Film ReviewBy Rushelle Mckoy

Buried/ The Last Exorcism

“The last Exorcism” is compared to the other “exorcism” films, however, this is a film which is describe as ‘creepy’. Though comparison with the other films it can be easily imply its standard amongst the other as a smart, scary little picture which results in a four star rating. This review is written in style I believe to help fans of the “exorcism” films recognise if its better than what they’ve seen before. The image is very disturbing , showing a girl covered in blood who seems to be possessed in a barn because of the hay. The picture included a man who look vulnerable as he is in a isolated settings with a possessed girl who is dangerous which shows immediate tension without seeing the movie.

“Buried” is written to warn the audience, such as the sub heading ‘claustrophobics need not apply’ which informs this is a film for the brave. This review is addressed in reference through watching it at a cinema such a ‘hyperventilating into their popcorn’ the image shows the main character trapped with just a lighter. This image sets the mood of a thriller/horror and relates to claustrophobia. The film is rated four star.

Conclusion of Review

• The review itself uses a number of parts which describe the film but as any review does offer opinion on what could have been improved but also what was liked about the film with parts such as “As a debutant, his work could have made use of more technology, using some special effects when the character was possessed.

• The picture which they have chosen to used is because of the girl that is possessed laying in the hay makes it stand out because they have used it across all three products and is a piece of branding for the film itself as it is a clearly used in the film, the poster and review.

• The review also has a verdict which precise the review pick out the best parts and gives the film a verdict for the audience to understand “The Last Exorcism” has a bold storyline which can easily be read, but some improvement from this debutant director.

Conventions of Films Reviews

Convention Yes/No Reason why

The feature films all have highlighted of the part of the review.

Yes I thought this was a good idea for the showing parts of the review which should be taken into account.

The reviews also involve some sort of tagline which sell the film.

No I have chosen the tagline doesn’t dhow the film in a good light so I haven’t included

They all have verdict with either a star rating or 10/10 and an explanation of the review and a summary of the film and there opinion.

Yes This a big part of the review because often this is one thing which is looked for because of the film being named would not really relevant to the review always

They all have some sort of screenshot of the film giving an insight of the film

Yes The picture is the key for the audience to see the characters

The use of a question can be good to engage the reader to the review itself

No This can used but I have chosen not to because they don’t always help the review when they are seen

The use of information about the film and the style which has been used in the film.

Yes The information is used throughout the review and is clear with some parts describing the film but also the part at the top is clear information on the film.

The short film review could also involve the number of views on the website it was originally uploaded to

No There are not normally used in film reviews

• Mostly mid shot, close ups used at the beginning, showing the reaction and gradually building up tension through the facial expression of the actors.

• There is different variety of pans to pan up to also help build tension when the main character is about to click the button.

• It then slowly zoom in to his face , to see his reaction.

• Diegetic sound along with dialogue.

• Non diegetic – music playing • The music is used well, its got a

beat, keeping the story flowing, slowly spreading it up in pace, which again building up tension.

Target audience – teens because of the message being send such as peer pressure, temptation and decision making

No specific regional accents, seem to speak standard English

The film started off with a biblical references, in a religious font. Its in black and white, which hints to us what may happen.

• Fast cuts- pace is increased and tension is build as the film goes on.

• Shot reverse shot is used in the conversation when exchanging dialogue for example an interrogation.

• Straight cuts, which seem realistic and straight forward.

• There’s also fades to flashbacks.

• Set in a plain white room, one desk, two chairs and a button on a stand. Makes you pay more attention to the characters.