Last Assignment- 13 films

We have watched 13 films in this class.   After each film type-
1)  first time, seen before (2nd time) or didn't see (absent) 
2)  one sentence about what you thought about it.
3)  Your rating (thumbs up, 5 out of 5 stars, 100%, etc.)

for example-

Time Bandits- first time-  This is the best and most interesting movie that I have ever seen.  10 out of 10

Copy and paste the following list.

Freakonomics-

Rango-

Marley-

Hugo-

What's Eating Gilbert Grape-

Mount Everest-

True Grit-

Time Bandits-

Raising Arizona-

Karate Kid-

Gandhi-

The Avengers-

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Critical Review

You are the one and only expert of your opinions.  Write about your specific opinions about the specific elements from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that stood out to you.  You can write about specific characters, actors, overall character development, dialogue, cinematography, story, plot, etc.

Include a picture relating to TCCoBB (movie poster, etc.) to begin your review just like I did for this post.

 This critical review will be written in paragraphs and be at least 250 words.  

When referencing character’s or actor’s names make sure you spell them correctly with capital letters beginning each name.

1)  Begin your critical review with a general synopsis of the story (short summary- 2 sentences maximum) followed by your overall opinion of the film.  Do not include spoilers anywhere in your review. 

2-4)  Go in to detail about your opinions and the film elements that support your opinions.  Write about each element in its own paragraph. Include examples from the film to support your opinions. For example, if you liked/disliked Benjamin Button, you could write a paragraph about what you liked/didn't like about the character citing examples from the film. (3 paragraphs minimum).  There are many specific characters you could focus on in your paragraphs 

5)  Conclude your review with a final paragraph summarizing your opinion and giving a final recommendation (thumbs up, thumbs down, 3 out of 4 stars, C+, etc.).  You choose how you will grade each film, but use the same grading system for each film review.

This outline will give you a 5 paragraph critical review.  You can write more than 5 paragraphs if you so desire.

Here is a sample review that I wrote after I saw this film in the theater in 2008.  It is not written in the same format that is described above, but you will see that it is filled with opinions about the movie.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button written 12-29-08

Simply stated, I loved this movie. It was flawless in its complexity. It had so many beautiful facets to it. The acting was spot on. The story was very interesting. The set design and the whole visual feel were brilliant. But, the aspect of this movie that stood out most in its excellence was the make up/special effects used to show the same actor at different ages.

The main story involves the title character, Benjamin Button, from birth to death. A span of about 85 years. This is not a summer blockbuster type movie with tons of action and special effects, although it does have some action and excellent special effects. This is a long epic drama. So, if you're in the mood for a light hearted 100 minute movie, then you will be disappointed.

Director David Fincher has crafted a beautifully told story of this very unique character played superbly by Brad Pitt. Pitt's Benjamin Button was born as an infant with the physical characteristics of a very old man (balding hair, wrinkled skin, eye cataracts, arthritis, etc.). As each day passes his body gets larger as he grows as any child does, but his body also gets younger. For example, at 7 years old he looks like an 80 year old man who was shrunk down to the size of a 7 year old. At 17 he looks like a 70 year old and so on. This movie chronicles his life told in flashbacks read by Julia Ormond from Button's diary.

Every actor was solid in every performance. Taraji P Henson played Benjamin's adopted mother with depth and passion. Jared Harris was funny and likable as Captain Mike. Tilda Swinton was enjoyable as Benjamin's short time "girlfriend." Cate Blanchett was beautiful and riveting as Benjamin's love. 

I can't say enough about how good this movie is. The look of this movie alone is enough to see it. The cinematographer, set designers, visual effects workers and the director have created a visually stunning work of art. The story is very emotional and dramatic. I can confidently say that I wasn't the only one walking out of the theater after tears had streamed down my cheeks.

All this being said, if you are not a fan of long dramas or are not emotionally deep enough to connect with characters that don't wear costumes or shoot guns then this might not be the movie for you. To fans of film in all its genres this is a movie not to miss. Who knows what films the Oscars will acknowledge and for what, but it would be a crime if at least a few nominations aren't given to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. (448 words)

nominated for 13 Academy Awards.  won 3- Art Direction, Makeup, Visual Effects.

Your Favorite Avenger

Write a 200 word blog post about your favorite character from the move, The Avengers.  If for some reason you thoroughly despise every single character in The Avengers, then write about your favorite character from any film that is based on a comic book.

Be sure to write in paragraphs and include at least 2 pictures.

The Avengers Critical Review

You are the one and only expert of your opinions.  Write about your specific opinions about the specific elements from The Avengers that stood out to you.  You can write about specific characters, actors, overall character development, dialogue, cinematography, story, plot, etc.

Include a picture relating to The Avengers (movie poster, etc.) to begin your review just like I did for this post.
 This critical review will be written in paragraphs and be at least 200 words.  
When referencing character’s or actor’s names make sure you spell them correctly with capital letters beginning each name.

1)  Begin your critical review with a general synopsis of the story (short summary- 2 sentences maximum) followed by your overall opinion of the film.  Do not include spoilers anywhere in your review. 

2-4)  Go in to detail about your opinions and the film elements that support your opinions.  Write about each element in its own paragraph. Include examples from the film to support your opinions. For example, if you liked/disliked Tony Stark/Iron Man, you could write a paragraph about what you liked/didn't like about the character citing examples from the film. (3 paragraphs minimum).  There are many specific characters you could focus on in your paragraphs (Banner/Hulk, Stark/IronMan, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Loki, etc.).

5)  Conclude your review with a final paragraph summarizing your opinion and giving a final recommendation (thumbs up, thumbs down, 3 out of 4 stars, C+, etc.).  You choose how you will grade each film, but use the same grading system for each film review.

This outline will give you a 5 paragraph critical review.  You can write more than 5 paragraphs if you so desire.

Gandhi Critical Review

Write your detailed specific critical opinions of the film Gandhi.  You will cite evidence from the film to support your opinions, but do not summarize the film.  This critical review will be written in paragraphs and be at least 300 words.

You are the one and only expert of your opinions.  Write about your specific opinions about the specific elements from The Karate Kid that stood out to you.  You can write about specific characters, actors, overall character development, dialogue, cinematography, story, plot, etc.

Include a picture relating to Gandhi (movie poster, etc.) to begin your review just like I did for this post.

1)  Begin your critical review with a general synopsis of the story (short summary- 2 sentences maximum) followed by your overall opinion of the film.  Do not include spoilers anywhere in your review. 

2-4)  Go in to detail about your opinions and the film elements that support your opinions.  Write about each element in its own paragraph. Include examples from the film to support your opinions. For example, if you liked/disliked Ben Kingsley, you could write a paragraph about what you liked/didn't like about his acting citing examples from the film. (3 paragraphs minimum) 

5)  Conclude your review with a final paragraph summarizing your opinion and giving a final recommendation (thumbs up, thumbs down, 3 out of 4 stars, C+, etc.).  You choose how you will grade each film, but use the same grading system for each film review.

This outline will give you a 5 paragraph critical review.  You can write more than 5 paragraphs if you so desire.

Vacation Assignment

1.  See a movie that you haven't seen before (movie theater, dvd, cable it doesn't matter)
2.  Take a picture of the ticket stub, the dvd, you next to the television with the movie playing, whichever applies.
3.  Write a critical review of that movie (follow all the guidelines for reviews in this class).

This should be done upon entering the class on Monday, February 25th.  You have 11 days to complete this assignment.  If for some reason you do not have access to a computer w/internet during those 11 days, then you need to write your review on a piece of paper and I will give you time to type it in class on that Monday.

If you do not do this assignment, then the next critical review assignment requirement will be 400 words minimum to make up for this missing assignment.

IMPORTANT. READ ENTIRE POST.

Today is a day where everyone is to make sure every assignment is complete (done correctly).  If you are positive that all of your assignments are complete and done correctly, then you are to write a 200 word blog post about any film related topic you choose.

To date there have been 8 Critical Film Review assignments.

Rango
Marley
Hugo
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
True Grit
Time Bandits
Raising Arizona
The Karate Kid

There have also been 4 other assignments.

Your Favorites-  3 paragraphs (minimum)  about your 3 (minimum) favorite movies
Freakonomics question
Marley questions
Mt. Everest

If you have been in this class since the beginning, then all assignments need to be completed correctly (following the guidelines in the assignment's description).  Those that have not been here the entire time are responsible for every assignment that you have been here for plus the "My Favorites" assignment.

This class is structured to give you plenty of class time to finish the blog writing.  If you are not finishing the writing in class, then you are going to have to finish it on your own time.

Title today's assignment-   Friday, February 15