How to Write a Movie ReviewA movie review is divided into two parts: Information and Analysis. Information Include the following facts right away, before you get into your analysis: Analysis The analysis part of a movie review should include the following components: PLOT POINTS DRAMATIC ELEMENTS DIRECTION Is the color palette, camera moves and music appropriate for this movie? Do these elements help create and maintain the general mood? How about costumes and set design? Is the movie directed in a consistent manner? If the movie starts with an Over-Voice and with a camera replacing the Protagonist's POV (point of view), does it remain the same or change? What's the effect? Is the consistency or the change intentional? What purpose does it serve? EDITING Editing in the post-production phase is actually responsible for the final product you see on the screen. But it's not always easy to judge editing unless you're an experienced editor yourself. Most of the time the Director has a hand in editing as well or at least he or she supervises this all very critical step. So as a film reviewer you can note for example if it's a "fast" editing (with short scene rushing in succession)? How were the transitions? Did editing provide the "context" of a scene or stuck basically to the action in question? This is one category of movie review that you should go lightly if you do not know much about the process of film editing yourself. CASTING and ACTING How good is acting? Does any actor “steal” role from the others? Is casting appropriate for the roles? Is there a good chemistry between the actors? SCREENPLAY Assuming that whatever you see on the screen was also in the screenplay, how good is the script? Are dialogs “on the nose” type of dead exchanges? Is there too much exposition in the dialogs? Are the future elements and plot twists telegraphed in the earlier scenes? (Or to use a modern Hollywood slang, is the “plant watered” ahead of time before it blooms in Act 3?) COMPARISON What other movies does this movie remind you of? Do you smell any plagiarism and lifting-off from other films? How original is the concept and the story line? Is it a remake or a sequel? If it is, are there any innovations in this installment? CRITIQUE Can this film be improved? If yes, in what ways? What would be your suggestions to improve this film? ....... As you can see, a movie review requires not only a genuine love for this format but also a deep background in history and technique of movie making as well. If you answer at least some of the questions outlined above you can rest assured that your readers will feel enriched and illuminated by your review.
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