How-to Write A Movie review
By Julio Custode
Writing your own movie review can be both fun and easy. Whether writing professionally or for pleasure, all good movie reviews share various traits. Follow the guidelines below and you’ll be sharing your opinions on the latest additions to the silver screen in no time.
· State an opinion. The first, and probably the most important trait of a movie review is that it expresses an opinion. The main purpose of a movie review is to let your audience know how you feel about a particular movie and whether or not you would recommend that they see it. Although it’s not difficult to express a positive or negative opinion about a particular film, it is important not to be vague. Tell your audience specific details about the film that you like or dislike. How did the movie make you feel as you watched it? Was there a particular scene that you feel characterized the film as a whole? The more that you use specific details to describe your opinion about a movie the more helpful you will be to your audience.
· Do any necessary prior research. It is important to view a movie in the context in which it is meant to be seen. Many movies require prior knowledge on the part of the viewer to be judged properly. Sequels, historical films, and movies based on books fall into this category. If the movie you are reviewing is a sequel it is probably a good idea to see the first movie. If the film is based on an historical event the writer should have at least basic knowledge of what the event was. Research helps the writer of a movie review view the movie in the right context and helps them make the best judgment possible on the film.
· Know your actors and directors. One of the most important features of any movie is who plays what role and who directs it. Actors and directors probably have a the most effect on the finished product compared to all other people that work on a movie. It is therefore very important to talk about them in your movie review. When considering a certain director you should focus on the style of the film in general. It’s helpful if you are familiar with their past works. The same is true for actors. With actors, however, you should focus on the quality of their performance. Did you believe them? How did their performance make you feel and how does it compare with their past work. Actors and directors are a major factor that people consider when deciding whether or not to see a certain movie.
· Use a rating system. This point can be considered an option. It’s not completely necessary to include a simple rating system. However, many readers of movie reviews look for this feature before actually reading the review. A rating system can come in any form the writer chooses, but the most common are either the star or the thumbs up/down systems.
· A good movie review never gives away the ending. While it is entirely necessary to give the reader an idea of what the movie is about you should always avoid giving away endings. Some plot points should be kept from the reader as well for the simple reason that they are meant to surprise and entertain the viewer. As the reviewer of a movie it is your responsibility to find a balance between what to tell and what not.
Anyone with a passion for watching movies should be able to write a good movie review. The most important thing to remember is to be your-self (cliché as it may sound). If you are not honest in the opinions you express many readers will be able to tell. Have fun. If you are a true fan of cinema this should be no problem.
Here are A couple of examples of movie reviewers to examine.
http://www.richardroeper.com/
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/
· State an opinion. The first, and probably the most important trait of a movie review is that it expresses an opinion. The main purpose of a movie review is to let your audience know how you feel about a particular movie and whether or not you would recommend that they see it. Although it’s not difficult to express a positive or negative opinion about a particular film, it is important not to be vague. Tell your audience specific details about the film that you like or dislike. How did the movie make you feel as you watched it? Was there a particular scene that you feel characterized the film as a whole? The more that you use specific details to describe your opinion about a movie the more helpful you will be to your audience.
· Do any necessary prior research. It is important to view a movie in the context in which it is meant to be seen. Many movies require prior knowledge on the part of the viewer to be judged properly. Sequels, historical films, and movies based on books fall into this category. If the movie you are reviewing is a sequel it is probably a good idea to see the first movie. If the film is based on an historical event the writer should have at least basic knowledge of what the event was. Research helps the writer of a movie review view the movie in the right context and helps them make the best judgment possible on the film.
· Know your actors and directors. One of the most important features of any movie is who plays what role and who directs it. Actors and directors probably have a the most effect on the finished product compared to all other people that work on a movie. It is therefore very important to talk about them in your movie review. When considering a certain director you should focus on the style of the film in general. It’s helpful if you are familiar with their past works. The same is true for actors. With actors, however, you should focus on the quality of their performance. Did you believe them? How did their performance make you feel and how does it compare with their past work. Actors and directors are a major factor that people consider when deciding whether or not to see a certain movie.
· Use a rating system. This point can be considered an option. It’s not completely necessary to include a simple rating system. However, many readers of movie reviews look for this feature before actually reading the review. A rating system can come in any form the writer chooses, but the most common are either the star or the thumbs up/down systems.
· A good movie review never gives away the ending. While it is entirely necessary to give the reader an idea of what the movie is about you should always avoid giving away endings. Some plot points should be kept from the reader as well for the simple reason that they are meant to surprise and entertain the viewer. As the reviewer of a movie it is your responsibility to find a balance between what to tell and what not.
Anyone with a passion for watching movies should be able to write a good movie review. The most important thing to remember is to be your-self (cliché as it may sound). If you are not honest in the opinions you express many readers will be able to tell. Have fun. If you are a true fan of cinema this should be no problem.
Here are A couple of examples of movie reviewers to examine.
http://www.richardroeper.com/
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/