A review essay examines a piece of writing, a film, or some other form of art. However, it differs from a literary essay in a couple of key ways. A review essay is evaluative, meaning that its purpose is to tell the reader whether the work is good or not and whether it is recommended. Unlike a literary essay, a review essay is not written for someone who is already familiar with the work in question. Instead, the audience for a review essay is someone who is wondering whether to spend their time and money on the work reviewed. A review essay may contain more plot summary than a literary essay, but it shouldn’t give away any major revelations or the ending.
Read Sample Reviews
Reading sample reviews is an essential step in understanding how to craft a compelling review essay. Reviews are common in journalism, and examples of reviews of everything from movies to video games to computer software and more can be found online. Reading a few reviews of films and books from major publications such as nationally known magazines or large city newspapers can be a good way to get a sense of what is expected in a review essay. Observing how professional reviewers structure their critiques and the types of language they use can provide valuable insights.
Characteristics of a Good Review Essay
A good review essay will place the work in some sort of context. For example, a good review of a movie about traveling circus people would briefly mention other movies about traveling circus people and how this film compares with those others or how it fits into the overall picture of traveling circus people that film has presented over the years. In a literary essay, this might be the whole point of the paper, but in a review essay, it would only be a paragraph or two. The introduction or the paragraph just after the introduction is a good place for this context. Providing context helps readers understand the significance of the work and its place within a broader genre or category.
Subjectivity and Standards
A review essay is somewhat subjective, but it still needs to have standards and examples to demonstrate its points. It needs to give some reasons that the work is good or bad and it needs to support those reasons. This will help the audience decide whether to follow the reviewer’s advice. For example, if the reviewer claims that the plot is implausible, they should provide specific examples of plot points that stretch credibility. This blend of subjective opinion and objective evidence is crucial for a persuasive review.
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement for a review essay should make an evaluation of the film and explain why the writer has made that evaluation. Here’s an example:
“Sideshow on the Road” is a terrible movie about traveling circus people with poor acting, an implausible plot, and a boring, talky script.
The body of the review would then expand on these reasons to convince the reader to avoid the film. A strong thesis statement sets the tone for the review and provides a clear direction for the argument.
Body
The review itself should use specific examples from the work to illustrate the reviewer’s point. For example, if the reviewer has complained about the poor acting in the movie, they might describe a scene in which a character learns a loved one has died and seems to have no reaction at all. The boring, talky script might be illustrated by explaining that the characters spend a full ten minutes arguing about whether they took a wrong turn. Using detailed examples not only supports the reviewer’s arguments but also gives readers a vivid picture of the work’s flaws or strengths.
Tone
Review essays may be formal or informal and may be more or less personal. Depending on the style of the review, “I” may or may not be used. More informal reviews may use humor, sarcasm, and personal stories to highlight points about the work in question. Formal reviews should avoid these devices. With tone, it’s important to stay consistent. If a formal tone is chosen, it should be maintained throughout the piece, and the same is true for an informal tone. The tone of the review should match the audience and the purpose of the review.
Expanding on Characteristics of a Good Review Essay
To further elaborate, a good review essay does more than just summarize the plot or describe the characters; it delves into the artistic elements that make the work unique. This can include the director’s style in a film, the narrative techniques used in a book, or the visual aesthetics in a piece of art. Discussing these elements helps readers appreciate the craftsmanship involved and understand why certain aspects of the work may or may not succeed.
Comparative Analysis
Including a comparative analysis can enrich a review essay. For instance, comparing the film “Sideshow on the Road” to other movies about traveling circuses can highlight its unique or derivative aspects. This comparison can be brief, but it helps situate the work within its genre and provides a benchmark for evaluation. Mentioning how this film stacks up against classics like “Freaks” or more recent films like “Water for Elephants” can give readers a clearer sense of its quality and originality.
Audience Consideration
Understanding the intended audience for the review is crucial. A review aimed at casual moviegoers might focus more on entertainment value and accessibility, while a review for film enthusiasts might delve deeper into cinematography, acting, and thematic depth. Tailoring the review to the audience ensures that the evaluation is relevant and engaging.
Detailed Examples
Providing detailed examples is essential for a convincing review. If the reviewer mentions that the film has poor acting, they should describe specific scenes where the acting falls flat. For instance, they might describe a pivotal emotional scene where the lead actor fails to convey the necessary intensity, leaving the audience unmoved. Similarly, if the plot is deemed implausible, the reviewer should point out specific plot twists or developments that defy logic or seem forced.
Maintaining Objectivity
While a review essay is inherently subjective, maintaining a degree of objectivity is important. This means acknowledging any potential biases and striving to provide a balanced evaluation. For example, if the reviewer dislikes a particular genre, they should still recognize elements that fans of the genre might appreciate. This balanced approach enhances the credibility of the review.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a review essay involves evaluating a piece of writing, film, or art to help readers decide whether it is worth their time and money. By reading sample reviews, understanding the characteristics of a good review essay, developing a clear thesis statement, and providing detailed examples, reviewers can craft compelling and informative essays. The tone of the review should be consistent, and the reviewer should strive to balance subjective opinion with objective analysis. Including context, comparative analysis, and maintaining audience consideration further enriches the review, making it a valuable guide for potential audiences.
By following these guidelines, writers can produce review essays that are both engaging and informative, offering readers a thorough understanding of the work being reviewed and aiding them in making informed decisions.