A movie review is a balanced synthesis of personal opinion and critical analysis of the film’s technical and thematic content. A movie review should not exceed 600-1200 words. However, it may take several days. It would help if you did not wait to begin working on your movie review. Of course, you can ask for help from professionals from essay writing services like StudyCrumb, but here you can learn how to do it yourself.
A film review can be classified as a creative review. It means that you can review any film as art, so it is essential to use both innovative and analytical approaches when writing. Combining these two elements will enable you to write a persuasive and comprehensive paper.
The main points of the review
Four words can sum up the core functions of professional movie reviews: to inform, analyze, convince, and entertain. Let’s look closer at each one.
The top priority task for you is to inform your viewers about the film’s content and its quality. Without the basic knowledge, it’s impossible to decide if you would like to watch the movie. A review that focuses only on technical elements and does not include any information about the film’s cast or genre will be insufficiently informative. It may discourage your reader (or her, more likely) from watching the movie she likes.
To convince others that the movie is excellent and worth their time, you must be convincing. However, your ability to persuade is essential if you want your readers to avoid wasting their time with bad movies. Your readers’ leisure time is yours!
A novice audience may sometimes need guidance on how to view a film. They will be able to see the critical elements of the movie and not only the best scenes. Certain movies have complicated plots and unexpected twists.
Last but not least, your movie review must be entertaining and catchy. A boring list of benefits and drawbacks is not what anyone wants. Instead, include interesting facts about the actors and the shooting process.
Preparation for writing
Film reviews are usually short, but they do require some preparation before you start writing. Before you watch a film, it is a good idea to see the entire work of the director, writer, and individual actors. You might watch movies by the same writer or director to get an idea of their styles. It will allow you to place the film in context and decide if it is a continuation or disruption of the overall trends set by the writer or director.
Film reviews often require multiple viewings. You should watch the film at least twice. Allow yourself to be engrossed in the film’s story and let go of any worries about what you might make. Try to focus on the exciting aspects in your review instead of the plot during the second viewing.
These elements could be divided into two broad categories.
- formal techniques, such as editing, mise-en-scene and lighting, cinematography, editing and non-diegetic audio, genre, and narratology.
- thematic content that addresses issues related to history, race, gender, and sexuality. Take notes after watching the film for the second time. Next, create a central idea that combines the film’s thematic and formal elements. If you don’t have a solid main claim or need to make more notes after your second viewing, you might need to watch the film again.
Steps to write a review
There is no one right way to review a movie, but there are some common elements that film reviews tend to include.
- Introduction – Provide basic information about your film in the opening section of your review: film’s name, year of release, director, screenwriter, prominent actors, and other pertinent information may be included. The introduction (which may not exceed one paragraph) should evaluate the film and refer to the central concept of the review. The film review doesn’t have to be centered on a thesis, main claim, or major analysis.
- Plot Summary – Many movie reviewers haven’t seen the film. It is essential to keep the plot summary brief and not give away too much information to ruin the viewing experience.
- Description- The plot summary gives the reader an overview of the film, but it is also a chance to provide more detail about your cinematic experience while watching the movie. It might include your impression of how the film feels, looks, and sounds. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this film?
- Analysis – To explain your impression of the movie, consider how the film uses formal techniques and thematic material. How does the film’s standard plan (such as cinematography and editing, mise-en-scene, lighting, non-diegetic sound, genre, or narrative) affect how it looks, feels, and sounds? What does the thematic content (such as history, gender, sexuality, or class) affect your perception and interpretation of the film? What formal techniques are used to convey the thematic content?
- Conclusion/Evaluation – The ending of your film review should remind the reader of your general thoughts and impressions of the film. Either implicitly or explicitly, you can also state whether or not the film is worth your time. Be sure to tell the reader why the film is worth watching.
Lisa has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Arts. She is an experienced blogger who enjoys researching interesting facts, ideas, products, and other compelling concepts. In addition to writing, she likes photography and Photoshop.