Have you been assigned to write a movie review? Not quite sure how to write a piece that compels? Well, the tips provided in this article are sure to make the writing process more comfortable. As a result, you would come up with an excellent review that scores the marks you desire.
Preparing Yourself to Write an Exceptional Review
Before we elaborate on how to write a movie review, it’s essential to provide an overview of some technicalities. First of all, select a film if your instructor has not assigned it to you. You may be instructed to select a specific genre. Whatever the case is, pick a movie that seems interesting to you. As a consequence, you will enjoy watching every tiny detail of it. If the selected picture is enjoyable, you won’t mind watching it once or twice more. Two or even three viewings of a motion picture can help you observe all the details.
When watching it for the first time, try to get an overall impression. Don’t worry about noticing every detail at that moment. When you watch it for the second time, pay more attention to the details such as editing, sounds, and acting. If it contains some real-life events that you are not aware of, do some research on them. This will give credibility to your opinion. Also, it will help you back your arguments with solid sources. You may wish to watch a third time it didn’t succeed at formulating the key argument. Also, it is a good idea to pick something that you have already watched. Yet, if you feel stuck, opt for a pre-written essay to get an idea of how to go about it.
We are sure you’re now somewhat familiarized with how to write a film review, right? Here are a few tips that you may use to help you craft a winning piece:
Make Your Introduction Catchy
Typically, an introduction includes the title of the picture, the director’s name, genre, and release date. You may also mention the critical cast as well as the budget. But, make sure you don’t bore the reader. Remember the first impression is the last impression? So, try to make an impressive first impression here. In addition to these necessary details, write a strong thesis statement. This will help you craft a narrow yet compelling piece that goes beyond the basic summary and description.
Your thesis statement may include various aspects. An example of such aspects could be a link between real-life events and the film’s central idea. Or it could be a similarity between some of your personal experience and the story. If you’re not quite sure how to do that, see some film review examples online.
Don’t be afraid to give your opinion at the beginning
Many students may choose to reserve their opinions for the final paragraph. But, including your evaluation in the introductory or second paragraph will help you set an exact position. So, don’t be afraid to express your evaluation or take a stance. It will make it easier for the reader to understand your position.
Does it sound confusing? Well, look for help online. Several online resources have a variety of material to help you with your essays. From good case study topics to essay examples, they have it all.
Sum up the plot briefly
In the body, briefly write the plot, describing significant events. But make sure you don’t disclose the ending. Don’t destroy the suspense for the reader. Besides, don’t mention every detail of the story. Remember it’s a review; you don’t need to reveal every piece of information. Just compose a brief plot and analyze the key events. Indicate what is the film all about and what it made you feel like. What emotions or thoughts did it invoke in you? Which were the most touching scenes? Answer questions like these to explain your overall impression. Make sure the review is more on the personal side and less on the formal side. It should base on your feelings and thoughts.
Understand the purpose
Many students are unsure about how to write a movie critique. And, this leads them to write a review that doesn’t even look like one. They make the mistake of summarizing the film rather than analyzing different aspects of it. Moreso, they fail to find the purpose behind it.
What is the essence of the movie? What is the idea behind creating it are questions worthy of an answer? Determine the purpose of the movie. Sometimes it is the story depicting the purpose or the lead character that revolves around the story. You may find obvious facts to write about the movie in the review. Try to explain what purpose it serves, how the plot determines the overall relevance of the movie. Remember a good movie is never without a purpose or a deep meaning. Look for critical dialogues, symbols, or certain elements that indicate the deeper meaning of the movie. This means you will have to observe it to unlock these meanings and secrets.
Analyze various aspects
Filmmaking is a science with enormous components. It contains a set of techniques and methods to carry out the whole process we call filmmaking. You don’t have to give minute details, but yes an overview of what you think is crucial. Concentrate your attention on a few of such elements and briefly describe them. These aspects or elements include cinematography, sound effects, editing and OST. Remember, you don’t have to teach filmmaking and how it is done instead of reviewing how the process turned out for the final product – the movie.
The show, don’t tell.
When explaining aspects like acting or sound, you need to demonstrate what you saw or hear. For instance, if you discuss the depiction of a character, be specific. Discuss the appearance, facial expressions, way of talking and body language. Has the actor done justice to his/her role? Did the background music manage to evoke feelings that it intended to?
If you’re still confused about demonstrating what you saw and hear, check out some movie review examples.
End it with a personal recommendation
Remember here’s your last chance to impress. Conclude your piece in an exciting tone or with an interesting question. Don’t forget to give your personal opinion and recommendation about who should watch it and why.
All in all, you need to be engaging and have an exact position throughout the review. It should indicate whether you like the film or not if it delivered what you expected from it. And most importantly, if it managed to convey its deep meaning or purpose without you putting much effort into finding it.
