• 4-minute read
• 4th October 2018

5 Tips on How to Write a Film Review

Fancy yourself as the next Roger Ebert? Then go to the cinema, check out the latest blockbuster, and let the world know what you think! But what exactly goes into a film review? Check out our guide for some tips.

1. Watch the Film and Take Notes

When we say that you should watch the film you’re planning to review, we mean you need to really watch it. No popcorn. No whispering to friends. Just eyes on the screen.

Concentrating is important if you want to take everything in. You should also take notes of thoughts you have so that you can use them later. Do this on paper, though; no illuminated screens, please!

2. Think About Your Audience

Who you are writing for will influence how you write. In particular, you need to think about how much your audience already knows about cinema.

For example, saying that a scene ‘evokes memories of Eisenstein’s approach to montage, manipulating the viewer by juxtaposing images of hope and fear’ would be fine if you were writing for an audience familiar with cinematic history and theory (e.g. film students).

But such remarks may be lost on a general audience, who might just want to know whether it’s worth catching the new Mission Impossible at the cinema. As such, you should tailor your writing style and the focus of your review to what the audience will most likely want.

3. Look at the Whole Film

A film works on multiple levels, all of which should factor into your review. These typically include:

• Story – How does the film tells its story? Are the characters believable? Is the ending satisfying? Does it feel too long or short at all?
• Acting – Think about the actors. Do they suit the roles? Do any performances stand out? Does it feature a big star or any upcoming talents?
• Technical qualities – Think about how good the film looks and sounds. This may including the direction, visual design, costumes, sound, music, and any visual or special effects used.

This isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy watching, too! But it is important to look at the film’s strengths and weaknesses and use this in your review. If possible, watch the film once as a regular ‘viewer’ and again to focus on the details.

4. Back Up Your Opinions

Letting your reader know whether you liked a film is, of course, a big part of reviewing it. You can even use a score or star rating, offering a simple summary of your overall opinion.

But you also need to explain why you like or dislike the film you’re reviewing. Is it the story? The performances? You can even refer to particular scenes in the film to explain yourself. However…

5. Be Careful About Spoilers

Following on from the last point, if you mention particular scenes or details from a film, try not to give away story spoilers. Obviously, though, this is more important for new films than old classics. And if you’re writing an in-depth critique, you will almost certainly enter spoiler territory. This is fine.

Nevertheless, if you do mention anything that could spoil the story for new viewers, make sure to highlight it in your text before you give it away! Your reader can then decide whether to read on.

Summary: How to Write a Film Review

Key tips when writing a film review include the following:

• Watch the film carefully (more than once if possible) and take notes
• Tailor your writing style and the focus of your review to your audience
• Look at every aspect of the film and justify your opinions
• Try to avoid spoilers, especially for new releases

And if you need help proofreading your reviews, we’re here to help!