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How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

The New York Times Learning Network

93K views 5 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you read the title, what do you think makes a movie review “good” or “useful”?
Do you usually read movie reviews before watching a film? Why or why not?
What do you think A.O. Scott might focus on besides saying “I liked it” or “I didn’t like it”?

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Start With: Word Definition

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How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

What a review is (and isn’t) (00:00 – 00:42)

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1. According to the speaker, what is NOT the same as a review or criticism?

A description of what the movie feels like
A detailed explanation of why you think something
A simple statement like “I liked it” or “It was bad”

2. Why does the speaker say a simple opinion doesn’t help?

Because it is always too negative
Because it includes too many spoilers
Because it doesn’t help others figure out anything about the movie

3. What does the speaker say his job is?

To review many kinds of movies and write about them
To summarize movie plots for readers
To direct movies for the New York Times

How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

Avoid plot summary; describe the experience (00:42 – 02:02)

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1. What does the speaker say you should avoid in a review?

Using your opinion at all
Too much plot summary
Talking about music or colors

2. How does the speaker describe the difference between describing and summarizing?

They are basically the same thing
Describing can draw on many aspects of a movie, not only what happens
Summarizing focuses on emotions, describing focuses on facts

3. What does the speaker say is the most important thing readers want to know?

What the plot twists are
Why you think what you think
Which actors were in the movie

How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

Using persuasive language and reflecting after the movie (02:02 – 03:45)

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1. What does the speaker suggest instead of “throwing adjectives” at movies?

Conveying enthusiasm through careful, persuasive writing
Only giving the plot and the ending
Avoiding emotion and writing very formally

2. Why does the speaker like to wait a few days before writing?

To forget the movie so he can be neutral
To let feelings cool down and think about why he reacted
To check what other critics wrote first

3. What is the speaker’s final goal as a critic?

To help people decide if something is worth their time and money
To convince everyone to like the same movies
To explain how movies are made

How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

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1. Which best describes the speaker’s definition of a movie review?

A list of what happens in the movie
A score (like 8/10) with no details
A personal opinion with clear explanation and description

2. What kind of details does the speaker think are useful for readers?

Only the names of actors and the budget
Only whether the movie is popular
Sensory and stylistic details (look, music, sets) that help readers imagine the film

3. Why does the speaker say movies can be tricky to judge immediately?

Because critics are not allowed to have opinions
Because movies are too long to understand
Because movies can manipulate feelings using techniques like music and action

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How to Write Movie Reviews with A.O. Scott

Do you agree that “I liked it/I hated it” is not a real review? What should be added to make it a review?
What kinds of description (colors, music, sets, acting, etc.) help you decide whether to watch a movie?
Is it better to write a review immediately after watching, or after a few days? Why?
Can negative reviews be useful? What makes negative criticism fair rather than just “mean”?

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