shot Shot framed with two actors being shown

Close-up Shot zoomed into a single object; often of one or two actors fully

zoomed in showing only ―heads‖ or even smaller sections (eyes, lips)

Dissolve A smooth transitional effect visually fading out from one scene and

fading into the next—used to change between scenes

Quick cut A rapid transition (usually of one or only a couple of frames) between

one shot and the next—used to change within scenes, often back and forth between principal actors/events/objects in the scene

Fade out An end-of-scene transitional effect that dissolves (usually) from the current scene into total black

Fade-in A beginning of scene transitional effect that dissolves (usually) from total black into the new scene

Pan A sweeping visual effect usually (but not always) moving horizontally

smoothly from one side of a shot to the other

Zoom Moving the focal point of the lens from ―out to in‖, visually producing

a close-up zoom to a specific object/person

Dream sequence A specialized scene within a film that usually dissolves

from an actor close-up into a self-contained scene that explores the subconscious as if the actor were dreaming (not flashback or flashforward scenes showing

actual events), and where the state of reality is mystical, subjective, imagined and not bound by conventional thoughts or behaviors; may or may not have any

dialogue.

Flashback A specialized scene within a film that usually dissolves from an actor

close-up into a self-contained scene that explores actual, objective events in the past history of the subject; the previous connected scene occurs in the present

(or future) and so the flashback is used to bring the viewer into the past/previous time period; generally bound by conventional thoughts and behaviors; may or

may not have any dialogue

Flashforward A specialized scene within a film that usually dissolves from an actor close-up into a self-contained scene that explores actual, objective events

in the current (future) history of the subject; the previous connected scene occurs in the past, and so the fastforward is used to bring the viewer into the

present; generally bound by conventional thoughts and behaviors; may or may not have any dialogue

Film score The original music composed and written specifically for the film

Film script The written dialogue, acting and scenes, often produced as a working

(subject to change) or comprehensive final document, much like a play but intended for film media production.

Film plot The central key source(s) of conflict within the film which ostensibly requires some resolution or outcome; subplots are often interwoven underlying,

adjacent to, or within a central plot. The script must tell the story using the plot.

Total running time The complete running time of a film, including both the

title sequence and end credits sequence, usually measured in minutes

Special effects These are the various video (visual special effects = VFX) from computer-generated imagery (CGI) and a variety of other complex production

techniques (e.g., stop-motion animation, 3D imagery, etc.) that contribute to a film. In many films, there is little ―plot‖, acting or dialogue of merit, but many

spectacular VFX and SFX. Audio special effects (unique, technical production techniques like Foley and computer-generated sounds) are also included as

―sound effects‖ or SFX.

MOVIE REVIEW TERMS

Blurbs – When a quote from a review is used in a commercial/advertisement

(e.g., – ―Better than the Matrix! I would see it again and again!‖)

Critic – A professional who publishes his opinion on a particular movie/play/book

(e.g., – Roger Ebert, Richard Roeper, Leonard Maltin, Pauline Kael)

Mediocre – Competent but not especially outstanding

(e.g., – ―The film wasn‘t bad and it wasn‘t good either, it was just mediocre‖

Cliché – Something that‘s been used so many times that it no longer surprises or interests the audience; overexposure

(e.g., – In a scary movie, a black cat jumps out and scares the character, but the real danger is RIGHT BEHIND HIM/HER!)

Character Driven – When the characters in a fictional work develop over the

course of the story into people you care about

(e.g., – ―Twilight‖ is about vampires, but more importantly, it‘s the relationship

between the characters that makes us care about the story)

High-Concept – When the idea behind the story is interesting enough to get people to see the movie without knowing anything else about it

(e.g., – A young clownfish gets kidnapped and put into an aquarium and it‘s up to his father and a misfit group of fish to save him {―Finding Nemo‖})

Plot – What the story is about

(e.g., – ―Kung Fu Panda‖ is about a clumsy, overweight panda bear who dreams

of becoming the ultimate kung fu warrior, etc… {note that a plot summary is about a paragraph long})

Hype – Using different techniques to get the audience excited about the story

(e.g., – ―Come see ‗Coraline‘ in amazing 3-D! It‘s like nothing you‘ve ever seen before!‖)

Out of Context – When quotes are mixed up and changed around to give the words a different meaning (e.g., – The commercial says: ―Roger Ebert calls ‗The

Big Crazy Movie‘ BRILLIANT!‖ What Roger Ebert really said in his review was, ―The Big Crazy movie could have been BRILLIANT if the acting wasn‘t so terrible.‖

Puns – A clever play on words; (examples – ―Waiting to Exhale‖ will take your

breath away!); (―Run to the theater to see ―Running Scared!‖)

Editorial rights – When handing over a review to a publication, the editor has the power to create a title and cut things out of the review; (e.g., – YOU

WROTE: ―This movie stunk.‖ The editor changes it to: ―This movie wasn‘t so good.‖)

Syndication – When the same article is published in more than one newspaper

or publication. (e.g., – The Associated Press takes one article and sells it to 300

newspapers and 1000 websites across the country)

Ratings system – When the critic uses a scale to show the degree of how much they recommend the movie. (e.g., – ―thumbs up‖ or ―four stars‖)

Audience demographics – When the critic recommends that only a certain

group of people should see, or not see, the film

(e.g., – ―Kids will like ‗Madagascar,‘ but adults will get bored.‖

Critical bias – When the critic cannot review the film fairly due to a personal

problem with something in the film.

(e.g., – I hated ―Jaws‖ because I‘m afraid of sharks.)

Spoilers –When a critic reveals secrets and plot points that could ruin the

surprise for the audience and lessen their enjoyment of the movie.

(e.g., – In the end of ―The Big Crazy Movie,‖ John the main character dies) Note: DON‘T TELL SPOILERS!!!

MOVIE REVIEW WORKSHEET Fill out the following information about the movie:

DURING THE MOVIE:

1. Who are the 3 most important characters in the film? Also list the names

of the actors playing these characters.

2. What is this story about? Be very detailed!

3. What group of people would like this movie (demographics)?

AFTER THE MOVIE:

4. Did you like this movie? Why or why not?

5. What rating would you give this movie?

6. What spoilers might ruin the movie for viewers if you told them about it?

7. All movies teach a lesson (theme/moral). What did you learn from this one?

8. What title would you give your review (and can you think of a pun that might work for it)?

WRITING A MOVIE REVIEW (Template Outline) Note: DON‘T FORGET movie titles are written in italics like: Lord of the Rings

HEADLINE: Include the title of the movie (try to use a pun!)

PARAGRAPH #1: Introduce the movie by stating that you‘ve just seen this movie and would like to give an opinion about it. Mention a couple of details that

might help the reader understand what type of movie you are talking about.

PARAGRAPH #2: Summarize the plot (story). Where and when did it take place? Who are the main characters? What is the story about? Remember, do

NOT include spoilers and do not tell how the story ends!

PARAGRAPH #3: Talk about the actors/actresses and discuss who did a good

job and who didn‘t.

PARAGRAPH #4: Talk about what you liked about the movie and what you didn‘t like. Be sure to include specific details and scenes.

PARAGRAPH #5: What lessons did you learn from this story (theme/moral)?

What do you think others will learn from it?

PARAGRAPH #6: What group of people would like this movie? Who would you recommend it to? Who would you not recommend it to? What‘s the MPAA rating

of the movie (G, PG, PG-13, R, etc…)? What is your final word on the film: Is it good or bad?

RATING SYSTEM: Give the movie a score. You can do grades (A,B,C,D,F+ or -

), stars (*** out of *****), numbers (3 out of 5) or something totally original…

just don‘t use ―thumbs up‖ or ―thumbs down.‖

SHORT BIOGRAPHY: Explain who you are, what your school level is (freshman, junior, etc.), your job (if you have one), sports you play and

interesting things you like to do. Talk about yourself in the ―3 rd person,‖ that is;

pretend someone else is writing the bio about you.

MOVIE REVIEW WRITING SAMPLE

NOTE: This is a “very short” movie review example of only 658 words

(movie reviews submitted for extra credit in WR 121/122 must be 1000+ words)

REVIEW TITLE: “My Dog Skip” will have you skipping to the theater

By Coop Cooper, A.K.A. ―The Small Town Critic‖

REVIEW: Everyone remembers their childhood dogs and the impact they‘ve had

on their life. Perhaps one dog in particular sticks out in your mind… a special dog that was there for you in the toughest or best years of your life. That is what this

screen adaptation of Willie Morris‘ ―My Dog Skip‖ conveys in a fun, nostalgic and

heartbreaking kind of way. Morris recounts the autobiographical memoir of his childhood in Yazoo City, Mississippi and the four-legged friend that accompanied

him on his journey into manhood.

Set in the backdrop of the war-torn world of the 1940‘s, young Willie (Frankie Muniz) is on the verge of his ninth birthday. His only real friend, neighbor and

high school sports hero Dink Jenkins (Luke Wilson) goes off and fight in WWII, leaving Willie feeling alone in the world. To lift Willie‘s spirits, his mother (Diane

Lane) decides to defy the wishes of his stern father (Kevin Bacon) and buy Willie a Jack Russell terrier puppy. The unusually smart and charismatic dog Skip

quickly becomes a local institution and helps Willie gain respect, make friends and even win over his first girlfriend.

The young Morris is outstandingly played by Frankie Muniz, now a household

name due to his success on TV‘s ―Malcolm in the Middle.‖ His acting is very

mature and shows shades of emotions very effectively. Both Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane do decent jobs of portraying caring and concerned parents. Luke

Wilson exceeds his normal comedy boundaries and pulls off the disgraced town hero with surprising effectiveness. However it‘s the dog that steals the show…

or should I say dogs. ―Moose‖ (Eddie from TV‘s Frasier) and his son ―Enzo‖ play the older and younger Skip respectively. Look for them in more movies,

commercials and TV shows to come. I guarantee you‘ll see them.

Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane‘s characters were strong, but didn‘t get enough screen time to fully develop. Willie‘s friendship with a young black boy was never

given a chance to develop either, probably in an effort by the filmmakers to avoid focusing on the segregation issues of the time period. The issue is addressed,

but I feel that the African-American characters should have had bigger, more substantial parts. Also, I didn‘t get the whole subplot with the evil moonshine

dealers and why they tormented little Willie and Skip. It seemed like a fictional

part that was slapped on to cause more conflict. Despite these objections, the

entire production was shot so effectively that it seemed that it genuinely

conveyed feeling of growing up in rural Mississippi. The attention to detail and the accuracy of the time period are phenomenal. I felt completely immersed in

this world and felt the full effect of this moving story. Even the southern accents were much better than average.

The message of this film is very clear and invokes plenty of nostalgia to anyone

who can identify growing up in a rural town. It‘s about passing into adulthood, remembering old friends long gone, and the desire to remember or relive happy

moments in our lives that may be fading from our memory. Morris is certainly a master at preserving his own memories by writing it down for others to enjoy. I

truly believe that this story is his gift, not only to the people of Mississippi, but to all who want to remember their past, and the friends they left behind.

This movie is PG, a rating which might run off some of the older crowd, but it‘s truly a movie for everyone. Most films geared for children these days depend on

lame, pop-culture references and gas-passing jokes in a patronizing attempt to

entertain the younger masses. This movie rises above all of that to become one of the most watchable non-Disney film for children since 1993‘s ―Searching for

Bobby Fischer.‖ Your date might resist going, but try to talk them into it. They won‘t regret it and neither will you.

Scale of 1-5: MY SCORE: 4 ½

Coop Cooper is an independently syndicated film critic, living in Los Angeles. He

is originally from Clarksdale, Mississippi and a Southerner at heart. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.F.A in Cinema, and received his

Masters in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Hollywood. You can read his past reviews at http://www.thesmalltowncritic.com/.