Read critical reviews of different films and incorporate new ideas into our own writing.
Learn to underline the titles of films.
First Assignment
For every Rushmore there are a hundred Troll 2's. Films once considered critical and commercial bombs, now rank high on lists of greatest films ever (Blade Runner). Though we will make our own minds up about whether films are successful or not, it is important to look for new and different ideas from established writers. For the first assignment you will be choosing a favourite film (for mine it would be a toss-up between Rushmore, the Big Lebowski and the Empire Strikes Back). It would ideally be one that you have seen recently, as the more specific detail you can provide the better. You will write a review of the film, explaining why you enjoyed it so much (making specific references to film techniques and specific scenes). This should be between 100-200 words long.
and include at least 2 quotations from one of the reviews in your piece. You must then post your review on the Wiki site used for the course. Example:
Rushmore has entered the ranks of classic films. The highly stylized film set to a british-invasion era soundtrack is truly a masterpiece. Lucia Bozzola writes that “Bill Murray gives a career-best performance as the despondent tycoon.” (www.allmovie.com) Second Assignment
This one is easy. Just do the same thing as with assignment one, but with the worst movie you have ever seen. Please post the final project (with quotations from different film reviews as well). Try to incorporate the quotations into your own writing:
Troll II is a movie that is impossible to forget – though in no way is this positive. In his review Donald Guarisco describes how “There are plenty of lousy horror movies out there, but few are as hypnotically awful as Troll II.” (allmovie.com)
First Assignment
For every Rushmore there are a hundred Troll 2's. Films once considered critical and commercial bombs, now rank high on lists of greatest films ever (Blade Runner). Though we will make our own minds up about whether films are successful or not, it is important to look for new and different ideas from established writers.
For the first assignment you will be choosing a favourite film (for mine it would be a toss-up between Rushmore, the Big Lebowski and the Empire Strikes Back). It would ideally be one that you have seen recently, as the more specific detail you can provide the better.
You will write a review of the film, explaining why you enjoyed it so much (making specific references to film techniques and specific scenes). This should be between 100-200 words long.
Next you will read 2 reviews from any of the following sites:
www.allmovie.com
www.rottentomatoes.com
www.metacritic.com
www.film.com
and include at least 2 quotations from one of the reviews in your piece. You must then post your review on the Wiki site used for the course.
Example:
Rushmore has entered the ranks of classic films. The highly stylized film set to a british-invasion era soundtrack is truly a masterpiece. Lucia Bozzola writes that “Bill Murray gives a career-best performance as the despondent tycoon.” (www.allmovie.com)
Second Assignment
This one is easy. Just do the same thing as with assignment one, but with the worst movie you have ever seen. Please post the final project (with quotations from different film reviews as well).
Try to incorporate the quotations into your own writing:
Troll II is a movie that is impossible to forget – though in no way is this positive. In his review Donald Guarisco describes how “There are plenty of lousy horror movies out there, but few are as hypnotically awful as Troll II.” (allmovie.com)
Link to return to Home Page
Link back to Unit 1 - History of Film