‘Keep Writing!’

It all started when Katy Dekens, an English teacher at Surrey Christian Secondary School (SCS) in Surrey, B.C., wrote me an email in mid-October:

“My students are beginning a review-writing project, and we are just starting to work through some mentor texts to understand the elements of a strong review. Reviews are a great way for us to think through the themes and messages that texts like movies and books present to us.”

She invited me to speak to her class via Zoom about why review writing is important. It was a joy to speak to her students, who had good questions about the process of reviewing media. I hoped they would grasp the importance of highlighting benefits to the reader/listener/watcher in each review—and did they ever! What follows is a sampling of the thoughtful pitches and mini-reviews submitted by the SCS students and my short responses:

Music

Two Star &The Dream Police, by Mk.gee
Reviewed by Trinity Kirchtag

Mk.gee’s recent album, Two Star &The Dream Police, explores relatable topics relevant to any age. While not explicitly Christian, his lyrics unpack ideas of alienation, a lack of control, and the desire to belong to someone. These are all common human experiences, ones present even in biblical stories. The main theme of the Bible is to love one another.

L.C.: I like the way you pointed out that the album is not explicitly Christian but has value for Christians in its artful themes. Keep writing!

Video Game

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Reviewed by Jaxon Boender

Elden Ring represents what an open-world game should be, with a million things to do. The game is suitable for older people because of its medieval/fantasy theme with a complex and intricate storyline. It boasts a huge challenge to fresh players and experienced players alike. It develops people with three main lessons: patience, resilience, and ingenuity.

L.C.: I like how you stated who the game was for and how it could benefit them. Keep writing!

P.S. Check out our review of another video game, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Television

Beef
Reviewed by Muskaan Dhillon

Released in early 2023, the series Beef is all about intricate emotions of anger, raging conflict, and uncomfortable conversations with a hint of humor. What makes this series so relatable and thought-provoking is its engaging premise, emotional depth, and complex characters who grapple with their flaws and insecurities. Beef also successfully tackles subjects of depression and isolation. Beef is an exploration of the human psyche, the consequences of our actions, and the complexities of our emotions.

L.C.: We did have one of our reviewers review Beef when it came out, but we didn’t run it, as we decided that some of the content might be problematic for some of our more sensitive readers. However, I love how you describe the series and the benefits to the viewer. Keep writing!

Anime Series

Bartender: Glass of God
Reviewed by Enoch Chen

Bartender: Glass of God is a fastidiously crafted anime series that revolves around the serene life of a Japanese bartender, Sasakura. His story resonates with many people’s daily career lives, bringing an intimate connection to the audience. Warmth radiates from this anime. Simply listening to Sasakura’s soft and gentle voice can make everyone feel comforted. Invite Sasakura to serve you a drink!

L.C.: I like the way you pointed out that listening to the bartender's voice is comforting. Your pitch sparked an interesting conversation at the dinner table with my Korean daughter and my two international “sons” from China and Korea. They love Crunchyroll (an anime streaming platform). Keep writing!

Hockey

The Vancouver Canucks’ 2024 playoff run
Reviewed by Abigail George

The Banner should review this because it not only addresses the Canucks’ playoff run but also reflects what it’s like to be a Canucks fan. It is not about the wins or losses, it is about the emotions and feelings that unite the community. Describe the atmosphere in Vancouver, the fun among fans, and the excitement of late-night celebrations and cheering. The team showed incredible perseverance by overcoming obstacles. Reviewing this would inspire others to start watching and help them discover the joy of being part of the Canucks’ journey.

L.C.: You are a girl after my own heart with your love for the Canucks, except I love the Winnipeg Jets! Thanks, and keep writing!

Movie

Deadpool and Wolverine
Reviewed by Kamsi Okoli and Ayden Wong

Okoli: I think The Banner should publish my review of the Deadpool and Wolverine movie because the movie can help you figure out that you sometimes go through hardships. It helps to show you how to persevere through rough times and how it will reward you if you stay focused.

L.C.: You did a good job of pointing out the benefits of the movie for our readers. Ultimately, our more sensitive readers would balk at the language and other R-rated content, but I encourage you to keep writing and thinking critically about movies.

Wong: Deadpool and Wolverine combines Deadpool’s humor with Wolverine’s seriousness. It demonstrates how to collaborate despite differences. The R rating makes the movie more realistic in connecting with people, using dark humor and intense action to engage with mature audiences. A review of this film would provide readers with valuable insights: how even the most unlikely partnerships can teach us to cooperate, no matter our differences.

L.C.: While Deadpool and Wolverine would probably be a bit much for our more sensitive readers, I love how you brought out the movie’s highlights. I especially liked your last line. Keep writing!

Movie

Inside Out 2
Reviewed by John Shin and Olivia Kim

Shin: Inside Out 2 tells the story of Riley at age 13, entering high school with new emotions: Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy. Anxiety being a driving force in life resonated with me in this movie. Inside Out 2 does an amazing job of balancing humor, visuals, and emotional depth relevant to audiences of any age.

L.C.: This movie would be a good fit for us, and we will review it soon. Your mini-review sold me, and I am excited to watch it myself. Keep writing!

Kim: Inside Out 2 should be reviewed in The Banner. Through Riley’s development, audiences can put themselves in her shoes, making it relatable to their lives as well. It delves deep into poignant subjects: mental health, the struggle of growing up, relationships, and emotional development. It merges entertainment with storytelling that resonates on a meaningful level.

L.C.: I am planning a review of the movie in conjunction with a book review of Healing What's Within, by Christian therapist Chuck DeGroat. He encourages readers to watch both Inside Out movies. I like the way you bring out the benefits to the viewer. Keep writing!