Writing a film review is a complex and long process.

The reasonable question here

would be, “How do you write a movie review and avoid getting puzzled by all the
details?” The easiest way to complete your paper is to break the writing process down
into a few stages. This method allows for managing your time more accurately.

1. Begin with a catchy introduction.

Your introductory paragraph should include essential information about the movie: title,
genre, director’s name, and release date. You can also mention, if appropriate, the
awards (the most prestigious ones), the budget and the box office (if they are
impressive), and the cast members. In addition to the general information, it is
necessary to include your thesis into the introduction. A compelling thesis is a starting
point for the critical part of your review that goes beyond the elementary plot summary
and description of the technical elements. The thesis may display different aspects such
as:

the connection between the film’s central idea and the current issues or events;
the similarity between the plot and your personal experience;
the interrelation between the thematic content of the film and its formal elements.

2. Don’t put your evaluation into cold storage.

If your readers don’t have much time to read the entire review, you can, at least, provide
them with your evaluation at the beginning of the text. Don’t reserve your personal
opinion for the concluding paragraph. You are not a crime writer: lay your cards on the
table in the first or the second paragraph.

3. Compose a brief plot summary.

Describe four or five major events but don’t reveal the ending. Besides, avoid the
“spoilers” by all means because your readers will hate you for destroying the suspense.
If you still want to mention a significant turn, please, warn the readers about it.

4. Describe an overall impression.

The main purpose of the plot summary is to tell what the film is about. The description
should inform the readers not about what you’ve seen but what you’ve felt. Mention the
emotions and thoughts awakened by the concrete scenes, the most touching score, and
the moments that pulled your heartstrings. Share your cinematic experience in order to
make your review less formal and more personal.

5. Determine the purpose of the movie.

Answer the question, “Why was this film created?” Sometimes, you may find the
response in the interviews with the members of the shooting team. In other cases, the
 purpose can be obvious thanks to the plot. If the movie has an entertaining
characteristic, don’t try to dig deeper to find some implied sense. Certain films are good
because of their simplicity.

6. Add some details about filmmaking.

The analysis of the formal techniques is an indispensable part of any exhaustive movie
review. Concentrate your attention on one or two elements that you consider to be the
most significant for this particular film. Be careful with the specific terminology because
your movie review shouldn’t look like a crossword. Here are some aspects that you can
describe:

 Cinematography

This term includes everything that happens with cameras during the shooting. You can
describe three main aspects of cinematography if you see them as important for
comprehension of the film: camera movement, camera angles, and camera distances.

 Sound

Although the sound affects the atmosphere of the movie as well as the visual elements,
it is often underestimated. However, talented film score composers are highly praised in
the movie-making world. Every sound in the film can be classified as diegetic and non-
diegetic. Diegetic sound is like thunder, birdsong, barking, or conversations in the
restaurant are the part of the narration. Non-diegetic sound is like off-screen
commentaries or film scores that come from outside the universe of the film.

 Editing

In a nutshell, the goal of editing is to create a smooth connection between all pieces of
the film. The editor creates the “world of the story” in order to give the viewer a sense of
space. The filmmakers use various methods to compose the integral reality of the
movie: graphic similarities, eyeline match, establishing shots, etc.

 Mise-en-scène

This aspect is the most global because it includes literally everything that you see on
the screen. Every landscape, actor’s smile, and visual effect is a part of the mise-en-
scène.

7. Look for the deep meaning.

A good movie is never superficial. There are always key phrases, symbolic things, and
repeating elements that are significant for the deeper understanding of the film and,
consequently, for your overarching review. Be attentive in order to unlock all secrets of
filmmaking!
8. Provide the examples.

No review can sound trustworthy without examples. Phrases like “the acting is great” or
“the sound is bad” don’t inspire trust. Be more specific! For example, when you talk
about the portrayal of a particular character, mention what exactly makes the actor
relevant for this role: appearance, manner of speaking, facial expressions, etc.

9. Write a strong conclusion.

Remind your readers about the film elements that impressed you the most. Add some
personal recommendations and specify for whom this film will be more interesting and
why. Remember that your conclusion is the last chance to convince your readers, so do
your best!

10. Edit and proofread your movie review.

Read your paper two or three times. Correct all the mistakes: word choice, grammar,
style, spelling, typos, etc. Errors can spoil even the most professional review!