Step 3: Comparing the Movie and Conclusion.

Comparing the Movie. Many movies are based on books or plays. For instance, “The Twilight Saga” is based on Stephenie Meyer’s books. In this section of your review, you have to do some comparing. Is the movie similar to the book or play? If not, make sure to mention how it’s different. If the movie is a remake, obviously you want to compare it to the original. Sequels of movies can be compared in quality to the first movie. In order to do an honest review of a movie that is based on a play or book, you will have to have seen the play or read the book. If needed, this should be another step in your movie review.

Conclusion. This final section of your review is your last attempt to reach the readers. You should tell them clearly to either go see the movie or to skip seeing the movie. Don’t keep readers guessing whether or not to go see the movie. State your opinion clearly. Based on all the previous comments you’ve made, they should be able to understand why you feel that they should or should not go see the movie.

Checklist

• I have included a title for my film review.

• I have expressed my overall impression of the film.

• I have summarized the plot without giving away the ending.

• I have discussed significant characters and actors.

• I have evaluated the film stars’ acting abilities.

• I have discussed the important technical elements.

• I have stated and evaluated the theme.

• I have done some comparing.

• I have included a strong conclusion summarizing my ideas.

• I have edited my review for spelling and grammatical errors.

• I have included submission details with my review.

HOME TASK

Read the sample film review given below and assess it. Then write your own review of the film you have watched recently and that has made a great impression on you.

Father of the Bride, directed by Charles Sayer, is a modern remake of the 1950’s film starring Spencer Tracy. This time the role of doting father is played by Steve Martin, and Diane Keaton plays his long-suffering wife.

The story begins with Martin’s daughter announcing her imminent marriage. Reluctant to see his beloved daughter leave the family nest, he feels more like he’s losing a daughter than gaining a son-in-law.

As preparations for the big day get started, there follows a chain of comic events, helped along by the delightful Martin Short, superb as the wedding organizer for the occasion.

Steve Martin gives just as admirable a performance as Tracy did in the original film, and brings his own unique brand of humor to the part.

Father of the Bride is essentially a funny, enjoyable film, suitable for old and young alike. For those of you who like a good chuckle, it’s well worth going to see.

Essay Writing

Stephen Edwin King, America’s best-known writer of horror fiction, was born in Portland, Maine in 1947. King is one of the most popular authors in America, and a very prolific writer as well. He is a huge fan of the short story. “1408”, “The Mist”, and “Hearts in Atlantis” are just a few of the 35 short stories he wrote that have been made into movies, though perhaps the most famous is “Stand By Me”. He has written 8 story collections and a total of 124 short stories and 17 Novellas in his career. He was also selected to be the editor of The Best American Short Stories of 2007, and also won the O. Henry Award in 1996.

In the following essay King speculates about the popular appeal of horror movies. Before you begin reading, think about your own attitude toward horror films. Do you enjoy them? “Crave” them? Dislike them? Or are you indifferent?

As you read, notice how assertively King presents his assumptions about people, such as the ones in the opening sentence. How does he try to get you to accept these assumptions? Is he successful?