Critical review on a movie or novel

The assignment is to write a 4-6 page double-spaced critical review of a film or novel. Use the novel or film as a historical source. What can the work tell us about the time in which it was created or produced? What can it tell us about the time period it covers? A formal critical review is not just a recitation of the entire contents of the film or novel. You should attempt to present the general argument in as clear and precise a manner as possible.
You need to discuss the core argument. After presenting an overview of the argument, you should evaluate the argument. Does the author/director succeed in fulfilling his/her goals? Does the film or novel hold together? Is the argument convincing? How does the novel work as an historical source? How does the film reflect the period of its creation and the material it covers? This evaluation can lead you into a discussion of the flaws of the film or novel and what you think about it. Often this is a good place to discuss where the film or novel fits into the wider literature of the subject or relates to the historical context of the period. You must use citations.