Watch the movie twice and take notes of all major and minor
How to format a movie
review
If your review is for the literature class then youll highly likely
have to adhere to MLA formatting guidelines. The general
outline should be as follows
Introduction (with title, release date, background information)
Summary of the story
Analysis of the plot elements (rising action, climax)
Creative elements (dialogues, characters, use of colors,
camera techniques, mood, tone, symbols, costumes or
anything that contributes or takes away from the overall plot)
Opinion (supported with examples and facts from the story)
Conclusion (announcing whether the filmmaker was
successful in his/her purpose, re-state your evidence,
explain how the motion picture was helpful for providing a
deeper understand of course topic)
On the other hand, if youre writing a review for documentary
feature, youll have to follow this outline:
Introduction (title, topic, release date, background info)
Accuracy of the depiction
Use of sources in the documentary
Creative elements that enhance or tarnish the overall story
Your opinion
Conclusion
Outlines are always important! You need a proper outline to
create any type of an essay as well as other forms of writing.
They help you stick to the subject and create that logical flow
which is important for the quality of your paper.
Writing a movie review
We all like watching and discussing movies, which is why
youll find it fun to write a review. Here are some useful
movie review writing tips that can help you:
details, characters and such on a piece of paper. Dont rely
on your memory only, that way youd leave out some
important details
Collect the information about the movie through research.
Find information about the director, theme, locations, plot,
characterization, and other important things that can help
you write your review
Analyze the entire movie after watching it. This will require
more time, but in order to write a review, you have to
understand what you just watched. To do that, youll have to
evaluate it from the beginning to the end, just like you would
analyze a book
Draft an outline
Include examples for everything you say about the movie
e.g. if the casting is bad, then why is it? If dialogues are
good/bad, then name an example or two. Make sure that
everything you mention in the review is supported with
evidence. That way your professor will know you watched a
movie and developed critical thinking skills
Consider the movies originality and quality of scenes
MISTAKES TO AVOID
Not focusing on the film dont write about the history of
cinematography or that particular genre, snacks, and other
unnecessary details
Inserting yourself youre writing the review which means it
reflects your understanding and opinion of the movie youve
seen. Therefore, there is no need to write in first person all
the time: I noticed this, I saw that, I liked this, I disliked that.
As mentioned above, your review should be unbiased with
trace of your opinion stated in the story and supported with
evidence
Not checking your facts about movie background and
release date, director, casting etc.
Giving out your opinion without mentioning any reason why
you think that way
Talking about irrelevancies
Writing a review without a structure
How to Write a Reaction Paper to a Movie

As a student, it is imperative that you know how to write a reaction paper to a movie. This is a paper that clearly explains your
reaction to a movie or film. It can be like a review based on the fact that your reaction goes ahead to involve evaluation, judgement
and a bit of analysis. Your reaction will further focus on a specific character, scene, film technique and relationship.
Reaction essays to a movie may also appear like a journal entry because it presents an authors personal reaction as opposed to
making an attempting to offer detailed analysis or definitive judgement. It also develops one main perception or order supporting it
with solid evidence.

How to write a reaction paper to a movie guide

With the right guidelines on how to write a reaction paper to a movie, you are guaranteed of a successful paper. You will also save a
great deal on time by employing the right outline and these guidelines

Do not repeat the story

The rule of thumb when writing a response paper ton a movie is to focus on the major theme or themes in the film. Avoid retelling
the story because it will be hard for the reader to understand what the film is all about if you do so. The point of a good reaction is
not the movie itself but the message.

Therefore, your first paragraph should be the introduction of the topic. This should include issue or issues that you are going to
focus on. Ensure the introductory paragraph is brief, four to five sentences and discusses clearly the issue that will be revealed in
the film or movie you are writing about.

Bibliography
Provide a bibliography based on the writing format that is recommended. However, avoid copies of the entire reviews in your paper.
As a matter of fact, you only need a bibliographic reference to respond to a movie. Most importantly, cite references in the body of
your essay using a standard format.

Paragraphs
Use proper paragraphs in your essays. Ensure good transitions between the paragraphs to help the reader follow up on the story
line. Do not run all your ideas in one paragraph but emphasize main points in different paragraphs.
Focus on basic grammar and punctuation
Emphasize and focus on issues that are available secondarily in the film but do not lose focus in the main theme of the essay

Do not be a critic
Master how to write a reaction paper to a movie without being a critic. The performance of the actor or actors should not worry you.
Insofar and subtleties of direction and editing should be a concern because they count a lot in any kind of reaction paper.

Be precise and straight to the point

Ordinarily, it is imperative to write your response to a movie in three pages. Follow the above guidelines and make solid points to
cover important issues thoroughly. It is good to note that if you do not write clearly, it will be very hard to develop your arguments.

Outline for your essay

Write a plot summary briefly
Write the movies theme and purpose
explain how the themes were brought about
state any filmmaking technique
compare the movie with others silent or sound

Write your overall reaction, was the movie successful? Did it achieve its goals; was it worth recommending to others? State good
and bad points etc.
How to write a reaction and techniques to help you avoid retelling the story
For practical and writers who have mastered how to write a reaction paper to a movie, retelling the story is usually a problem. It
happens naturally as you focus on the plot of film, describe events and scenes as they occur or even weave your analysis into the
structure of the film. Without your knowledge, you have restated the story thus, putting off readers.
The purpose of a reaction paper is to help the reader understand and appreciate ideas and elements that are less obvious.
Therefore,

Narrow down your thesis; focus on a single scene or a secondary character. Avoid focusing on a central theme and main characters
because you will most likely follow them and retell the story.
Emphasize on topic sentences in body paragraphs

Limit your summary to a single short paragraph (this is a mechanical approach that suits learners and competent writers)
Assume that the reader has already watched the movie or film therefore, no need for you to retell what he or she already
knows.
Steps to help you master how to write a reaction paper to a movie
Reaction papers are mainly used to gauge whether you understand the film content or material. Tutors also use the paper
to determine whether you know how film content fits the context of the theme. For this reasons, you do not need a
summary or personal opinion. You ought to focus strongly on the movie as literature and see how it fits into the context of
what you are studying.
Hence, you need to

Treat the movie as literature

Focus on the themes of the movie and motifs you come across in the film. Write about dialogue, characterization and especially if
you are watching a movie that is novel based. Try as much as possible to compare the novel to the movie in terms of story line and
style and the manner in which the characters match your expectations or surprise you. Ask yourself whether the story works best as
a book or a movie and how are they different?

Choose the ideal focus for your paper

It is essential to select the ideal focus for your essay to understand how to a reaction paper to a movie. For instance, identify where
the film is accurate and where it assumes an artistic license or so. If you feel more connected to specific characters than you
possibly thought, talk about it.
Additionally, talk about how the characters portrayed with special features of each character. For instance, who is more charming or
sympathetic? Based on your knowledge did the characters surprise you, how is a certain period portrayed and so forth. Remember
to include elements of the movie that truly tipped you off to the period it was made.

Choose the elements to include

It is essential to choose elements to include in your reaction paper. For instance, you can determine production elements to tell your
story. What is effective, could it have been worse or better. Try to differentiate between cinematography, the acting and the screen
writing. Did these elements work in harmony in your essay or is it the case of the directors work. Let the reader understand whether
the film was surprising or predictable.

Review the essay

Once the essay is complete, review it to be sure that you included all details explaining your thinking or thoughts. Is your language
clear? Evaluate spelling, punctuation and the format of your paper for consistency. Proofreading and editing is essential for your
essay because a paper that is full of mechanical errors is very hard to understand.
TIP: A little research on the making of the film you are responding to, the vision of the director, source of material and content is
essential. It helps you to write an effective reaction.

If youve got a great idea for a new product, program, or service, writing a concept paper is one way to seek funding for it. Concept papers
describe the purpose and projected outcomes of the project, and are delivered to potential sponsors. To create a successful one, use clear,
passionate language that expresses why your project matters, and who will benefit from it. Above all, show the sponsor that the goals of your
project match up with the kinds of initiatives they want to support.
Sample Concept Papers

Part1

Establishing the Purpose

Grab your readers attention. Concept papers are meant to persuade sponsors, convincing them to fund or adopt your idea. This means its
critical to hook them right at the beginning.[1]

For instance, you could start off your paper with an attention-grabbing statistic related to your project: Every year, 10.5 million pounds of food
go to waste due to one common pest: rats.

Giving your concept paper a descriptive title, like Lock the Rat Box: Humane, Hands-Free Rodent Control, is another good way to grab their
attention.

Explain why you are approaching this sponsor. After getting your readers attention, the introduction to your concept paper should then
describe how your goals and the sponsors mission mesh. This tells the sponsor that youve done your homework and are serious about
approaching them.[2]

Try something like: The Savco Foundation has long been committed to funding projects that foster healthy communities. We have developed
Lock the Rat Box as an easy, cost-effective means to lower illness rates and sanitation costs in municipalities, and are seeking your support for
the project.

Describe the problem your project addresses. The next section of a concept paper will devote a few sentences or short paragraphs to the
specific purpose of your project. Describe the problem you want to solve, and illustrate how you know it exists.[3]

Put the problem in context to explain why it matters. Show how your project relates to current issues, questions, or problems. Statistics and
other numerical data can help build a convincing case for why your problem matters. Some readers might also be moved by narratives or
personal stories, so consider including those as well.

For instance, your concept paper could include a statement like: Rats are a nuisance, but also a serious vector of diseases such as rabies and
the bubonic plague. Municipalities across the United States spend upwards of twenty million dollars a year combating these issues.

Include references to verify any data you cite.

Part2

Explaining How your Concept Works

1
Share the basics of your method. Even if readers are convinced you have identified an issue that matters, theyll still want to know that you
have an idea for how to solve or investigate it. Spend some time in your concept paper describing the methods you will use.[4]

For instance, your project may involve building a prototype device to humanely trap rats.

Your methods might also involve activities. For instance, you may propose advertising programs to educate communities about rat problems, or
sending investigators to study the extent of the issue in various communities.

Emphasize what makes your methods unique. Remember that sponsors may be looking at numerous requests for funding. To ensure that yours
is successful, you have to explain what sets your project apart. Ask yourself the question: What is my project doing that no one has done or
tried before?

Try using statements like: While previous governmental services have explained rat infestations via poster, radio, and television campaigns,
they have not taken advantage of social media as a means of connecting with community members. Our project fills that gap.

Include a timeline. You cant expect a donor or foundation to be willing to fund a completely open-ended project. Part of your concept paper
should explain the projected timeline for implementing your project.[5]

For example: February 2018: sign a lease for a workshop space. Late February 2018: purchase materials for Lock the Rat Box prototype. March
2018: conduct preliminary tests of the prototype.

Give concrete examples of how you will assess your project. Sponsors want to fund projects that are likely to succeed, and part of your job in
the concept paper is to explain how to measure your projects outcomes. If you are developing a product, for example, that success can be
measured in units produced and/or sold.[6]

Other assessment tools could include things like surveys to gauge customer satisfaction, community involvement, or other metrics.

Provide a preliminary budget. Sponsors will be interested to see a general overview of how much your project is expected to cost. This explains
the need for funding and helps the sponsor determine if the projects scope is appropriate. A concept paper is a preliminary proposal, so not
every detail needs to be spelled out, but give info on the basics of costs that may include things like:[7]

Personnel, including any assistants

Equipment and supplies

Travel

Consultants you may need to bring in

Space (rent, for example)

6
End with a project summary. Wrap things up with a short paragraph at the end of your paper, reiterating your projects purpose, basic plan of
action, and needs. Focus on the essential points you want to stick in the sponsors mind.[8]

Part3

Reviewing the Draft

Keep it short and neat. Concept papers are typically short documents of 3-5 double-spaced pages. Sponsors may have many applications to
read, and a concept paper that drags on or is poorly formatted might get rejected outright.[9]

If the application requests a particular format, follow the directions exactly.

Otherwise, type your paper in a standard font at a readable size (12 point is good), number your pages, and use reasonable margins (1 inch all
around is fine).

Check that the language of your concept paper is action-oriented. Sponsors are looking for projects that are well-thought out and doable. Avoid
hedging your proposal or doing anything that sounds like you arent completely confident in your project.[10]

For instance, avoid statements like We believe that our product, Lock the Rat Box, could potentially help certain municipalities at least control
rat infestations.

A stronger statement would be: Lock the Rat Box will curtail rat infestations in any mid-sized municipality, and completely eradicate them in
many cases.

Use vocabulary that your reader will understand. For instance, if you are writing to a scientific foundation for funding, it may be appropriate to
use technical terminology. However, writing to a general community organization to fund the same project will require you to reduce scientific
jargon and explain key concepts so that general readers will understand.[11]

If you are writing for a general, non-expert audience, ask someone unfamiliar with your project to read your concept paper and tell you if there
were any parts they did not understand.

Include contact info. Make sure the sponsor knows how to reach you by mail, email, and phone. Even if youve included this information
elsewhere in a project application, its a good idea to include it in the concept paper so the sponsor wont have to hunt for it.[12]

Proofread your final draft. An otherwise strong concept paper riddled with errors, typos, or formatting mistakes will reflect poorly on your
project. Show the sponsors that you are careful, thoughtful, and appreciative by polishing your final draft before submitting.[13]

Have someone who has not previously read your concept paper take a look at the final draft before you submit it. Theyll be more likely to
catch any lingering errors