Writing film reviews will help you develop your critical thinking skills, whether you’re an actor, filmmaker or film buff. Cinephiles who have written reviews can view movies from a more deliberate and thoughtful perspective. It is important to develop this skill so that viewers can have more than just a “That movie was amazing!” response. We’ll tell you how to do it right here
How to Write a Movie Review
There is no perfect way to write a movie critique, but there are certain best practices every aspiring critic should consider. Here are nine tips for writing an engaging piece.
1. At least watch the film once.
It is not enough to write a review once, but it is better to do so twice. You can’t capture all the details and thoughts in one sitting. It’s also a great idea to take detailed notes while watching the movie. It will make the writing process easier and you can refer back to your thoughts and feelings at that moment.
2. Support your criticism and express your opinion.
Professional movie reviewers are not afraid to tell their readers if they think a film is good, bad or indifferent. Readers rely on reviewers who share their tastes. You should be able to support your thoughts with specific examples, such as a disappointing performance, a silly plot, beautiful cinematography or a difficult piece that makes you think. Professional reviewers will explain why they made their critique.
3. Consider your audience.
Do you write for a news or fan site? What are the interests of those who will be reading your articles? You can decide which elements to emphasize based on your audience. You can adapt your writing style according to the audience you’re targeting and the tone of the material they are used to.
4. Acting is a topic that you can discuss.
You should spend some time talking about the performances. Many people will watch a film if their favorite actor appears in it. Is the movie a new role for a veteran actor or an outstanding performance by a rising star in the industry? What was the acting like? How did the actors do?
5. You can also call out cinematographers and special effects.
Here is where your film buff can shine. Let your readers know about the mistakes or highlights of directors, costume designers, CGI, and cinematographers. In your review, you can address questions such as what worked, what surprised and disappointed you, or what did not meet expectations. It is also helpful to have some filmmaking by this link. Film students who have experience writing can make excellent reviewers. NYFA offers a wide range of film-related courses, including screenwriting, production, and more.
6. No spoilers
Don’t spoil the story for your readers. A good review should encourage people to go to the film. Do not ruin the movie for them by getting too excited.
7. Learn from the experts.
The more you read about writing, the better. When you read reviews of films that you enjoy (or dislike), consider why. Consider the reasons why one reviewer may have a hundred thousands followers, while another has only two. You should read the guidelines for the publication where you would like to publish your work. Some examples of professionals who review films include Rotten Tomatoes Roger Ebert and film comment.
8. Reread, rewrite and edit.
Edit your work. If you can’t spell the director’s last name correctly or put together a sentence that is grammatically accurate, your opinions won’t be taken seriously. Check your spelling and make sure your article flows well.
9. Find your voice.
The best writers have a unique personality that is evident in their writing. It doesn’t happen over night, so use every chance to write to develop your style and voice. This will keep readers interested and coming back for more.