Cultural Critique Rhetorical Situation: The editors of the UB Chronicle, our (f

Cultural Critique
Rhetorical Situation: The editors of the UB Chronicle, our (fake) campus newspaper, have asked you to write a review for their new “Arts and Entertainment” section of the paper. Because your reputation as a reliable writer precedes you, the editors say that you may choose to review either of the following: I’s Man (a documentary) or Gun Boys Rhapsody (a play).
Audience: The primary audience is made up of college students; however, secondary audiences may include instructors, administrators, and staff.
Purpose and Stance: As a reviewer, your goal is to either recommend or not recommend one of the productions and provide good reasons to explain how you came to your conclusion.
However, your recommendation cannot be based solely on your taste (“I like comedies, so go see Bridesmaids” would be an ineffective review). Instead, as a reasoned and thoughtful reviewer, you develop criteria — the standards by which you will evaluate your subject. For example, if you are evaluating an action movie, your criteria might include the quality of the special effects or the believability of the villain. You wouldn’t use the same criteria to evaluate a romantic comedy. What do you look for in a thriller, a love story, or sci-fi flick? The answers to these questions can lead you to your criteria.
A good review is balanced. Too much praise or blame can lead your reader to think you didn’t think too hard about your subject. Say you’re reviewing a restaurant. You may claim that the jerk chicken is fabulous (because….), but the conch fritters are doughy and undercooked.
Key Features of Evaluations
1. A concise descriiption of the subject
2. Clearly defined criteria for evaluation
3. Knowledgeable discussion of the subject
4. Balanced and fair assessment
5. Well-supported reasons.
The thesis statement should include both pros and cons (which are the criteria for evaluation and also the claims in your thesis) and your tentative judgment.
I am recommending I’s man documentary to the UB Chronicles news paper.