How to Write a Movie Critique
Do you think you're the next Ebert and Roeper? Well, there's more to writing a review than just telling readers what you think. To write a great critique, follow these simple steps to give readers what they need.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Movie to review
- Notepad
- Highlighter
- Pen
- Medium in which to publish your review
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1
While watching a movie, jot down important factors and key moments. This includes the lead actors and those with significant performances, the director and the producer. You should also note three points in the story: the beginning, the climax and the end. All should be included in some way in your review.
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2
Look over your notes and highlight the key parts that you want to emphasize in your review.
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3
Identify whom you will be writing for. Writing for a movie review site requires a more casual style, while writing for a newspaper requires a more formal voice. Base your tone around who will be reading your critique.
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4
Begin by creating an opening that will draw readers in. This may mean citing a memorable line in the movie or alluding to a key moment. This is one of the most important parts of your review, because if you don't entice readers to read on, your review will go unnoticed.
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5
Within the opening, cite some key players in the movie, whether they are the actors, the producer or the director. If a reader recognizes a name, she is more likely to keep reading. Also, you will want to note the full title of the movie. At this point you should have completed your opening paragraph.
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6
Begin your middle paragraphs (usually 1 to 3 paragraphs long) by noting the basic plot line of the story. Highlight key scenes and character development. Here is where you will want to tell the reader what you found impressive or unimpressive about the movie.
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7
Allude to the climax of the movie within these middle paragraphs. You will not want to give away what it is, of course, but giving hints builds interest. Many readers become angry at a "spoiler," or a critique that gives away the best moment of the movie, so do not forget to cleverly conceal this with your writing.
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8
Close up your review by giving your opinion. Readers want to hear not only what you think, but why, so remember to give reasons why you think the movie is great/terrible.
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9
Leave the reader either loving or loathing the movie with a key line. Your closing is just as important as your beginning, so make sure it's interesting!
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep it short. If anyone wanted to read a two-page review, they would just go see the movie instead.
Develop different types of critique writing. By writing for different types of media, you build on your skills as a critic.
Don't let your emotions get ahead of you. While viewers like to read another person's opinion, they mostly want to know why. Giving an emotional review disassociates you from the reader.
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Resources
- Photo Credit movie scene image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com
