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.
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
Book Club Review: The Wife and the Widow by Christian White
Book Club Review: The Wife and the Widow by Christian White
Book Club Review: The Wife and the Widow by Christian White
By About Time
By About Time
Set on a quiet island in the dead of winter, The Wife and the Widow is a gripping mystery/thriller told from two perspectives.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 9
•
6 MIN READ
Movie Review of The Wasp
Movie Review of The Wasp
Movie Review of The Wasp
By Vincent
By Vincent
The Wasp is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps the viewer in suspense until the very last moment.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 9
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2 MIN READ
Straight Outta Risdon – Bars Behind Bars
Straight Outta Risdon – Bars Behind Bars
Straight Outta Risdon – Bars Behind Bars
By Sara
By Sara
It takes real courage to grab the mic and share your story, especially in front of fellow inmates and complete strangers. Bars Behind Bars is more than a music program at Risdon Prison; it’s a creative outlet that’s uncovering raw talent and powerful voices.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 18
•
3 MIN READ
Film Review of Wicked Little Letters
Film Review of Wicked Little Letters
Film Review of Wicked Little Letters
By Vincent
By Vincent
Set in the period following ‘The Great War’ (World War I), Wicked Little Letters is a comedic re-telling of true events that took place in Littlehampton, England.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 12
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2 MIN READ
Beyond the Bars: 25 Years of Prison Radio
By Areej Nur
As 3CR marks 50 years of radical radio, Beyond the Bars enters its 25th year of broadcasting live inside Victorian prisons.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 24
•
2 MIN READ
King 810: Music for Hard Times
By Stacey Stokes
King 810, a nu metal band from the USA, toured Australia in March. I went, and a lot of other criminals went too. There was even a few reintegration officers spotted in the crowd. Simply because, they strike a chord… with those who have lived hardship.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 23
•
2 MIN READ
Sauces to Transform Your Prison Meals
By Mark
Five recipes from inside.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 22
•
1 MIN READ
Sports Round Up!
By Goal Mouth
An overview of recent sporting events, including athletics, F1 and soccer.
Culture