Writing Entertainment Reviews Journalism 1CP Chapter 12

What is a review? In professional newspapers, the review is a column in which a writer knowledgeable in a chosen field criticizes a piece of entertainment for the reader’s enlightenment. It calls for taste and judgment.

Avoid these review pitfalls: The temptation to fill up space with empty words – Ex. “I think so-and-so did a really good job…the album was one of the group’s greatest so far…the third cut has some especially good lyrics…all in all, the album was really not bad.” *This type of review leaves readers wondering “What was the album really like?”

Solution Keep to the point—don’t waste words Offer specific information, not just opinion. Accompany the review with a sidebar—poll or survey of student opinion or quotes revealing student body reactions to subject.

Avoid these review pitfalls: The temptation to lean on professional reviewers or critics (jacket covers, liner notes, and professional reviews) instead of their own understanding, vocabulary, and opinion *It’s usually obvious when a reviewer is “faking it.” This type of review sounds like the reviewer is striving to get the professional jargon right, but doesn’t quite make it. *Avoid plagiarism!!! *Be original!!!

Solution Write with first hand knowledge, using primary sources. *You can’t be enthusiastic about something you have not experienced yourself.

Avoid these review pitfalls: Choosing subjects that aren’t timely

Solution Plan accordingly *Be aware of press day. Subject matter should be relevant within a few days of print. Remember that you are competing with media that is published on a daily basis.

Avoid these review pitfalls: Spoil the ending *There’s nothing readers hate more than a film critic who gives away the ending to the latest blockbuster.

Solution Provide plenty of background information: – Outline the plot – Discuss the directors, actors, artists and their previous work

Avoid these review pitfalls: Using “I” and “In my opinion” *Such phrases are unnecessary. Your reader understands that it’s your opinion you’re writing about, not someone else’s.

Solution Use strong declarative sentences that state strong opinions. – There’s nothing more boring than a review that hems and haws. Decide what you think and don’t be afraid to state it in certain terms.

Creative Approaches to Reviews Restaurants: Feature different kinds of ethnic restaurants each issue or pick another special purpose for the choices made. *Focus on the treatment of students dining unaccompanied by adults, the kind of food that would appeal most to students and their budgets. *Never call undue attention to yourself. A restaurant review is supposed to be anonymous.

Creative Approaches to Reviews CDs, music, videos: Professionals almost always have access to these before they hit stores. It’s hard for school papers to compete and stay original. Try a new approach: Ask students to name their favorite, why they like it and what songs, artists, etc. they prefer. Write reviews based on these. – Cover more than one student suggestion and keep them short.

Creative Approaches to Reviews Movies: As with CDs, professionals get to them first. Keep in mind that by the time the paper comes out, a movie may have neared the end of its run and most fans have probably seen it before the paper comes out. Try a new approach: Write reviews of classic movies, write a series of reviews on films starring one particular actor/actress, or review films about books read in classes.

Creative Approaches to Reviews The Internet, computer games: Report on web sites of special interest to students. Pick a special topic and report on what you find. – Be sure to include the address of each site. *Keep computer game reviews brief and avoid the temptation of taking leads and other ideas from other sources.

Creative Approaches to Reviews Local concerts or performances (on and off campus): Make sure that the performance is within a few days of publication in order to be timely.

Things to Remember Have an original approach Use primary sources Offer information, not just opinion Keep to the point—don’t waste words Appear knowledgeable and enthusiastic – You don’t have to be an expert, but you must be well-informed. Show awareness of reader’s interests Read other accomplished critics – Analyze what they do and learn from them.