How to write a good film review (courtesy of Film Education's Young Film Critics Competition)
As you are watching the film, be prepared to make notes. It’s much easier to write a review if you have some notes about the key scenes and characters to remind you.
- 1. Focus on explaining how you were entertained by the film.
- 2. Include a few words on each of the following:
- – the film’s title
- – the director
- – the main actors
- – the music of the film
- – the film’s genre (for example: is it a comedy, drama or musical?)
- 3. Point out the film’s values – what message is the director trying to get across? Is it about how good always overcomes evil, or about family values or what makes a hero?
- 4. If you have time, do some research into the film's production history. It will help you gain a deeper understanding of the film in question, and you may uncover some juicy details to add to your review.
- 5. Reel in the reader quickly: spend lots of time on the first paragraph. Make it dramatic and interesting and your reader might stay with you.
- 6. Who would enjoy the film? Describe the type of person who would go to see the film as this will help the reader determine if the film is for them or not.
- 7. Don’t gush. Avoid words like "good," "bad," "awesome" or "great." These words tell. Good writing SHOWS. Describe what is good about key scenes from the film rather than just talking about the film as a whole.
- 8. Dish the dirt. Don’t be shy – say exactly what you think. Tell the reader whether you loved or hated it – and why.
- 9. Write for a martian. Imagine your review is an aliens’ first and only experience of this film and tell them as much as possible about it – without giving the ending away!
APPROX 2 pages, typed, serif font, one inch margins. Choose a movie you love or hate!
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