How to Write a Review
This
formula can be used for a play, a concert, or a movie. It can also be slightly
altered for a book or television episode.
The purpose of a review is to make your point of view
known. You hold the power to make or break whether or not others will spend the
time and money to see a performance. YOU
MUST CONVINCE PEOPLE of your valid point by covering all the bases as
demonstrated in the following format. You may opt to write more than 4
paragraphs; simply organize your review along these lines.
Part
One: (Introduction) Describe your
overall opinion of the production. Be sure to name the creators of the show
(author, composer, etc.),name of the theater or
concert hall, and the name of the production. Basically, this paragraph also
states whether or not you like the show and IN GENERAL TERMS what was good or
bad about it.***
***Some
productions might have an important element that should be included in the
first paragraph. For example, the Broadway production was known for its
multi-million dollar set which did not work opening night. Or, the musical, Sunset Boulevard, was known for its $2
million set. Etc.
PART
or paragraph Two:(Plot/events
summary) Briefly describe the plot in order to get someone interested, just as
a movie rental box or book jacket might appeal to you. DO NOT EVER GIVE AWAY
THE ENDING!!!! Imagine if someone told you the ending to Sixth Sense....you will be less likely interested in going to see
it the first time if you already know what the twist is. NEVER GIVE AWAY the
ending...
PART
or paragraph Three:(best/worst scene/aspect) Give your opinion of the acting/performance
and production/directing. Name the actors/performers and director. Be sure to
give good as well as bad points. Be clever. For instance, if you thought the
movie Titanic was awful, you could say the worst part was how long it was, but
the best part was you knew from the get-go it was going to sink. Or, if you
loved something about a movie and can't find anything bad to say, point out how
the worst part was that the movie had to end... Be clever.
PART
or Paragraph Four(Conclusion)
After discussing some of the physical production, such as special effects,
costuming, editing, etc., you should conclude your review with any final
thoughts on the production as a whole. To WHOM would you recommend this? (What
age group?)
TIPS TO CONSIDER AND INCLUDE
IN YOUR REVIEW:
Movies/TV: Mention famous
directors, producers, actors, give basic plot summary, describe best/worst
scene.
Music/Theater: Band members'
names, set design, lights, sound, comparison to previous works, best/worst
songs, remakes, length of show, type of crowd, cost of CD, and overall rating.
Books: Style of writing,
audience, previous works, publisher, cost, plot summary, best/worst scene, and
overall opinion.