Preparing a review
Watching the film
Take notes while you watch the film. Keep an open mind, but also observe specific things that you like (for example the acting) and dislike (for example the music). Below, you will find some key words that may help you focus your attention.
storytelling
acting
costumes
setting
music
originality
Writing a review
Introduction
- In order to capture the reader’s or listener's attention, start with a hook– for example a representative quote, a compelling scene, a strong opinion, an anecdote ...
- Present the film by giving basic information: title, cast, relevant production details (which year it was released, director/author/producer). Is the story an original work of fiction? (Is it based upon real events or upon fiction?)
First paragraph
- Write a short analysis of the story, for instance through its main components: theme, setting, main characters, and a short plot description. But remember not to give away the ending. Keep it short; one paragraph is enough.
Main body
- Try to be objective and fair. Highlight positives as well as negatives. Be careful not to talk exclusively about your feelings, for example “I found this film to be boring/touching/delightfully shocking.” Even though your emotional response is not without interest, you are first and foremost, supposed to exercise your judgement. Make sure you react based on elements from the film, not your personal preferences. You will not be taken seriously as a reviewer if you say things like "I have always hated horror films, this is no exception."
Explain what is good and what is bad about the film. Give reasons for your opinion. Try to point out relevant information about at least three different components of the film, for example:
- the actors
- setting and scenery
- costumes
- the way the story is structured
- how the dialogues are written
- what the film has to say about its main theme
In short, you should show interest in the film you have watched, and point out what you liked and disliked. This is where the notes you took while watching the film will come in handy.
For instance, you could say something along the lines of: "One thing that nearly ruined this story, for me, was that I could not help thinking that it was badly structured. It reaches its climax only halfway through, which makes it easy to lose interest in the second half of the film.
Conclusion
Include information about who you would recommend this film to. It may also be useful to recapitulate, succinctly, the most important points of your main body, in order to justify your recommendations.
For example, "I would recommend this film to anyone who likes to watch cute actors, as long as they have a high tolerance for unoriginal plots, badly written dialogue, and racist undercurrents."