Critique and Review

Key Difference – Critique vs Review
To most people a critique and review hold no difference as they are both types of evaluations or assessments of a piece
of work. This, however, is a misleading idea because a critique and review are two different things that share certain
components. A critique refers to a critical assessment. On the other hand, a review also refers to a form of assessment.
The key difference between the two is that a review can be compiled by anyone and consists of a subjective
opinion of a work, unlike a critique which is written by an expert in the field with a technical comprehension.
What is a Critique?
A critique can simply be understood as a critical assessment. Unlike most reviews, critiques are written by experts in a
particular field. Hence, critiques tend to be technical and objective. They do not provide an overall assessment but
focuses on specific parts of a piece of work. It emphasizes both the positives as well as the negatives.
For instance, if it is a critique of a book, the individual critic would focus on the various literary techniques used by the
writer, the development of characters, the setting, the plot, etc. So the critique tends to be much more in depth and
professional than a mere book review. Critiques can be very helpful to the writer as it not only appreciates the efforts of
the writer but also highlights what he needs to improve.
What is a Review?
A review refers to a formal evaluation of a particular work. In magazines and newspapers, you may have seen various
reviews such as book reviews, film reviews, restaurant reviews, music, etc. These are written by lay persons in the form of
an assessment of something. For an example, let us take a book review. In a book review, the individual first reads the
book, understands and assesses it, then he compiles a review. In this review, the writer presents a holistic view of the
book. He does not analyze each and every segment separately but presents an overall assessment. This can be either
positive or negative.
Nowadays, we can find reviews even for various home appliances, technical gadgets, phones, etc. These are known as
user reviews. Other than this, there is another category known as peer reviews in academia. This is another type of
reviews used by scholars to assess the works of their colleagues.
What is the difference between Critique and Review?
Definitions of Critique and Review:
Critique: A critique is a critical assessment.

Review: A review is a formal evaluation.
Characteristics of Critique and Review:
Nature:
Critique: A critique tends to be objective.

Review: A review is more often than not subjective.
Technical Basis:
Critique: A critique usually has a sound technical basis.
Review: A review lacks a technical basis.
Writer:
Critique: A critique is written by someone who has a lot of experience and expertise of a particular genre.
Review: A review can be written by anyone. Expertise in a field is not required to write a review.
Movie Review Format
A format note: a movie review for this journal should run one to three pages (font Arial, size 12, single space; or roughly
500 to 1500 words) at most.
1) Heading: Include information about the movie, such as:
Name of the movie being reviewed Director Country in which the movie was produced Year it was produced Runtime (if
known)
Sample:
Schindler’s List Directed by Steven Spielberg USA, 1993, 195 minutes
2) Reviewer information: Name and title (if any) of reviewer
Sample:
Reviewed by Ann Taylor Professor, Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA (USA)
Reviewed by Tina Carpenter Parent, Vancouver, BC (CANADA)
3) Background information about the movie, its director and main actors: Include information
that might be helpful for readers to know, such as:
What topic, theme or problem(s) does the movie address? What type of movie is it (e.g., documentary, biography,
comedy, drama, action, romance, musical, etc.)? Was it based on a book? Who wrote it, directed it, and acted in it? What
else have they done or been in? Are any of the actors socially devalued people? Who is the intended audience of this
movie (e.g., children, teenagers, adults; human service professionals, the general public)? As relevant, what was the
context (e.g., historic, political, societal) in which the movie was produced and shown? Has it won any awards? Is it similar
to another movie?
4) Description of the movie: Summarize the story told in the movie; or if it is a documentary, the main information
it tries to convey. Things you might include here are: time and place of the story; main characters; basic plot of the movie;
special features being used (e.g., music, photography, interviews, etc.); the mood which the movie tries to convey; major
points it tries to make; is it appropriate for children; is there violence, foul language, and/or sex? If you want people to
watch the movie, make sure that you do not give away the ending, or any other information that takes the tension or fun
out of it. This part of the movie review should not be evaluative, but as descriptive as possible, and attempt to give
readers a clear overview of what the movie is about.
5) Evaluation of the movie: This is the section in which you should share your relevant personal opinion(s) about
the movie, but make sure they are distinguishable from your description (point 4). Describe your criteria or perspective for
judging the movie, then state your evaluation of it. The following issues might be discussed here:
In what ways is the movie relevant to Social Role Valorization? What are the movie’s major strengths and weaknesses?
Does the film reinforce or counter any negative stereotypes about devalued people? What was the particular idea behind
the movie, a key moment of the movie, an impressive character in the movie, or any other feature of the movie that
fascinated you? Do you agree or disagree with the message the movie conveys? Did the screenplay author, the director,
and the actors do a good job? How could the movie be improved? Who would benefit from watching this movie? What is
the major lesson to learn from this movie? How does it compare to, or distinguish itself from, similar movies? How did the
movie affect you? Would you recommend seeing this film?
6) Conclusion: Tie together any issues raised in the review, and end with a concise comment on the movie.

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What is the difference between a critique and a review?

What are the main components of a movie review?

Key Difference – Critique vs Review

What is the difference between Critique and Review?

Definitions of Critique and Review:

Critique: A critique is a critical assessment.

Characteristics of Critique and Review:

Critique: A critique tends to be objective.

1) Heading: Include information about the movie, such as:

Schindler’s List Directed by Steven Spielberg USA, 1993, 195 minutes

2) Reviewer information: Name and title (if any) of reviewer

Reviewed by Ann Taylor Professor, Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA (USA)

Reviewed by Tina Carpenter Parent, Vancouver, BC (CANADA)

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