Movie+Review


 * In class today** you should have talked with other students about the different topics that you could consider for this paper.

**Over the weekend**, I want you to read about three movie reviews (not on Blood Diamonds) but on other social issue movies. Step Brothers is a great movie, but probably not the kind of review what the reviews all have in common with each other.

-Notice how the reviews start with a high interest lead in that is meant to attract readers and how often, the thesis doesn't present itself until two to four paragraphs later. That is absolutely appropriate in this style of writing. Remember, journalism is very competitive and your lead in has to be confident and relative to the topic so developing this 'hook' is even more important than presenting your thesis right away.

-All the reviews will have certain components in common. They will all introduce the characters, the basic plot line and move the audience through the structure of the story.

-That's where you come in with your voice. Because all reviewers have to include those components for their audience, the emphasis is on HOW you describe those components. Your delivery, sarcasm, or details will reveal your tone. There are a number of topics on those worksheets but you have to pick which ones are your best discussion points. Each discussion point deserves its own paragraph. That means that you will have a lot of paragraphs (like the other reviews).

-Ultimately, the author will move towards a single focus concluding idea which will make for a very powerful final line (or group of lines). Look at the 'last line' of the reviews you chose and you'll see what I mean.

This paper is due on Monday with a 1000 word MAX. I am well aware that this first draft is going to need editing and revision. That's journalism so try your best and don't be afraid to borrow vocabulary from other reviews and direct lines right from the movie.

If you don't bring in a 1000 word essay, you will earn no points for Monday. Your paper MUST be accompanied with a sketch outline. This 'sketch outline' must include your thesis (Roman Numeral One) and all your different topics (Capital letters). You do not need to include topic sentences in a sketch outline. The outline is meant to serve more as a checklist.

Give this your best shot and ONLY message me after you've completed the worksheets, overlooked three reviews, a checklist outline, and given this paper your best efforts. I know your first instinct is to write me with questions, but I want you to push through this on your own. Let me help you on Monday when you have something in front of me to work with during our conference.