Lights, Camera, Review: a lesson on writing movie reviews

• Engels
• Voortgezet speciaal onderwijs
• Leerroute 4

Learning Objective

At the end of this lesson series, you will be able to write a movie review that includes plot summary, analysis, comparison and personal opinion.

Make sure to emphasize the importance of including each of these elements in a movie review.

What do you already know about movie reviews?

Name the best movie you have ever watched and tell me why it is the best

What did you learn from A. O. Scott about writing a review?

What is a movie review?

A movie review is a critical analysis of a movie that includes a plot summary, analysis of the film's components, and a personal opinion.

Ask students to brainstorm what they think makes a good movie review and write their ideas on the board.

In preparation: We need a movie

1. Pick a movie and watch it at home

or 

1. We watch a movie in class but there are rules

What?	Make ex. 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13 (128/134)
How?	First 10 minutes in silence
Help?	No help
Time?	15 minutes
Results?	We will check answers together
Done?	Ex. 14

Instruction

The analysis should include an evaluation of the movie's components such as the acting, cinematography, and sound.

Provide an example of an analysis and ask students to identify the key elements.

Personal Opinion

The personal opinion should be a reflection of the writer's thoughts and feelings about the movie.

Provide an example of a personal opinion and ask students to identify the key elements.

Writing Tips

When writing a movie review, it's important to use descriptive language, avoid spoilers, and provide examples to support your analysis.

Provide students with a movie review template to use as a guide.

Practice

In pairs, write a movie review for the film we'll watch in class. Make sure to include a plot summary, analysis, and personal opinion.

Circulate around the room and provide feedback to students as they work.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.