How to Write Reviews and Recaps - What's the Difference?

A new year of Hollywood movies and reality TV shows is beginning. Internet readers may look to sites like AssociatedContent.com for "Reviews" and "Recaps". A good writer must know the difference between writing a "Review" and a "Recap".

In fact, within a recent request for a review of NBC's "The Bachelor" premier, Associated Content had this requirement posted: "This call is for critiques and reviews of the show, not merely recaps of what happened. Recaps will be declined."

Whether writing about a TV show, movie or stage play or even a book, knowing how to write a "Review" versus a "Recap" is essential. So here are the basic differences:

A "Review" is a type of critique and usually includes the writer's personal opinion - but it is not a blow-by-blow description of what happened. Except for briefly explaining the situation in which the characters are placed at the beginning of the piece, the writer should refrain from telling any more of the story.

People who are looking for reviews want to know if they should spend their money to see the movie or play or buy the book. They don't want to hear the whole plot, the climax or the "denouement" (ending or resolution). For a television, movie or play "Review", DO write things like:

Who plays the parts? Why may they have been picked for this role? How is the acting? Was the stage set or the cinematography outstanding? What audience will this appeal to - horror, romance or action fans? Is it appropriate for kids? If it's a reality show, what are the people like? Is it stupid or something new?

For a book, people may want to know:

How is the writing? Is it as spellbinding as the author's last bestseller? Are the places, people, smells and sights described enough to invoke the imagination?

DON'T get into telling things in the order they happened. Stay away from writing: "Then Mary turned to John and said..." or "So in the first scene they're in love, but the ending is sad - they break up".

Quotes from the movie can be given for a purpose, such as how that particular line identifies with real life, as long as the quote doesn't give anything away.

A "Recap" is for people who are looking for those full-out descriptions of something they missed, or something they know they won't get to see or read. This can be done with or without interjecting the writer's opinion. Here's where you can do your blow-by-blow take. For example, if they missed the last episode of American Idol where the winner is announced, a "Recap" could contain this info:

In what order did everything happen? Who were the guest stars? What did everyone sing? Who won? What did the runner-up's face express?

The writer can now get into describing what actually went on within the movie, play, show or book. The recap can include critique items as well, such as stating:

"Overall, this was the best American Idol season finale..." or "This sequel did not measure up to the original movie or book". Or a humorous viewpoint can be added for flavor.

Both a Review and a Recap can include certain things like how people looked in what they wore.

For recent examples of a "Review", see (all examples are here at AssociatedContent.com):

Ben Kenber: Gran Torino - A Movie Review or any movie review by Kenber. He's good at it, although lengthy.

Bat Canary's book review: Review of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat or Canary's other book reviews.

For recent examples of reality show "Recaps", see:

Charlotte Kuchinsky: Dancing with the Stars Reaches the Halfway Mark

Susan Braun: Jon & Kate Plus 8: Wedding in Hawaii

BONUS:

For an example of a "PREview" (an article about a not-yet-released book, movie or etc) see Joshua Givens: Revolutionary Road - Movie Preview.

This writer is not receiving any kind of remuneration from the above-mentioned writers for mentioning their work. My apologies for not being able to link to all the excellent examples there were to choose from here at AC.