Review an 80's movie
Watch a family friendly 1980s movie, take notes on plot, characters, and style, then write and present a short review aloud.
About this activity
Watch a family friendly 1980s movie, take notes on plot, characters, and style, then write and present a short review aloud.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Pick a family-friendly 1980s movie you want to review.
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Step 2
Ask an adult to help find and play the movie.
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Step 3
Make a cozy viewing spot with a blanket and a pillow.
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Step 4
Open your notebook and write these headings: Plot; Characters; Style; Favorite Moment; Short Review.
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Step 5
Start the movie.
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Step 6
Press pause whenever something important or interesting happens.
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Step 7
After pausing, write a one-sentence note about that moment under the correct heading.
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Step 8
When the movie ends, write a one- to two-sentence summary of the plot under Plot.
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Step 9
Write three short sentences naming the main characters and what makes each special under Characters.
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Step 10
Write two short sentences describing the movie's style and any 1980s details under Style.
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Step 11
Use your notes to write a one-minute spoken review in your notebook.
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Step 12
Practice saying your one-minute review out loud two times.
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Step 13
Present your review aloud to a family member or friend.
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Step 14
Share your finished review on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I guide my child to review a family-friendly 1980s movie?
Pick a family-friendly 1980s movie and set a relaxed viewing time. As you watch, encourage the child to jot brief notes on the plot, main characters, tone, and visual style. After the movie, guide them to draft a short review of three to five sentences with a clear opinion and examples. Practice reading it aloud, focus on voice and pace, then present the review to family or classmates and invite questions.
What materials do I need to review a family-friendly 1980s movie with my child?
You'll need a family-friendly 1980s movie (streaming, DVD, or digital), a comfortable viewing area, and a notebook or printable note sheet plus pens or pencils. A simple checklist with prompts (plot, characters, setting, favorite scene, style) helps focus notes. Optionally use a tablet or laptop for typing, a timer for breaks, and props for the final presentation (poster, star stickers). Ensure subtitles available if helpful for reading comprehension.
What ages is this 1980s movie review activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages roughly six to fourteen. Younger children (6–8) benefit from short, guided viewings with adult support writing simple three-sentence reviews and picture prompts. Middle ages (9–11) can take notes independently and write four to six sentence reviews with concrete examples. Tweens and teens (12–14) can analyze themes, style, and historical context and prepare longer oral presentations. Always choose a truly family-friendly film and adapt pacing, prompts, and expectations t
What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for this movie review activity?
Benefits include stronger listening, critical thinking, and writing skills, plus confidence practicing public speaking. The activity helps children notice storytelling elements and historical style differences, improving media literacy. For safety, preview the film to ensure age-appropriateness and set screen-time limits. Variations: do paired reviews, create video reviews, compare two 1980s films, or let kids design retro posters. Offer constructive feedback and celebrate each presentation to b
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have some materials like a notebook, blanket, or an adult to play the movie?
If you don't have a notebook, use loose paper, index cards, or a notes app to write the headings Plot; Characters; Style; Favorite Moment; Short Review, swap a towel or sweatshirt for the blanket and a couch cushion for the pillow, and ask an older sibling or use a parental-approved streaming service instead of an adult to start the movie.
What should we do if we forget to press pause or miss an important moment while watching?
If you miss an important moment, rewind a few seconds with the remote or streaming controls and immediately write a one-sentence note under the correct heading, or set a phone timer to remind you to pause at regular intervals while following the step to press pause whenever something important happens.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, let them draw one-picture notes under each heading in the notebook and say one simple sentence for their spoken review, while older kids can add two-sentence observations under Style, note specific film techniques, and expand the one-minute review before practicing it twice.
How can we extend or personalize the movie review activity?
To enhance the project, dress in an 80s outfit in your cozy viewing spot, create a drawing or short reenactment of your Favorite Moment to include with your one-minute spoken review, add a star rating in Short Review, and upload those extras when you share on DIY.org.