write your favourite movie review in 200 words

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How to Write a Movie Review

Last Updated: November 10, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Marissa Levis . Marissa Levis is an English Teacher in the Morris County Vocational School District. She previously worked as an English director at a tutoring center that caters to students in elementary and middle school. She is an expert in creating a curriculum that helps students advance their skills in secondary-level English, focusing on MLA formatting, reading comprehension, writing skills, editing and proofreading, literary analysis, standardized test preparation, and journalism topics. Marissa received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,705,546 times.

Whether a movie is a rotten tomato or a brilliant work of art, if people are watching it, it's worth critiquing. A decent movie review should entertain, persuade and inform, providing an original opinion without giving away too much of the plot. A great movie review can be a work of art in its own right. Read on to learn how to analyze a movie like a professional film critic, come up with an interesting thesis, and write a review as entertaining as your source material.

Sample Movie Reviews

Writing an Intro for a Movie Review

• Comparison to Relevant Event or Movie: "Every day, our leaders, politicians, and pundits call for "revenge"– against terrorist groups, against international rivals, against other political parties. But few of them understand the cold, destructive, and ultimately hollow thrill of revenge as well as the characters of Blue Ruin. "
• Review in a nutshell: "Despite a compelling lead performance by Tom Hanks and a great soundtrack, Forrest Gump never gets out of the shadow of its weak plot and questionable premise."
• Context or Background Information: " Boyhood might be the first movie made where knowing how it was produced–slowly, over 12 years, with the same actors–is just as crucial as the movie itself."

• Using stars, a score out of 10 or 100, or the simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down is a quick way to give your thoughts. You then write about why you chose that rating.
• Great Movie: ABC is the rare movie that succeeds on almost every level, where each character, scene, costume, and joke firing on all cylinders to make a film worth repeated viewings."
• Bad Movie: "It doesn't matter how much you enjoy kung-fu and karate films: with 47 Ronin, you're better off saving your money, your popcorn, and time."
• Okay Movie: "I loved the wildly uneven Interstellar far more than I should have, but that doesn't mean it is perfect. Ultimately, the utter awe and spectacle of space swept me through the admittedly heavy-handed plotting and dialogue."

• Great: "Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer's chemistry would carry Fruitvale Station even if the script wasn't as good. The mid-movie prison scene in particular, where the camera never leaves their faces, shows how much they can convey with nothing but their eyelids, the flashing tension of neck muscles, and a barely cracking voice."
• Bad: " Jurassic World's biggest flaw, a complete lack of relatable female characters, is only further underscored by a laughably unrealistic shot of our heroine running away from a dinosaur – in heels."
• Okay: "At the end of the day, Snowpiercer can't decide what kind of movie it wants to be. The attention to detail in fight scenes, where every weapon, lightbulb, and slick patch of ground is accounted for, doesn't translate to an ending that seems powerful but ultimately says little of substance."

• Does the film reflect on a current event or contemporary issue? It could be the director's way of engaging in a bigger conversation. Look for ways to relate the content of the film to the "real" world.
• Does the film seem to have a message, or does it attempt to elicit a specific response or emotion from the audience? You could discuss whether or not it achieves its own goals.
• Does the film connect with you on a personal level? You could write a review stemming from your own feelings and weave in some personal stories to make it interesting for your readers.

Composing Your Review

• When you name characters in your plot summary, list the actors' names directly afterward in parenthesis.
• Find a place to mention the director's name and the full movie title.
• If you feel you must discuss information that might "spoil" things for readers, warn them first.

• Cinematography: " Her is a world drenched in color, using bright, soft reds and oranges alongside calming whites and grays that both build, and slowly strip away, the feelings of love between the protagonists. Every frame feels like a painting worth sitting in."
• Tone: "Despite the insane loneliness and high stakes of being stuck alone on Mars, The Martian's witty script keeps humor and excitement alive in every scene. Space may be dangerous and scary, but the joy of scientific discovery is intoxicating."
• Music and Sound: " No Country For Old Men's bold decision to skip music entirely pays off in spades. The eerie silence of the desert, punctuated by the brief spells of violent, up-close-and-personal sound effects of hunter and hunted, keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat."
• Acting: "While he's fantastic whenever he's on the move, using his cool stoicism to counteract the rampaging bus, Keanu Reeves can't quite match his costar in the quiet moments of Speed, which falter under his expressionless gaze."

• Keep your writing clear and easy to understand. Don't use too much technical filmmaking jargon, and make your language crisp and accessible.
• Present both the facts and your opinion. For example, you might state something such as, "The Baroque background music was a jarring contrast to the 20th century setting." This is a lot more informative then simply saying, "The music was a strange choice for the movie."

• Great: "In the end, even the characters of Blue Ruin know how pointless their feud is. But revenge, much like every taut minute of this thriller, is far too addictive to give up until the bitter end.""
• Bad: "Much like the oft-mentioned "box of chocolates", Forest Gump has a couple of good little morsels. But most of the scenes, too sweet by half, should have been in the trash long before this movie was put out."
• Okay: "Without the novel, even revolutionary concept, Boyhood may not be a great movie. It might not even be "good.” But the power the film finds in the beauty of passing time and little, inconsequential moments – moments that could only be captured over 12 years of shooting – make Linklater's latest an essential film for anyone interested in the art of film."

Polishing Your Piece

• Ask yourself whether your review stayed true to your thesis. Did your conclusion tie back in with the initial ideas you proposed?
• Decide whether your review contains enough details about the movie. You may need to go back and add more description here and there to give readers a better sense of what the movie's about.
• Decide whether your review is interesting enough as a stand-alone piece of writing. Did you contribute something original to this discussion? What will readers gain from reading your review that they couldn't from simply watching the movie?

Studying Your Source Material

• The title of the film, and the year it came out.
• The director's name.
• The names of the lead actors.

• Make a note every time something sticks out to you, whether it's good or bad. This could be costuming, makeup, set design, music, etc. Think about how this detail relates to the rest of the movie and what it means in the context of your review.
• Take note of patterns you begin to notice as the movie unfolds.
• Use the pause button frequently so you make sure not to miss anything, and rewind as necessary.

• Direction: Consider the director and how he or she choose to portray/explain the events in the story. If the movie was slow, or didn't include things you thought were necessary, you can attribute this to the director. If you've seen other movies directed by the same person, compare them and determine which you like the most.
• Cinematography: What techniques were used to film the movie? What setting and background elements helped to create a certain tone?
• Writing: Evaluate the script, including dialogue and characterization. Did you feel like the plot was inventive and unpredictable or boring and weak? Did the characters' words seem credible to you?
• Editing: Was the movie choppy or did it flow smoothly from scene to scene? Did they incorporate a montage to help build the story? And was this obstructive to the narrative or did it help it? Did they use long cuts to help accentuate an actor's acting ability or many reaction shots to show a group's reaction to an event or dialogue? If visual effects were used were the plates well-chosen and were the composited effects part of a seamless experience? (Whether the effects looked realistic or not is not the jurisdiction of an editor, however, they do choose the footage to be sent off to the compositors, so this could still affect the film.)
• Costume design: Did the clothing choices fit the style of the movie? Did they contribute to the overall tone, rather than digressing from it?
• Set design: Consider how the setting of the film influenced its other elements. Did it add or subtract from the experience for you? If the movie was filmed in a real place, was this location well-chosen?
• Score or soundtrack: Did it work with the scenes? Was it over/under-used? Was it suspenseful? Amusing? Irritating? A soundtrack can make or break a movie, especially if the songs have a particular message or meaning to them.

Expert Q&A

• If you don't like the movie, don't be abusive and mean. If possible, avoid watching the movies that you would surely hate. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Understand that just because the movie isn't to your taste, that doesn't mean you should give it a bad review. A good reviewer helps people find movie's they will like. Since you don't have the same taste in movies as everyone else, you need to be able to tell people if they will enjoy the movie, even if you didn't. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Structure is very important; try categorizing the different parts of the film and commenting on each of those individually. Deciding how good each thing is will help you come to a more accurate conclusion. For example, things like acting, special effects, cinematography, think about how good each of those are. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Marissa Levis .

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/terminology_and_starting_prompts.html
• ↑ https://www.spiritofbaraka.com/how-write-a-movie-review
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/9-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/top-tips-for-writing-a-review
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/summary-using-it-wisely/
• ↑ https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/film-review-1.original.pdf
• ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/film_writing_sample_analysis.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-movie-review/
• ↑ https://gustavus.edu/writingcenter/handoutdocs/editing_proofreading.php
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://edusson.com/blog/how-to-write-movie-review

About This Article

To write a movie review, start with a compelling fact or opinion to hook your readers, like "Despite a great performance by Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump never overcomes its weak plot." Then, elaborate on your opinion of the movie right off the bat so readers know where you stand. Once your opinion is clear, provide examples from the movie that prove your point, like specific scenes, dialogue, songs, or camera shots. To learn how to study a film closely before you write a review, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Movie Review Writing in 200 words IGCSE CAMBRIDGE

IELTS essay Movie Review Writing in 200 words IGCSE CAMBRIDGE

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How to Write a Movie Review Essay: Tips, Outline & Example

Writing a movie review essay is a great way to share your take on a film but it goes beyond simply summarizing the plot. Here are the steps involved in creating a thoughtful review:

• Watch the movie carefully.
• Look up details about the director, cast, and any historical or cultural context.
• Provide a short summary to give readers a sense of the story.
• Discuss the acting, direction, soundtrack, etc.
• Share your perspective.
• Conclude and give a recommendation.

Our article review writing service is here to guide you through each of these steps and offer you a good movie review essay sample to help you present a fair critique. And if you need further guidance, EssayHub is always available to assist with any type of schoolwork!

What Is a Movie Review Essay?

A movie review essay is a critical evaluation of a film that offers insights into its various elements. This type of essay goes beyond simply summarizing the plot; it analyzes aspects like acting, direction, cinematography, writing, and overall impact. Essentially, a movie review essay aims to inform the audience about the film and provide a thoughtful critique.

In this essay, the writer typically begins with a brief summary of the film, including key details such as the title, director, cast, and genre. Following the summary, the writer evaluates the movie by discussing its strengths and weaknesses. This includes examining character development, thematic depth, and how well the film achieves its intended purpose.

The goal is to help readers decide whether they should watch the film or not. A well-crafted essay blends personal opinion with objective analysis, making it informative and engaging for the audience. In addition to being insightful, a movie review can encourage discussion and reflection about the film’s broader themes and messages, making it a valuable addition to film criticism.

Purpose of Movie Review Essay

The purpose of a movie review essay extends beyond simply sharing an opinion. By critically analyzing a film, the writer not only refines their own understanding but also provides valuable insights for others. Here are some key purposes of a movie review essay:

• Informs : It provides essential information about the film, including plot details, themes, and character arcs, helping readers understand the context.
• Critiques : The review evaluates the film's strengths and weaknesses, guiding readers in their viewing choices.
• Engages : It fosters discussion by presenting unique perspectives and interpretations, inviting readers to think critically about the film.
• Educates : The essay enhances viewers’ appreciation of cinematic techniques and storytelling methods, deepening their understanding of film as an art form.
• Encourages Exploration : It motivates readers to explore similar films or genres based on the reviewer's recommendations.

How to Write a Movie Review Essay?

Here are the essential steps to guide you through writing a movie review essay:

• Take note of key scenes and characters.
• Learn about the director, cast, and any relevant historical or cultural context.
• Give a short overview of the plot without revealing spoilers.
• Analyze aspects like acting, direction, and soundtrack.
• Express what you liked or disliked about the film.
• Summarize your thoughts and advise whether others should watch it.

Essay Movie Review Introduction

The introduction of your movie review essay outline sets the stage for your readers. Start by briefly stating the title of the film, the director, and any relevant details about the genre or release year. This helps provide context. Next, give a short summary of the film’s premise without revealing major plot twists. This should be concise, just enough to inform the reader about what to expect.

Additionally, consider mentioning your initial impressions or what you were anticipating from the film. This helps engage the reader and sets the tone for your review. Finally, end your introduction with a clear thesis statement that reflects your overall perspective on the film. This will guide the rest of your review and prepare the audience for your analysis.

Essay Movie Review Analysis

In the analysis section, start with acting . Here, you should assess the performances of the main actors and supporting cast. 

• Were they believable in their roles? 
• Did their chemistry contribute to the film’s emotional weight? 

For instance, if a film features a complex relationship, analyze how well the actors portrayed that dynamic. Use specific scenes as examples to illustrate your points.

Next, turn your attention to direction . The director plays a crucial role in shaping a film's vision. Discuss how their style influences the storytelling. 

• Did the director’s choices enhance the film’s mood? 
• For example, was there effective use of close-ups to capture emotional moments? 

Consider how pacing affects the overall experience, too. A well-paced film keeps viewers engaged, while a slow one might lose their interest.

Then, focus on the cinematography . This involves the visual aspects of the film, including camera angles, lighting, and composition. 

• How do these elements contribute to the story? 
• For example, did the cinematographer use light and shadow to create tension? 
• Or perhaps the vibrant colors helped establish a certain mood? 

Provide examples that highlight these techniques and their impact on the viewer's experience.

Don’t overlook the soundtrack and sound design . Music can elevate a film, setting the tone and enhancing emotions. Discuss whether the score complemented the narrative. 

• Did it build suspense during intense scenes? 
• Were there moments when silence was more impactful? 

Sound design also matters—think about how background noise or sound effects added to the atmosphere.

Throughout your analysis, be sure to weave in your personal perspective . Your unique insights are what make your review engaging. Share what resonated with you and why. 

• Did a particular scene move you?
• Was there a moment that felt clichéd or out of place? 

Use specific examples from the film to support your views, creating a rich and detailed picture for your readers.

Essay Movie Review Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up your review and reinforces your overall thoughts. Start by summarizing the key points you discussed in your analysis. This helps reinforce your arguments and reminds the reader of your perspective.

Next, provide a final assessment of the film. Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not? This is your opportunity to summarize the film's strengths and weaknesses in a few sentences.

Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a question that leaves the reader contemplating the film’s themes or messages. A strong conclusion not only ties your review together but also encourages the audience to reflect on their own viewing experience.

To learn about writing a book review essay , see our dedicated article.

Movie Review Essay Example

In this section, we'll look at a movie review essay example to illustrate how to effectively analyze and critique a film. We’ll focus on a less commonly discussed film, The Farewell, which provides a rich narrative and cultural context for review.

Don’t miss out on our article review example in a separate blog post. 

5 Helpful Tips for Writing Movie Review Essays

Knowing how to write a movie review essay can be rewarding, but having some guiding tips can make the process smoother:

• Be Honest, but Fair : When expressing your opinion, aim for honesty while also being respectful. It’s okay to dislike a film, but try to back up your criticism with valid reasons. Avoid personal attacks on the filmmakers or actors; instead, focus on what didn't work for you and why.
• Keep It Concise : Readers appreciate reviews that get to the point. Aim for clarity and brevity in your writing. Stick to the essential details that convey your thoughts effectively. A concise review allows readers to quickly grasp your perspective without wading through unnecessary fluff.
• Use Specific Examples : To support your analysis, provide specific examples from the film. Whether you’re discussing a particular scene, a character’s development, or a striking visual, referencing moments in the film strengthens your argument and helps readers understand your points better.
• Avoid Spoilers : While it’s important to discuss key elements, be cautious not to reveal major plot twists or endings. Many readers may not have seen the film yet, so keep your review engaging without giving away surprises. You can hint at themes or character arcs without ruining the experience for potential viewers.
• Revise and Edit : After writing your review, take the time to revise and edit it. Look for areas where you can improve clarity or strengthen your arguments. A fresh set of eyes on your work—yours, a friend’s, or a peer’s—can help catch errors or unclear phrasing that you might have missed initially.

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps involved in writing a movie review essay:

• Watch the movie attentively.
• Research details about the director, cast, and context.
• Provide a brief summary of the plot.
• Analyze elements like acting, direction, and soundtrack.
• Share your personal perspective.
• Conclude with your recommendation.

For additional assistance, consider using paper writing service EssayHub that can help with any type of essay, ensuring your writing is clear, engaging, and well-structured!

How Long Should a Movie Review Essay Be?

How to write a movie review essay example, how to start a movie review essay.

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

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Writing a Movie Review: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Movie reviews serve as invaluable tools for both avid moviegoers seeking recommendations and filmmakers eager for critical feedback. Crafting an informative and engaging movie review demands a delicate balance of captivating storytelling, insightful analysis, and thoughtful critique. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential elements of writing a movie review, accompanied by illustrative examples to elucidate each point. If you’re looking for examples of such reviews, you can find them here or here .

A Comprehensive Guide to Movie Review with Illustrative Examples

• Introduction: Providing Context and Overview

The introduction serves as the gateway to your review, setting the stage for what follows. Begin by offering a brief summary of the film’s plot, genre, and overarching themes. Additionally, mention any critical acclaim or noteworthy accolades the film has received. Here’s an example:

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“In the cinematic tour de force ‘Parasite,’ praised director Bong Joon-ho intricately explores the complexities of class division and societal commentary within contemporary South Korea. Winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Film Festival in Cannes, ‘Parasite’ has captivated audiences and critics alike with its bold narrative and stellar performances.”

• Analysis: Delving Deep into the Film’s Components

The analysis section forms the core of your review, where you dissect various elements of the film, including direction, acting, cinematography, and narrative structure. Provide specific examples to support your observations and offer insights into what makes the film compelling or lacking. Here’s an example:

“Bong Joon-ho’s directorial prowess in ‘Parasite’ is nothing short of extraordinary. His adept synthesis of dark humor and suspense creates a palpable tension that keeps viewers enraptured from start to finish. Moreover, the film’s masterful use of symbolism, such as the recurring motif of staircases symbolizing social hierarchy, adds layers of depth and nuance to the narrative.”

• Evaluation: Offering Your Overall Assessment

After thoroughly analyzing the film’s components, it’s time to offer your overall evaluation. Reflect on whether the film succeeded in achieving its objectives and whether it warrants recommendation to others. Be honest and balanced in your assessment. Here’s an example:

“In summation, ‘Parasite’ stands as a cinematic masterpiece, seamlessly blending elements of thriller, drama, and dark comedy to deliver a thought-provoking and immersive viewing experience. While some may find the film’s narrative twists disconcerting, others will appreciate its audacity and originality. ‘Parasite’ is a must-watch for cinephiles seeking a captivating and socially relevant cinematic pilgrimage.”

• Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Thoughts

The conclusion serves as the final impression you leave with your readers. Summarize your main points and offer a closing thought or reflection to leave a lasting impact. Here’s an example:

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“‘Parasite’ transcends cultural and genre boundaries to emerge as a cinematic triumph that echoes long after the credits roll. The directors’ visionary storytelling and the stellar performances of the ensemble cast elevate ‘Parasite’ to a level of cinematic excellence seldom seen. As the film confronts societal norms and delves into the complexities of human nature, viewers are left pondering the enduring ramifications of inequality and the pursuit of the ‘American Dream.’ ‘Parasite’ is more than a film; it’s a cinematic experience that demands to be savored and contemplated.”

Additional Tips for Writing a Movie Review

• Maintain Objectivity: While expressing your opinion, strive to remain objective and avoid personal biases.
• Provide Context: Consider the film’s cultural, historical, and social context when evaluating its significance.
• Use Descriptive Language: Engage readers with vivid descriptions and imagery to bring your review to life.
• Support Your Claims: Back up your analysis and evaluation with evidence from the film, such as dialogue, visuals, and thematic elements.

By following these guidelines and incorporating illustrative examples, you can craft reviews that inform, entertain, and inspire readers while paying homage to the artistry of cinema.

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Breakout English

How to write a film review

Writing a review is an option in many different English language exams, and films are such an obvious choice for reviews, so knowing how to write a film review is pretty important. It’s a great topic for the classroom too. Everyone watches films and there is a lot of opportunity to teach vocabulary, either film-related vocabulary or film review adjectives. I like to start off a class about films with some chat, or my personal favourite, the Movie Music Quiz , which also now has an excellent Movie Picture Quiz version too.

The structure of a film review

Like any writing task, it’s essential to know the structure of a film review before you start writing. A basic film review template shows you how to write a film review using a simple structure. Film reviews for First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) Cambridge exams, as well as Trinity ISE exams, should all use a 4 paragraph structure. Another thing to remember is that your review should always have a title, and that title should include the name of the film.

• Introduction – Essential details and mini-summary
• Summary – A description of the film and some important details
• Analysis – An evaluation of different elements
• Conclusion – Your opinion and a recommendation

Introduction

In the introduction of a film review, it is crucial to mention the film title and the names of the director and the main actors. A brief summary of the film’s plot and background information can also be included, but it should not give away too much detail. The introduction should engage the reader and entice them to continue reading the review. Additionally, it is important to mention the genre and target audience of the film, which will give the reader an idea of what to expect.

In the summary section, the film review should give a comprehensive but concise description of the film, focusing on the plot, characters, and any significant events. The summary should be written in a way that does not give away the ending or spoil the film for the reader. It is important to maintain objectivity and not include personal opinions in this section. This section should provide enough detail for the reader to have a clear understanding of the film without giving too much away.

The analysis section is where the reviewer can showcase their critical skills and provide an in-depth evaluation of the film. The review should examine various elements of the film such as the script, direction, cinematography, acting, and special effects. You could also make a comparison to similar films in the same genre. The analysis should be written in an objective style with the opinion only showing through the language used.

In the conclusion, the reviewer should give their personal opinion of the film, summarising their thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses. They should also consider the target audience and whether they believe the film will appeal to them. Finally, the reviewer should provide a clear recommendation. The conclusion should be concise, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the reviewer’s overall opinion of the film.

Using adjectives in reviews

Reviews are a great way to show off your language with impressive adjectives. If you read a film review in a newspaper or magazine, you’ll notice that the reviewer rarely, if ever, gives an explicit direct opinion. However, their opinion of the film is always crystal clear. This is through the use of adjectives.

Many adjectives have a clear connotation. They are either perceived as positive or negative. Compare these two examples. Which one is a positive description and which is negative?

• It’s a first-rate experience with an imaginative plot and a star-studded cast.
• The second-rate writing combined with weak performances is typical of this director’s work.

When using adjectives in a film review, it is important to choose words that accurately convey the reviewer’s opinion. Adjectives with strong connotations, either positive or negative, can be very effective in expressing the reviewer’s thoughts about the film. However, it is also important to use a variety of adjectives to avoid repetition and keep the review interesting. The use of adjectives can also help to paint a picture of the film, allowing the reader to get a sense of its atmosphere and tone.

The materials

Many exams, such as the Cambridge First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) exams, as well as Trinity ISE exams, require students to write a film review as part of their writing task. These materials will provide students with a solid understanding of the structure of a film review and help them to develop their writing skills. This will give them the confidence they need to write a review that meets the requirements of the exam and impresses the examiner.

The materials will help you learn how to write an introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion of a film review. You will also see a range of useful adjectives that you can use to express your opinions in their reviews. Finally, you will get an opportunity to practise writing film reviews, which will help you to develop your skills. Then you can check your answers with the samples provided in the answer key. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or just looking to improve your writing skills, these materials will provide you with everything you need to write a great film review.

1 thought on “How to write a film review”

Interesting and useful material to be used in class. thanks!

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Film Or Book Review

Table of Contents

Introduction.

A film or book review is a critical analysis that evaluates and articulates the strengths, weaknesses, and overall merit of a film or book, providing insights to help readers make informed decisions about watching or reading. In this article, we will show you the exact steps to ace your first film or book review.

Let’s start by understanding what a film or book review is!

What is a Film or Book Review?

A Film or Book Review is a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of a film or book that goes beyond a mere summary. It involves critically assessing various aspects of the work, including its strengths, weaknesses, themes, characters, plot, cinematography (in the case of a film), writing style (in the case of a book), and overall impact.

The purpose of a review is to provide readers or viewers with insights that help them form an informed opinion about the work and decide whether it’s worth their time and attention.

Movie Review

In a movie review, the critic typically examines elements such as the screenplay, direction, performances, cinematography, editing, sound design, and overall execution of the film. The reviewer may also consider the film’s genre, thematic elements, and how it compares to similar works within its category.

Personal reactions and subjective impressions often play a role, but a well-rounded review should balance personal opinion with an objective evaluation of the film’s artistic and technical merits.

Book Review

Similarly, a book review involves an in-depth analysis of the written work. Critics assess the author’s writing style, character development, plot structure, pacing, and thematic elements.

They may also consider the book’s contribution to its genre, cultural significance, and how it engages with relevant social or historical contexts.

Additionally, a good book review should highlight what sets the work apart and whether it successfully achieves its intended goals.

Structure of a Movie or Book Review

To write a comprehensive and engaging film or book review, follow a structured approach encompassing several key steps.

• Introduction: Begin with a captivating introduction, introducing the title and creator of the work while providing a brief contextual overview.
• Brief Summary: Summarize the plot succinctly, emphasizing key elements to give readers a sense of the storyline without revealing major spoilers.
• Critical Analysis: In the evaluation phase, dissect critical elements based on the medium—scrutinize screenplay, direction, performances, etc., in film reviews, and writing style, character development, etc., in book reviews.
• Personal Reactions: Express personal reactions and highlight noteworthy moments before providing a balanced critical analysis, supporting opinions with specific examples.
• Overall Commentary : Offer a general commentary, state your recommendation, and conclude with a concise summary.
• Conclusion: Sum up your review with a concise conclusion. Also, reiterate key points and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your overall assessment.

(Optionally, if you are a blog post you may want to include a numerical rating for a visual summary and encourage reader engagement through a call to action, fostering discussions or feedback.)

Steps to Write Your Movie or Book Review

Mastering your first review involves grasping the foundations of book and movie critiques. Follow the steps of preparation, outlining, drafting, revising, and meticulous editing to elevate your review to a comprehensive and insightful evaluation.

Here are the steps you need to follow to write a book or film review:

1. Preparation

• Do Some Reading: Before you start writing, you may read an example of this genre of writing. This will help you have an idea of the distinctive features of this genre. For example, you may want to read this movie review: “ The Green Mile “. Alternatively, you may want to read this review of “ The Brothers Karamazov ” by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
• Note-taking: Once familiarized with review samples, select the movie or book you plan to review and carefully document essential plot events, character developments, and any noteworthy themes or impressions that resonate with you.

2. Planning

Facilitate your review planning by completing the following diagram with pertinent information about the book or movie you plan to evaluate.

Once completed, create an outline for your review. Here is a sample structure for reference:

1. Introduction:

• Start with a catchy or informative introduction that includes the title of the film or book and its author or director.
• Provide a brief overview or context for the work.

2. Brief Summary:

• In a few sentences, summarize the plot of the film or book without giving away major spoilers.
• Highlight key elements to give the reader a sense of the storyline.

3. Evaluation of Elements:

• Discuss aspects such as screenplay, direction, performances, cinematography, editing, sound design, and overall execution.
• Address the film’s genre, thematic elements, and how it compares to similar works.
• Analyze the writing style, character development, plot structure, pacing, and thematic elements.
• Consider the book’s contribution to its genre, cultural significance, and engagement with social or historical contexts.

4. Personal Reactions:

• Express your personal reactions and feelings towards the film or book.
• Note any standout moments or elements that particularly resonated with you.

5. Critical Analysis:

• Provide a balanced analysis of both strengths and weaknesses.
• Support your opinions with specific examples from the film or book.
• Address how well the author or director achieves their goals.

6. Overall Commentary:

• Offer a general commentary on the film or book.
• State whether you recommend it to others and why.

7. Conclusion:

• Sum up your review with a concise conclusion.
• Reiterate key points and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your overall assessment.

3. Writing your First Draft

Introduction:

• When writing your first draft, begin with a comprehensive introduction that includes the title and author of the book or, if it’s a film, mention the director or actors involved. This sets the stage for a well-informed review.
• Moving on to the body of your draft, succinctly summarize the plot in a few sentences, providing enough detail to offer context without revealing major spoilers.
• Proceed to mention the setting, mentioning the place and time in which the plot unfolds.
• Share insights about the main characters, offering a glimpse into their roles and significance within the narrative.
• Additionally, provide commentary on the overall content, delving into themes, messages, or unique aspects that stood out to you.

Conclusion:

• Transitioning to the conclusion, offer a thoughtful commentary on the book or film. Clearly communicate whether you liked or disliked it, and articulate the reasons behind your sentiment.
• Analyze the author’s style or the film’s direction, addressing elements like its level of interest or potential boredom.
• Finally, express whether you would recommend the book or film to others, wrapping up your comprehensive review draft.

Here are some prompts to help write your first draft:

• Give the title and author of the book. If you’re reviewing a film mention the director or actors.
• 1. Summarize the plot in a few sentences.
• 2. Mention the setting: the place and time of the plot.
• 3. Say something about the main characters.
• 4. Say something about the content.
• 1. Comment on the book or film.
• 2. Let others know whether or not you liked the book/film.
• 3. Why do you like it? Why don’t you like it?
• 4. Is the author’s style good or bad, is the book/film interesting or boring, etc?
• 5. Do you want to recommend the book/film?

4. Revising and Editing

After writing the first draft of the review, it is high time for revising and editing it.

• Revising: In the revising phase, evaluate the overall structure and coherence of your work. This involves assessing the logical flow of ideas, ensuring a cohesive structure, and confirming that the central message is effectively conveyed. You may make significant changes to improve the overall flow and strengthen the core theme or argument, ensuring alignment with the intended purpose and audience.
• Editing: Following revision, the editing phase focuses on refining the finer details. It entails a meticulous review of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. The goal is to enhance clarity and correctness, addressing issues such as awkward phrasing, redundancy, and proper language conventions. Editing transforms the draft into a polished and professional piece, ready for presentation.

Useful Expressions for Movie or Book Reviews

Title, author / director, actors.

• The film is directed by…
• The film is produced by…
• It is starred by…
• The book is written by …
• The action takes place in … (setting)
• The action of the film is set in…
• The story takes place in…

Characters and Plot

• The main characters are…
• The story is about…
• The novel tells the story of…
• In the course of the novel, the action develops dramatically.
• The novel/film begins with…
• The novel has an unexpected ending.
• The end of… is…
• I am impressed by
• The book is terribly/beautifully written
• The film is terrible/exciting.
• What surprised me is…
• What I liked is…
• What I didn’t like is…
• I liked/didn’t like the film/novel because…

In conclusion, a film or book review serves as a discerning analysis, exploring the strengths, weaknesses, and overall worth of the work. It serves as a guiding beacon for readers, aiding them in making informed choices about investing their time in watching or reading.

The key to mastering your inaugural review lies in understanding the structure of book and movie reviews. By diligently following the steps encompassing preparation, outlining, drafting, revising, and meticulous editing, you can elevate your review to a comprehensive and insightful evaluation.

This approach ensures that your critique not only captures the essence of the work but also provides valuable perspectives that resonate with your audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Movie Review (5 Top Tips)

5-minute read

• 1st July 2019

Fancy being the next Roger Ebert ? Then check out the latest blockbuster or arthouse flick, and let the world know what you think! But what goes into a good movie review? We have a few review writing tips to share:

• Watch the movie carefully (more than once if possible) and take notes.
• Tailor your writing style and the focus of your review to your audience.
• Look at every aspect of the movie, including its story, acting, and technical qualities (e.g., direction, visual design, costumes, sound).
• Justify your opinions (i.e., give reasons for why you think a movie is good or bad, rather than just saying that you enjoyed or disliked it).
• Try to avoid spoilers, especially for new releases.

Read on to find out how to put these tips into practice in your next review.

1. Watch the Movie and Take Notes

When we say you should watch the movie you’re planning to review, we mean you need to really watch it. No popcorn. No whispering to friends. Just eyes on the screen. Ideally, you should even try to see the film more than once before reviewing it (although this isn’t always possible).

You may also want to take notes so you can use them when writing a review. Do this on paper, though; no illuminated screens! And it is usually better to save note taking for a second viewing, as you might miss something first time round if you’re busy scribbling in a notebook.

2. Think About Your Audience

Who you are writing for will have a big influence on how you write. Most importantly, you need to think about how much your target audience already knows about cinematic techniques and history.

For example, saying that a scene “evokes memories of Eisenstein’s approach to montage, manipulating the viewer by juxtaposing images of hope and fear” would be fine if you were writing for an audience familiar with cinematic theory (e.g., film students or professionals).

But such remarks may be lost on a general audience, who might just want to know whether it’s worth paying to catch the new Mission Impossible at the theater. As such, you should think about what your readers might want to know and tailor your review accordingly.

3. Look at the Whole Movie

A movie works on multiple levels, all of which should factor into your review. Questions you might want to ask yourself include:

• Story – How does the movie tells its story? Are the characters believable? Is the ending satisfying? Does it feel too long or short at all?
• Acting – Who are the actors? Do they suit the roles? Do any performances stand out? Does it feature any big stars or any upcoming talents?
• Technical Qualities – Is the film well made, including the direction, visual design, costumes, sound, music, and any visual or special effects used?

This isn’t to say you can’t write about whether you enjoyed the movie, too! Most people are happy to overlook, e.g., some dodgy acting if they’re enjoying the spectacle of a Hollywood blockbuster. So how much you focus on each of the above may depend on what you’re watching.

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Watching a movie more than once can be very helpful in this respect. The first time, you can watch it as a regular “viewer,” thinking about the film overall and how much you enjoyed it. And if you see it again, you can focus on specific elements in more detail, taking notes as you watch.

4. Back Up Your Opinions

Letting your reader know whether you liked a movie is, of course, a big part of reviewing it. You can even use a score or star rating, offering a simple summary of your overall opinion of the movie.

However, you should also explain why you like or dislike it. Is it the story? The performances? Something else? The amount you write to back up your opinions will vary depending on the type of review. A 200-word summary will have less detail than a longer review essay, for instance. But you should always try to offer some insight on why the film succeeds or fails.

You can even refer to specific scenes to explain yourself. However, if you do plan to go into detail about a movie you are reviewing, you may want to check out our next tip first…

5. Be Careful About Spoilers

Following on from the last point, if you mention particular scenes or details from a film, try not to give away story spoilers . Obviously, this is more important for new movies than old classics. And if you’re writing an in-depth critique, you will almost certainly enter spoiler territory. This is fine.

However, if you do mention anything that could spoil the story for new viewers, make sure to provide a spoiler warning before you give it away! Your reader can then decide whether to read on.

We hope this post has helped you with your movie review. And if you need someone to proofread your writing, we’re always here to help !

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