Review Writing

Taking a closer look at how to inform readers in the entertainment world

Writing Great ReviewsEntertainment done Write

What is a Review?

The review follows a basic structure, which can be used to critique any kind of artistic activity whether it's a book or writing of any kind, live performance (dance, music or theatre), recorded music (cds), or visual art.

The review includes a beginning, middle and ending drawing the reader towards the same experience the writer had while watching the movie, hearing the music or reading the book.

The Opening Paragraph

The reviewer opens with something interesting about the book, cd, movie or play that will draw the reader into the story.

The reviewer briefly tells the reader whether their experience with the venue was positive or negative.

The first paragraph offers the main argument they would like to support throughout their review.

Body Paragraphs

The reviewer follows the first paragraph with some brief description of the venue.

They should use the next two paragraphs to tell the reader a little about the venue in a brief sense.

They should offer their opinion of such things as acting, readability of book, specific scenes etc.

Body Paragraphs cont.

Do not re-tell the entire story in these paragraphs.

Just give the reader a brief sense of the plot and then move on to critique parts of the plot.

In these paragraphs do not tell the reader the movie, book or cd was boring or exciting. Show them in these paragraphs how it was exciting or Boring.

Body Paragraphs cont.

Compare or contrast this book, play, cd or concert to other venues of its kind.

If you are reviewing a singer or songwriter compare their earlier works to the new one.

Do some research and offer this to the audience in a brief sense. Ex. Heath Ledger is gone now but his legend lives on in this new movie.

Summarize

Do not spoil the venue for future readers, listeners, attendees

Just be brief in your description of the venue.

Just sum the plot up but do not detail it.

Leave you reader wanting to find out more by attending the venue, reading the book or listening to the music.

Critical Analysis is Key

You need to analyze your venue really well if you want your readers to understand what the venue was like.

Break down the details of the venue in your opinion. Remember be brief and do not give everything away.

Do not just summarize. Examine the themes, ideas and how well the venue executed its purpose.

Pros and Cons

No movie, book, cd or venue is perfect so use this to help your reader.

Talk about the good points you saw using specific examples.

Talk about possible bad points you saw using examples.

Be original

Do not use other peoples information.

Find a hook that works for you and use that to your advantage in writing.

Doing something like the other reviewers will only make you a copy of the original. You be your own original.

Things to Do before writing

Actively watch the movie, listen to the music, read the book or attend the concert/play

Pay attention to every detail as you watch, listen or read.

Watch for interesting camera angles, interesting turns in the plot or changes in music style etc.

Things to Do before writing cont.

Take some good notes. These will of course be mental notes that you will write soon after you’re finished at the venue.

Make good mental notes of various parts of the venue such as camera angles, plot devices etc.

Closing Your Review

Leave the reader with an overall opinion of the work.

Make recommendations on wether you would read the book again, listen to the music again or attend the venue again.

Tell the reader how you felt after leaving the venue, reading the book or listening to the music.