CHW 3M1 Semester Movie Reviews and Research Assignment
Assignment Description
Hollywood has created countless motion pictures following
historical themes and various topics. Although many have
won Oscars for their costumes and stunning settings,
memorable cinematography, driving plot lines, stellar
performances and enduring messages, others have been
criticized for their inaccuracies and for perpetuating
unfound myths. Using your notes, along with the handouts
given in class, your task will be to review any 3 of the
following movies provided on the Hollywood Movie List.
You are also permitted to review any of the movies watched
in class, however are encouraged to watch other movies on
your own time, that provided on the master list.
ALL 3 of your reviews must be completed over the duration of the semester and can be
submitted at any time. It is your responsibility to select your own movies and watch them on
your own time. Most major movie rental chains (Blockbuster/Rogers) have most of the titles in
stock in both DVD and VHS or they can even be purchased for various prices from most retail
DVD stores (Wal-Mart, HMV, Futureshop). The aim of your review is to assess the film for
entertainment value, but more importantly, for historical accuracy based upon the knowledge
you have gained from the course.
Assignment Specs – Following Instructions! Completing the Template
THE OVERVIEW
After watching each of your movies, complete the
template and make sure ALL sections are filled out
(1 review per movie!). Most biographical
information required for the overview can be
taken directly off of the DVD insert or can be
located on an online movie database such as
IMDB.com. Pictures/official Movie Poster for your
film can be located using a Google Image search.
When listing your cast, list a maximum of 5 actors
and the characters they play.
THE PLOT SUMMARY
In your own words, describe what the movie is about by giving a
basic plot summary. Often times, there are interesting facts or
anecdotes that surround the actors or the filming of the movie you
have chosen. Discuss those stories in this section. Due to the
subject nature of many of the movies on the list, often times, there is
controversy or something unique about the movies release and
accompanying press. Discuss here.
Historical Accuracies/Inaccuracies
Conduct some research of your own to discover the history
of the issue/topic that is central to the plot of your movie.
How accurate/inaccurate is the movie? How true does the
movie stay to the facts? What sorts of stereotypes (negative
or positive) about the particular ancient civilization are
reinforced? How are people from that particular time
period represented in the movie?
Your Review (What did you like? Not like?) Your
Suggestions? What did you learn?
Discuss the entertainment aspects of the film
(acting, costumes, music, cinematography,
etc) and what you liked or disliked. Make
suggestions for how the film can be revised in
order to improve the movie and/or suggest
current actors that you would cast in the
major roles if the film were doing a remake.
Did you learn anything from the movie that
you did not know before? Did the movie
reaffirm anything for you? If so, what?
Your Recommendation
Based on your review, would you recommend this movie? Who
is the demographic that this movie would most appeal to? Is this
a must-see or a straight-to-video?
Your Rating
Finally, give your film a “Thumbs-Up” rating, with 10 being the best
and a 1 being the worst! Remember, your rating should reflect your
Recommendation and the rest of your review!
SPECS
- ALL sections must be filled out, including Picture!
- Use full and complete sentences and proper paragraph form in the appropriate
sections.
- Use only 12-14 size font and only Times New Roman or Arial to complete the template.
- Ensure that your template is properly formatted. If you require more space, than
include upon final submission.
- Do not leave your reviews until the end of the semester! Remember, you must submit a
minimum of one review per month!
CHW3M1 World History to the 16th Century - Movie Review Template
Student Name:
REVIEW #
Circle one +
submission
date (d/m )
Below.
1
2
3
d/m
d/m
d/m
OVERVIEW
Production Studio:
For Fun…
Medieval
Times
Civilizations
Other
Ancient
Ancient
Greece and
Ancient
Rome
(Directly from Master
List,) Circle one.
Ancient
Mesopotam
ia and
Ancient
Egypt
Genre/Section
Introductory
Material
and
Prehistory
Name of Movie:
Movie Poster/Picture
Release Date:
Writer:
Director:
Cast + Name of Character Played(x5 Max):
1)
Post a picture or the official movie
poster in this spot. Size it
appropriately so that it fits.
2)
3)
4)
5)
PLOT SUMMARY + Interesting Facts about the Movie
Historical Accuracies/Inaccuracies
Your Review (What did you like? Not like?) Your Suggestions? What did you
learn?
Your Recommendation
Circle One!
Your Rating
CHW 3M1 World History to the 16th Century- Movie Review Marking Rubric
Name:
Review #
Movie Title:
Criteria
KNOWLEDGE
- Makes appropriate conclusions
based on relevance to topic,
reliability, variety of perspectives,
degree of bias.
- Creative thinking skills have been
utilized with a high degree of
effectiveness
THINKING
- Information reflects a high degree
of clarity, conciseness and
accuracy.
- Clear evidence of research.
- Demonstrates insightful
understanding of relationships
between concepts (fact and
fiction)
APPLICATION
- All sections of template
completed.
- Picture provided is accurate.
- Review follows all assignment
requirements.
- Evidence movie has actually been
watched.
COMMUNICATION
- Use of language conventions is
accurate, effective and error free.
- Demonstrates a sophisticated
awareness of purpose for which an
audience to whom, research
results will be communicated.
Comments:
Mark
0
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1.5
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2.5
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3.5
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4.5
5
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1.5
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2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
0
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
0
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5