Capsule Movie Reviews: Keeping It Short and Not So Sweet

Posted on July 27, 2006

Slate examines what makes the best writers at The New York Times. The conclusion? The best writers keep it short. The best example, says Slate, is the Times' capsule movie reviews, which never run more than 20 words.

Even if you never intend to watch any of the films, the capsules make for good morning reading. Consider this taut kiss-off of The Matrix Revolutions: "Ferocious machine assault on a battered Zion. Stop frowning, Neo; it's finally over." Appreciate, if you will, the efficient setup and slam of the 2 Fast 2 Furious capsule: "Ex-cop and ex-con help sexy customs agent indict money launderer. Two fine performances, both by cars."
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Howard Thompson invented the Times capsule style in the 1960s and continued to write them on contract after his 1988 retirement, according to his 2002 Times obituary. Among his greatest clips cited in the obit were assessments of The Guns of Navarone ("Allied commando mission. Strong on scenery but weighs 10 tons."); Matilda ("A boxing kangaroo. What the world needs now."); and The Wrath of God ("They said it, we didn't and it's pretty close.").

Think you can do better than the Times writers? Slate dares you to write a better capsule review than the Times review for the film, Truly, Madly, Deeply: "A kind of British Ghost. Gooey, faddy, weepy." Entries can be no more than 20 words and should be emailed to slate.pressbox@gmail.com.