Analysis of Magazine Reviews
This is an analysis of some film reviews from actual magazines. We analysed the layout and design of them and looked at the typical conventions of magazine reviews, which helped us when deciding what to include in our own review.
Title of the film is always in bold so it easily stands out to the reader and draws them in. Purposely designed to stand out against the rest of the text.
Typically gives extra information about the film, such as the Director, release date, cast members and certificate. This can impact whether or not people choose to watch the film and it just generally gives them a bit more of an insight into the movie.
Reviews usually give some sort of rating of the film. This may be done through a star rating out of 5 or a summary. In this case, the magazine uses both. This helps the audience ultimately decide whether or not the film will be something they will enjoy.
A large image is pretty much always used in reviews and it tends to be from a scene in the film itself. The image is also usually dramatic or emotive to encourage the readers to watch the film to find out more about what is going on.
Reviews usually have some sort of tag line to sum up what the film is about. This may be a pun or play on words, depending on the genre and whether or not it is appropriate. Once again, this is used to draw people in.
There tends to be a plot summary for the film. Readers can read this if they don't have time to read the whole review and it will give them an idea as to what the film is about and will help them decide whether or not its for them.
On the image on the review, there will be some sort of caption which explains what's going on in the image or who the characters are. This allows readers to instantly recognise characters when they see them in the film and become more familiar with then.
The opening line of the review is in bold to mark the beginning of the text.
Start of new paragraphs is marked by indentation of line - shows the audience a new topic is being introduced.
Magazines may have headers like this one which says 'In Cinemas' to let readers know if the film is a new release or out on DVD, etc.
Usually gives the name of the website for the magazine to encourage readers to visit it to read more of their reviews.
Extracts quotes from the review to catch readers' eyes and pick out key opinions of the film. Like a mini review. Sometimes may pick out quotes from the article or use quotes from other reviews so show what other reviewers think of the film. Written in a bold, large font to stand out.
The name of the author of the review is featured somewhere on the page. This can impact on whether or not people trust the review.