How to be a Movie Critic

Just think of it! Free soda. Free popcorn. And, oh yeah, free admission to your local movie theater. These are the reasons why EVERYONE wants to be a movie critic. Forget about film school. Forget about having an acting or directing background. If you can be cynical and have somewhat good taste, you may have a future as a movie critic.

Instructions

1. Start at the beginning. Most movie critics got their starts working for small town weekly newspapers. Some will pay your expenses (that's where the free tickets, soda and popcorn come in). With others you may have to prove yourself by submitting a few reviews, at your own expense.

2. Contact the press agent representing the film you want to review. His name and email address can usually be found on the movie's website. It also helps if you enclose a few samples of reviews that you've already written so he knows you're legitimate. Ask his permission to send him your press review.

3. Send copies of the published review to the press agents. Press agents really don't care if a review is positive or negative, as long as the movie gets some publicity. But don't bash a film just because you feel like being contrary or sarcastic. Back up what you say with facts or references to key scenes in the film. Press agents will sometimes send you perks in return for the published review.

4. Make friends with your local theater manager who, hopefully, will keep you supplied with soda, popcorn and candy.

5. Circulate your resume and copies of your reviews to features or arts and entertainment editors at larger newspapers. They'll most likely hire you on a freelance basis. Many won't pay more than expenses for the reviews, but you'll get increased exposure.