Child Psychology

Movie Review Guidelines

Watch the movie

The first step in writing the review is to watch the movie. Watching the movie a second time will help you absorb a lot more detail about the movie. Most movie reviewers take notes as they watch the movie review.

Give your opinion

Most movie reviewers will give their opinion of the movie. This is important as the reviewer can express the elements of the movie they enjoyed or disliked. However, as in all good journalism, the reviewer should also give impartial details, and allow the reader to make their 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.

Many regular movie reviewers will develop a following. If one can find a reviewer who shares a similar taste in films, one can confidently follow the reviewer's recommendations.

Give an outline

Give the outline of the movie, 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.

Actors

If the movie contains actors, as most do, detail who is starring in the movie and how well you think they acted.

Structure

Did the movie follow a regular predictable story line, or did it get you thinking like a Quentin Tarantino movie?

Cinematography and lighting

Give details about how well the movie was shot and directed. Was the lighting good in the moody scenes?

Music

Did the movie have its own score like Koyaanisqatsi or ET, or did it feature songs from popular artists?

How to write the review?

Paragraph 1

You will need to include the following: name of the film, prominent stars of the film, basic setting (time and place), and type of film (comedy, adventure, drama, etc.)

Paragraph 2

You will need to write a plot summary for the movie. Do not reveal the ending. Discuss at least 5 events and be sure to cover the entire scope of the movie, except the very end.

Paragraph 3

Discuss one aspect of filmmaking. You may choose from acting, direction, editing, and costume design, set design, photography, background music, or anything