Creative Opinion Writing Project | Movie, Television Show, and Book Reviews for High School

$7.00

When listening to the radio or surfing the web, we often come across critiques of movies, television shows, music, and books.  Those who critique media take time to thoughtfully consider relevant details before determining entertainment value. This way, the general public benefits from the reviewer’s reasoned, informed judgments; the public uses these judgments to determine whether the movie, tv show, song, or book is worth experiencing.

Project Overview:

Students choose one of the following to review: a movie, a book, or a television show (ideally a single episode, though skilled, confident writers may choose to review a season).  After deciding which media to review, students will determine its overall entertainment value. During this stage, students will document their thoughts and rational observations.  Attention will be paid to the following in particular: characters, setting, plot, target audience, theme, aesthetic appeal, etc.

Students will also conduct research and compile professionally published reviews on their chosen media from reputable news and entertainment sources such as The Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly. Using information from these sources, students will either support or contrast their own original opinions.

By the end of the unit, students will have composed a 500- to 1,000-word review demonstrating their distinct voice and defending their original opinions compellingly.

Materials Included (Delivered as Word Docs and PDFs):

  1. An introductory PowerPoint covering media terminology and concepts (e.g., plot, blurb, cliche, hype, audience demographic, critical bias, etc.).

  2. A guided notes handout to be distributed to students.

  3. A writing prompt with directions and guidelines.

  4. A comprehensive rubric for evaluation.

  5. Pre-writing documents and activities designed to engage students meaningfully in the writing process, better ensuring success.

  6. A document to facilitate the editing process.

  7. An exemplar for reference.

When listening to the radio or surfing the web, we often come across critiques of movies, television shows, music, and books.  Those who critique media take time to thoughtfully consider relevant details before determining entertainment value. This way, the general public benefits from the reviewer’s reasoned, informed judgments; the public uses these judgments to determine whether the movie, tv show, song, or book is worth experiencing.

Project Overview:

Students choose one of the following to review: a movie, a book, or a television show (ideally a single episode, though skilled, confident writers may choose to review a season).  After deciding which media to review, students will determine its overall entertainment value. During this stage, students will document their thoughts and rational observations.  Attention will be paid to the following in particular: characters, setting, plot, target audience, theme, aesthetic appeal, etc.

Students will also conduct research and compile professionally published reviews on their chosen media from reputable news and entertainment sources such as The Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly. Using information from these sources, students will either support or contrast their own original opinions.

By the end of the unit, students will have composed a 500- to 1,000-word review demonstrating their distinct voice and defending their original opinions compellingly.

Materials Included (Delivered as Word Docs and PDFs):

  1. An introductory PowerPoint covering media terminology and concepts (e.g., plot, blurb, cliche, hype, audience demographic, critical bias, etc.).

  2. A guided notes handout to be distributed to students.

  3. A writing prompt with directions and guidelines.

  4. A comprehensive rubric for evaluation.

  5. Pre-writing documents and activities designed to engage students meaningfully in the writing process, better ensuring success.

  6. A document to facilitate the editing process.

  7. An exemplar for reference.

Preview this resource:

Students choose one of the following to review: a movie, a book, or a television show (ideally a single episode, though skilled, confident writers may choose to review a season).  After deciding which media to review, students will determine its overall entertainment value. During this stage, students will document their thoughts and rational observations.  Attention will be paid to the following in particular: characters, setting, plot, target audience, theme, aesthetic appeal, etc.