REVIEW TEXT

Definition of Review Text

Review text is an evaluation of a publication, such as a movie, video game, musical
composition, book; a piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer; or an
event or performance, such as a live music concert, a play, musical theatre show or
dance show.

Purpose/ Social Function

To criticize/evaluate/review the events or art works for the readers or listeners, such as
movies, shows, books, and others.

Generic Structure
1. Orientation : Background information of the text.
2. Interpretative Recount : Summary of an art works including character and plot.
3. Evaluations : Concluding statement : judgement, opinion, or recommendation. It can
consist ot more than one.
4. Evaluative Summation : The last opinion consisting the appraisal or the punch line of
the art works being criticized.

Example
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (a movie review)
Orientation The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American autobiographical drama
film based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner's nearly one-year struggle being
homeless. The plot is based on a true story, yet some scenes were modified and
added to the real story. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film features Will
Smith as Gardner, a homeless salesman. Smith's son Jaden Smith co-stars, making
his film debut as Gardner's son, Christopher Jr. The screenplay by Steven
Conrad is based on the best-selling memoir of the same name written by Gardner
with Quincy Troupe. The film was released on December 25, 2006 by Columbia
Pictures. For his performance, Smith was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden
Globe for Best Actor.
Interpretation It’s the early 1980s, and while Ronald Reagan is delivering the bad
Recount economic news on television, Chris Gardner is about to prove you don’t need an
army to fight the war on poverty, just big smiles and smarts, and really sturdy
shoes. Given how often Chris breaks into a run on the streets of San Francisco,
it’s a good thing his shoes are well built; his lungs, too. Chris had to face some
bad luck, a few stupid moves and a shrew for a wife, Linda (Thandie Newton),
loses his apartment and, with his 5-year-old, Christopher (Jaden Christopher Syre
Smith, Mr. Smith’s own beautiful son), joins the ranks of the homeless, if not the
hopeless. Evicted from the mainstream and bounced from shelter to shelter, Chris
holds firm to his dignity, resolve, faith, love and independence. His optimism
sweeps through the film like a searchlight, scattering clouds and dark thoughts to
the wind.
Evaluation Smith and his real-life son Jaden bring an emotional depth to the
characters they play. The somber role of Gardner is quite a change for Smith, who
is known for his less serious roles battling aliens in the Men in Black movies. He
tackles the role with a determined precision and turns out a spectacular
performance. Though most scenes in the film have a very solemn feel, Smith’s
cautious optimism and ambitious nature make us want to root for him to succeed.
His son, Jaden, proves to be a natural as well. Portraying a child whose
life and economic background is so completely opposite from his own doesn’t
seem to be a challenge for the young actor. He seems to have a true understanding
of the character’s emotional state and expresses it with ease.
While the story is a moving tale about a father’s love for his son and
working hard to achieve dreams, it is more than that. Pursuit of Happyness is also
a poignant portrayal of the problem of homelessness in our society. Perhaps what
makes the film so powerful is that it is based on a true story. The problems that
Gardner faces are problems faced by many in our society every day.
 For this reason, the movie is not a feel-good picture that will leave you
with the warm fuzzies. Instead, it is a touching fictional portrayal of a problem
that is all too real. Chances are that this is not a film that you will quickly forget.
Summary It is totally a-must-see movie. The movie is so inspirational and has many
Evaluation positive values. It teaches us to never give up to pursue our dreams and happiness.
It is one of the best movies ever.

The Amazing Spiderman 2

The Amazing Spider-Man 2, released with the subtitle Rise of Electro in some markets is a
2014 American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, directed by Marc
Webb and released by Columbia Pictures. It is the fifth theatrical Spider-Man film produced
by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment, and serves as a sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man. I
was skeptical when I wanted to watch this movie, but I was wrong and I think this second sequel is
really great. Unlike its predecessor, this film is full of action, humor, and emotional. Played by the big
players, the story is well-written. The action is really spectacular and the final scene makes me
satisfied.
The story begins when Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) struggled to maintain his relationship
with Gwen (Emma Stone) after her father’s death. His actions also causes the emergence of a new
enemy, Electro, a villain played by James Foxx. Peter also continue to investigate what happened to his
father and reunited with his old friend, Harry Osborn. This movie is ended by the death of Gwen that
makes the audience will be very emotional and sad.
However I have to criticize about this film addressed to Paul Giamatti who plays Rhino. His
appearance is too over. His acting also does not show that he is a feared villain. It would be a serious
problem for the next Spiderman series. So I hope he can improve his acting better than before.
Overall, I think this is the best superhero movie since the appearance of The Dark Knight
Rises. The script is well-written and convincing. I am sure the next series will be outstanding superhero
movie. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves Spider-man or other superhero movies.