Writing a Film Review

The purpose of a review is to convince people how they should be spending their valuable time and hard-earned money. Your words hold the power to make or break the public’s decision on whether or not to see a film this Friday night. While you watch today’s film clip, take diligent notes on everything you see and hear. Then, after the clip, construct a simple outline on your blog that follows the format below. Because this is an outline, you do not have to write in complete sentences; you may list, or write in fragments. The objective of this activity is to give you a feel for what the bare bones of a movie review would look like. If you choose to review a film for your personal review, this will serve as a good example for you to follow. :)

Part One: Introduction

• Overall impression of film
• Movie title, director, main actors
• Any other important/unusual information we should know about the film

Part Two: Plot/events summary

• Describe enough of the plot to get the reader interested
• Never reveal the ending!

Part Three: Best/worst

• Your opinion of the acting and directing
• How did the main actors portray their roles? Strengths? Weaknesses?
• Give both good and bad points. Be specific!

Part Four: Conclusion

• How did the film techniques (camera angles, special effects) and music succeed/fail at setting the scene/atmosphere/mood?
• Final thoughts: To whom would you recommend this? What age/type of person would enjoy this film?