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

Entertainment "Reviews" Vs "Recaps": Movies, TV, Plays, & Books

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.