How to Write: Reviews
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The Prison Journalism Project
The Prison Journalism Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation from the USA that aims to empower incarcerated journalists to be a vital voice in criminal justice reform.
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Culture
How to Write: Reviews
Have you seen a good (or bad) movie lately? Read an interesting book? We need reviews for our Culture section – and we want you to write them! Here are some tips for writing a review, courtesy of the Prison Journalism Project.
What is a review?
Newspapers often feature reviews or brief summaries of popular media, such as books, films, television shows, musical albums and more.
Why should you write a review?
Reviews keep readers up-to-date on pop culture and help them decide what to read, watch and listen to. As a writer with first-hand experience in the criminal legal system, you are uniquely positioned to offer insightful comment on how books, films, TV shows, songs and other art portray life in prison and other aspects of the criminal legal system. You can tell readers what they got right, what they got wrong, what resonated with you and what didn’t.
Elements of a review:
Your review does not need to include all these elements, but try to aim for at least five!
Summary:
The review includes a brief paragraph introducing the book, film, collection of poetry or musical album. It can include the title, author, topic and summary of what it’s about.
Major plot points:
The review focuses on a few scenes, poems, or songs that you find to be particularly important. The review includes quotes and specific details but doesn’t contain spoilers.
Quality of the text:
Take a small excerpt from the book, the plot or a particular movie scene. Explain why the excerpt is significant, what it got right, what it didn’t or how it could be better.
Quote:
The review includes up to three important lines from the work that can help illustrate your points and will give the reader a flavor of the work.
Reflection:
The writer explains why they would or would not recommend it to someone else.
Attribution:
All facts and quotes are attributed to their source, i.e. to the author or another reviewer.
Fact-checking:
The review does not include any unsubstantiated claims. All statements are supported using evidence.
Writing, editing and style:
The review is written and edited so it’s clear to understand.
Date Published
January 31, 2025
By Geoff
By Geoff
All you need is eggs, cream, condensed milk and 24 hours.
ISSUE NO. 21
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2 MIN READ
By About Time
By About Time
This month, we’re reading Archer’s Voice, featuring our very own interview with the author, Mia Sheridan. Archer’s Voice is a New York Times bestselling romance novel. The novel centres on Archer Hale, a reclusive and mute young man with a troubled past, and Bree Prescott, a woman trying to escape her own traumatic history.
ISSUE NO. 5
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7 MIN READ
By Abha Haval
By Abha Haval
There is a new US documentary out on Netflix in the community. It’s called ‘Daughters’ and takes viewers inside a Washington DC prison where a special program to give daughters a prom experience with their incarcerated fathers takes them on a rollercoaster of emotions.
ISSUE NO. 4
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4 MIN READ
By Goal Mouth
By Goal Mouth
An overview of recent sporting events, including athletics, F1 and soccer.
ISSUE NO. 22
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2 MIN READ
By Mark Mi Words
Gregory David Roberts broke the mould when he released his masterpiece in 2003. Weighing in at 933 pages, Shantaram is the super-heavyweight champion of the literary world.
ISSUE NO. 28
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4 MIN READ
By Ronin Cruise
The book is about learning how to use your time, not do your time.
ISSUE NO. 28
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2 MIN READ
By Edith McLellan
Facing the Numbers is a new film that explores the injustices First Nations people face in Australia’s legal system.
ISSUE NO. 27
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3 MIN READ
By Mont Blanc
Call me a grumpy old Baby Boomer, but I can’t understand young people. Or more specifically, young Queensland males. Literally.
ISSUE NO. 26
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2 MIN READ