Literature Through Film. The Hate U Give. Movie Review

Film Review/Critical Evaluation Directions
Directions: You will write a 400-500-word Film Review/Critical Evaluation about The Hate U Give. *Note: the film review is to be written only on the film’s first forty minutes. You will write a complete film review once we complete the whole film (in a couple weeks).
Grading Criteria: You will be graded (5 points worth) on whether your work has purpose and meaning (i.e. in content and in structure); whether your work is deemed thorough/ complete, and whether you adhere to basic written conventions (grammar and mechanics). *About content: the best film review is going to make an attempt to utilize literary and film language/ vocabulary, so use textbook handouts, etc.
Film Review Samples: (https://www(dot)nytimes(dot)com/reviews/movies)
About the Film Review’s Content and Structure:
Writing the Film Review
Although there is not a set formula to follow when writing a film review, the genre does have
certain common elements that most film reviews include.
1) Introduction
- In the opening of your review, provide some basic information about the film. You
may include film’s name, year, director, screenwriter, and major actors.
- Your introduction, which may be longer than one paragraph, should also begin to
evaluate the film, and it should allude to the central concept of the review. A film
review does not have to contain a thesis or main claim, but it should focus on a
central analysis and assessment.
2) Plot Summary
- Remember that many readers of film reviews have not yet seen the film. While you
want to provide some plot summary, keep this brief and avoid specific details that
would spoil the viewing for others.
3) Description
- While the plot summary will give the reader a general sense of what the film is about,
also include a more detailed description of your particular cinematic experience
watching the film. This may include your personal impression of what the film looks,
feels, and sounds like. In other words, what stands out in your mind when you think
about this particular film?
4) Analysis
- In order to explain your impression of the film, consider how well the film utilizes
formal techniques and thematic content. How do the film’s formal techniques (such
as cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, lighting, diegetic and non-diegetic sound,
genre, or narrative) affect the way the film looks, feels, and sounds to you? How
does the thematic content (such as history, race, gender, sexuality, class, or the
environment) affect your experience and interpretation? Also, do the formal
techniques work to forward the thematic content?
5) Conclusion/Evaluation
- The closing of your film review should remind the reader of your general thoughts
and impressions of the film. You may also implicitly or explicitly state whether or
not you recommend the film. Make sure to remind the reader of why the film is or is
not worth seeing.
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