Movie Review

Movie Review

Objectives

• give their opinion on a short film
• use evidence from the film to back up their ideas
• structure a review according to the given criteria

Piper

Piper

Disney Pixar Films

Need a lesson in what it feels like to overcome fear?  The Disney Pixar’s short film Piper is for you.

In this short film, Piper, a baby bird discovers a unique way to find his own food thanks to a ‘friend’ he makes.  The story begins with Piper waiting for his mother to bring his food as usual.  She patiently coaxes him out of the nest to teach him how life works as a sandpiper.  Piper learns to catch his own food but not in the way his mother thought he should, surprising her and the rest of the flock.

This short film is an animated movie that uses personification that we, as humans recognize.  The animators have successfully shown human emotions such as Piper’s mothers care when she looks back to check he is following her.  Piper’s body language and actions reflect child-like moves: sticking his head between his legs to look behind him and stopping to check out bubbles he is curious about are just two of the ways that show human traits.

Another element that makes this film so great is the soundscape.  Using just bird tweets, beach sound effects and a little music the story is told in a gently but sometimes suspense filled way.  The film has humoristic details that have us smiling if not laughing.  When you see Piper back in his nest after his first attempt at ‘fishing’ you will certainly smile.

This short film was released with Disney’s Finding Dory in June2016.  It was written and directed by Alan Barillaro who was inspired to write the film while running along a Californian beach.  The film runs for about 6 minutes and is the result of 6 years of work.

This film is simply wonderful.  It melts the hearts of all who see it as we connect with Piper as he overcomes his fear of the water.  It has a wide audience possibility from children who will find it cute and funny to adults who will locate a deeper meaning from it.

Success Criteria: Short Film Review
Me	Criteria	Teacher
	Introduction: My review hooks the reader with a strong first sentence about the film
	I described the story without giving away the ending
	I analyzed the film and gave its strengths and weaknesses e.g. plot, technical elements, special effects, and realism.
	I gave information about the film’s production details.
	I stated whom the film would appeal to.
	I gave my opinion as a reviewer.
	I used appropriate vocabulary throughout my review.
Other points: