1. A2 media Textual Analysis: Film review (EMPIRE) Jordan Cruickshank Fran Matthews

2. Winter’s Bone The image chosen is of the main character who is with a horse. This shows who the film is based around . This image presents the main character as a attractive young woman, who looks lost and missing something. Empire have chose this picture as the plot mention s she has lost her father and trying to track him down, this explains the characters facial expression of emptiness. The sub- heading says ‘and the 2011 best actress Oscar goes to ...’, this implies that the main character’s performance is brilliant and worth accolades. This piece is addressed in a more descriptive and linguistic style. This is because the film is tipped to win Oscars , which means this film is an excellent standard with serious themes. The sophisticated tone is in parallel with the reputation that the Oscars possess. Finally this film has received a five star rating which relates to the high regard of the comments in the review which is highlighted with a quote embossed in a green box which says the actresses performance is a ‘standout’ which explains the five star rating.

3. Buried/The Last Exorcism ‘The last exorcism’ is compared to the other ‘exorcism’ films, however this is a documentary described as ‘creepy’. Through comparison of the other films it can easily imply it’s standard amongst the others as a ‘smart, scary little picture’ which results in a four star rating. This review is written in this style I believe to help fans of the ‘exorcism’ films recognise if its better than what they have seen before. The image is very disturbing, showing a girl covered in blood who seems to be possessed in a barn because of the hay. The picture includes a man for looks vulnerable as he is in a isolated setting with a possessed girl who is dangerous which shows immediate tension without seeing the movie. ‘Buried’ is written to warn the audience, such as the sub-heading ‘claustrophobics need not apply’ which informs this a film for the brave. This review is addressed in reference through watching it at a cinema such a ‘hyperventilating into their popcorn’. The image shows the main character (Ryan Reynolds) trapped with just a lighter. This image sets the mood of a thriller and relates to claustrophobia. The film is rated four stars due to its thrill factor that would even make ‘Tarantino cackle’ who is known for chilling films such as ‘hostel’.

4. The girl who played with fire The sub-heading ‘Dragon Tattoo 2: paranoid boogaloo’ has a negative outlook suggesting the director was to uptight in making the film after the first which was a hit. The image shows the main character ‘Lisbeth’ , she seems quite intimidating and fierce due to the dark masculine clothing and the face paint which seems quite haunting. The streak of blood down her face shows violence, strength and anger. Empire have chose this image as it is suggests a strong protagonist but also the narrative including action. As the first film was a success the writer decides to compare this film to that. The writer suggests the success of the first film way that it was unknown and fresh. Although it keeps referring to the normal situation of a sequel not being as good as the first which doesn’t make the film seem too bad. This film received a three star rating which means it good but not brilliant. Even though there is criticism of the sequel in the review there is positivity such as the heroine ‘Lisbeth’ does not look guaranteed to win a fight every time in comparison with predictable ‘Hollywood’ actresses who always win. This use of stereotype will give the audience a better idea of the writers intentions

5. Piranha 3D The sub-heading says ‘Kelly Brook is big breakfast’. This sets the tone of the review which is sarcastic and crude. The word ‘big’ is making suggestions to her breasts as she is a glamour model famous in England. The image used is of a bunch of teenagers panicking for their life while pools of blood are surrounding them in the sea. I think this image is chosen because it is a stereotypical element in horrors to have American teenagers, that ironically never leave the place of the killer but stay there and scream. It relates to the review as it is predictable and slightly funny as it has been seen so many times. Even though the film is rated as an 18 the writer does not treat the film seriously but only as a sort of comedy, ‘oddball actors’. The themes of the film are of murder but the writer mocks the film consistently, for example she hopes James Cameron does the next film ‘piranha 2: flying killers’. This use of sarcasm belittles the film into a poor image. It is surprising how this film got a three star rating after the tone of the review, although after being called ‘trash’ it seems being so bad it’s humorous and hard to resist. The words ‘gore’ and ‘tits’ sum up the movie and this is what provides good entertainment in a ironic way.

6. Cyrus/The Hole In 3D ‘Cyrus’ is addressed in a style that compares its elements to other films, such as the production and writer’s. It compliments how it is different to most comedies as it is has more ‘realism’. The image is of John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill ( Cyrus). This film is about Reilly’s character meeting Cyrus’s mum. Cyrus tries to stop this, explaining the choice of the photo which shows the distance in their relationship. The film is given a four star rating which for a comedy is high. This rating is due to its originality and the talent of the directors, the Duplas brothers. ‘the hole in 3D’ is addressed throughout the review in reference to the resurgence of the 80’s style films. This film is compared to other 80’s related films such as ‘the A-team’ not because of genre but because its era. The image is of a hole looking up to what I presume are the characters looking down with interest because the hole is a part of the narrative and seems mysterious. This film receives a four star rating which shows its worth watching, the writer rates this film as it brings ‘the inner eight year old’ back. This implies an older audience for the film, which will bring back childhood memories.

7. The Other Guys The sub-heading is ‘crackpot fuzz’ which refers to the police being mad. It implies the film is comedic and the review will follow in its style of address. The sub-heading suggests the genre of the film which is comedy as it is sarcastic and exaggerates. The image used in this review is of the two main character, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlburg. The two characters are presented as a double act and look like detectives due to the trench coats and the food. This review is written in a comedic style to reflect the genre and also highlight the mood of the film. The review always refers back to Will Ferrell who is the star of the film, which will appeal to the audience who like this actor. The three star rating for this film suggests it isn't exception but definitely good fun and worth watching. Also Will Ferrell is an icon of comedy and gives reason to watch this. The film is also mentioned to be a ‘tonic’ which implies the film is refreshing and different.