How to write a film
review
A guide
Writing a film review is a great way of
expressing your opinion of a film.
The purpose of most film reviews is:
• to help the reader in determining whether
they want to watch
• rent or buy the film.
Maro Neophytou
Guidelines and tips for writing a
good film review:
The review should give
• enough details about the film that the
reader can make
• an informed decision, without giving
anyway any essentials such as the plot or
any surprises.
1. Watch the film
• Watch the film in a relaxed environment
you are familiar with.
• You do not want to be distracted by an
unfamiliar room.
• Watching the film a second time will help
you absorb a lot more detail about the
film.
• Most film reviewers take notes as they
watch the film review.
2. Give your opinion
• This is important as the reviewer can express
the elements of the film they enjoyed or disliked.
• Give impartial details. Allow the reader to
make his/her own mind over an issue the reader
liked or disliked. Opinions should be explained
to allow the reader to determine whether they
would agree with your opinion.
3. Who is your audience?
• Consider who your likely readers are.
Writing a film review for children requires
a different approach than if writing for a
film club. Ensure you report on the
factors that matter to your likely audience.
4. Give an outline
• Give the outline of the film, but don't give
away essential details such as the end or
any surprises. If there is a big surprise
you want to entice readers by telling them
something special happens, just don't say
what.
5. Actors
• If the film contains actors, as most do,
detail who is starring in the film and how
well you think they acted.
Ask yourself the following:
• 1. Does the film keep your attention? (This
is where the plot comes in.)
• 2. Give your opinion about the acting. Was
it good or bad?
• 3. How was the action or special effects?
• 4. Would you see the film again?
A Film Review
• The kind of film
• The plot
• The characters
• Photography
• Direction
• Soundtrack
Impact on: you personally, other people,
young people.
Recommendations based on : film critics,
awards/participation in film festivals
Useful vocabulary on Film Reviews
Hilarious, touching, overdone, superb,
disturbing, well-portrayed, low-key,
shrouded, sequel, hinted, core,
blockbuster, convey, suspense, vaunted,
emotionally-charged, disjointed, dull,
clichéd, avant-garde, shallow, thoughtprovoking, ponderous, lapsing, overstudied.
Example review
As far as the plot is concerned it is rather
uninspired and clichéd. The directing on the
other hand is superb and is almost enough on
its own to make the viewing experience
worthwhile. As regards the acting the
performances are powerful and often hilarious.
The photography is rather disappointing but the
music combining blues and jazz is inspired.
Paradoxically ,the sound effects and the quality
of the sound are disappointingly third-rate,
which is a great pity.