Creative Writing Activities:
Win a Witty Whitaker Award
The teacher is a judge for the Whitaker Award, given annually for the best movie review. As contestants for the award, each student must first view “West Side Story” and “Man of La Mancha” and then review them according to these criteria:
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1. Describe the effect these films have on you. Make this a personal uncompromising statement.
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2. Explain this reaction by referring to various elements of the films: story, setting, cast, sound effects, characters, ideas, photography, directing dialogue, and costumes.
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3. Then review one of the most recent teenage movies:
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“Friday the Thirteenth, Part 5,” ”Police Academy 2,”
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“Their First Assignment,” ”Moving Violations,”
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“Rappin,” and “Last Dragon.”
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4. Select a winner and justify your choice in writing.
Moving Write Along!
Since your students were such a success at the Whitaker Awards, they now can compete for the New-Loss Medal, which will be awarded for the most original book report. Have them read the novelization of
West Side Story
or the retelling of
Don Quixote of the Mancha
and write a book report on either one.
