First, a review gives the reader a concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.
Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it (and why or why not).
Your review should summarize the major themes of the documentary as viewed through the lens of leadership. Really good reviews, however, also make an argument; indeed, think of your review as commentary on the documentary, not merely a summary. This is an opportunity to enter into dialogue and discussion with the documentary. Finally, it is particularly impressive if you can draw upon and make connections to course material in your review. You can use any conventional citation style.
As you write your review, consider the following:
What are the main themes of the documentary?
What “facts” did you find most interesting, provocative, or problematic? Why?
What “analytic assertions” did you find most interesting, provocative, or problematic? Why?
How does the documentary relate to leadership course content (and vice-versa)?
What remains unclear after you watch the documentary? That is, what else should the documentary have addressed that is related to its major themes?
What is your intellectual reaction to the work?
What is your emotional reaction to the work?
Would you recommend this documentary? Why? Why not?
