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by Staff Writer
Movie reviews are a great way to determine the importance of a film, its impact on viewers and whether or not it is worth a watch. Moreover, millions of people depend on movie reviews to give them a good idea of what to expect when they see a film. Since people spend money and time to see movies, they want to have a clear idea of what they're spending their money on before they arrive at the theater or purchase a DVD. Many people also learn how to review a movie as a way to expand their participation in this entertainment and to connect with other film enthusiasts. Writing good reviews is crucial to both the public and the film industry.
Familiarize yourself with the movie before you begin watching it. You'll want to know beforehand if you'll be seeing a fast-paced action flick or a more down-to-earth drama. Read the summary that was written for promotion or watch movie trailers to prepare for what you are about to see. Since some movies are based on books, some reviewers like to be familiar with those as well.
Watch the movie. When you go to see a movie you intend to review, enter with an open mind but also reflect on any advertisements or official statements from the studio. If the advertisements were misleading in any way, you will want to note this in your review. Concentrate on the development of the plot, interaction of characters, use of camera and special effects and overall ability of the film to keep your interest.
After the credits have rolled, begin to formulate your thoughts. What is the overall feeling you are left with? How was the acting? Was the soundtrack appropriate? Did the cinematography blow you away or was it just mediocre? If you review a comedy, you want to make sure to state whether or not the film was actually funny, and to what degree.
Think about the movie and whether or not it lived up to, or surpassed, your expectations. Standards for judging a film vary depending on genre and the goals of the producers. Some movies are meant to be emotionally effective, thought provoking, frightening or merely beautiful to look at. The best films are usually satisfying on several different levels, while poor ones fail to meet standards set by other films in the genre. Sometimes a film may excel in some areas and fail at others, combining poor acting with an interesting plot, for example. Your opinion will affect the actions of others, so try to be honest about the positive and negative aspects of the film.
Begin your review with one sentence that sums up the film. You want to come up with a line that draws the viewer in without giving anything away. Most reviews begin with a short synopsis of the film that doesn't give away any surprises.
State who made and stars in the film, the good and bad aspects of the film and any extra notes. You may want to compare the movie to the book, prequels or other films in the genre.
State whether or not you enjoyed the film and your rate of recommendation. Some reviewers assign grades, numbers or stars for quick reference in print. Remember that your movie review recommends a personal opinion and that your readers might have a different point of view. If you feel the film might be targeted at a different gender or age group, say so. Also remember to note anything that people might find offensive or inappropriate, so the audience will know what to expect.
Close with a powerful one-liner that leaves the reader either wanting to watch the film immediately or advises them it's one they can miss.
Discuss the film with others who saw it to get a better understanding of the overall piece and to find out if you all had similar reactions. Talking it over can give you good material to include in the review.
