movie review speech outline

Movie Review Outline

Last March 4, 2018, the 90th Academy Awards was held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Big names and personalities from all over Hollywood came to pay their respects and tribute to the nominees that were selected by the Academy for being the best at their craft. But what makes a best picture? What particular criteria would make for a best director? How is the best actor or actress chosen?

• Entertainment News Outline Examples
• Famous Movie Marketing Examples

The Academy is made up of at least a panel of judges who have their own personal opinion on which motion picture truly deserves to win. It is almost very impossible that a mainstream movie would be nominated for the Best Picture. But just in case it gets nominated however, it will only be limited to the other categories such as Best Cinematography or Best Sound Mixing (Star Wars: The Last Jedi). There are roughly 5800 members of the Academy of Motion Pictures that help decide on what movie truly deserves to win an Oscar. You may also see essay outline .

All movies released by Hollywood undergo screening as to whether it does not only meet their criteria for a great and worthwhile movie, but as to whether that movie was able to deliver a strong message to the public. Now, you may not part of the Academy, but that does not mean that you cannot voice out your opinion about what you feel about the movie. Although movie reviews are often very subjective, keep in mind that your comments about the film are also there to make room for improvement on whatever aspect you think needs improving; be it in the cinematography part, the acting, or perhaps the sloppy story per se. You may also see free outline .

Film Review Outline

Although there is no right or wrong format in writing a movie review, it is always to best present it in such a way that all the thoughts are neat and organized that will provide the readers a very smooth transition of your review. You may also see topic outline .

I. Introduction.

A. Describe a scene, incident, or dialogue from the film.  When writing a movie review about a certain motion picture, do not start directly with your opinion or criticism on the film, but instead begin by recalling a certain part of the movie that you find the most intriguing, something that you cannot forget so easily and start talking about it. You may also see program outline .

B. Remind the reader of the last film by this director or lead actor.  If this movie was the director’s first ever solo movie (Jordan Peele on his movie Get Out ), then you can try proceeding to the movies that the lead actor or actress has starred on. If that was also a first for the lead actor, then try connecting the film with a current event or situation. You may also see speech outline .

C. Or connect the film with some current event.  Although this is not normally seen in movie reviews, it is still very much applicable especially when you are unable to do the previous option. In Get Out, the film may still address racism, but it is not done in a traditional way. The kind of racism this film addresses is a little more subtle– a type  that is more covert and not so obvious. You may also see script outline .

This particular racism is possibly the reason why you have to watch the tone you speak while talking to police to not sound treating and wind up in the obituaries. Jordan Peele was a true genius when he not only directed, but also produced and wrote “Get Out” layering the film with symbolism and satire that mirrors the current black experience. You may also see biography outline .

II. Thought Organization

1. Description/summary.  You have already given a scene that was able to intrigue you. Now that is done and over with, it is time that you provided the audience a detailed version of the movie itself. Not necessarily scene per scene, but present it in a way that all the important points of the movie are covered and accounted for. You may also see content outline .

2. Analysis (Literary, Dramatic, and Cinematic).  After giving a detailed synopsis about the motion picture, you then proceed to the analysis stage wherein you begin to break down the technical and physical aspects of the film that have either impressed you, or completely failed you, or you feel like that it could be worked on and eventually improved. As mentioned before, it can range from the cinematography, the story, the color grading, the music, the story, the acting, the special effects. Whatever you aspect you feel like needs recognition, put it there. You may also see leadership outline .

3. Evaluation (Was the film entertaining or not? Why?).  Once you finished your analysis, provide your final evaluation of the film as to whether you have enjoyed it or not. If you have enjoyed it, provide a reason why. If not, provide a reason why. Provide justice to the film. You may also see tentative outline .

4. Conclusion.  Start strong and end strong to any form of literature that you are going to write.

Film Review Outline Example

Studying Your Source Material

1. Gather basic facts about the movie. Be it before or after the movie, you should learn to gather the important details of the movie such as:

• The title of the film, and the year it came out.
• The director’s name.
• The names of the lead actors.

2. Take notes on the movie as you watch it. That’s like a job of a journalist or something. But if you are really serious about reviewing a specific movie, grab a notepad or even your laptop. You may also see chapter outline example .

• Write whatever aspect you think stands out in a positive or negative way. Think about how this detail relates to the rest of the movie and what it means in the context of your review.
• Take note of patterns you begin to notice as the movie unfolds.
• Don’t be afraid to hit the pause button once in a while. Rewind if you need to.

Documentary Movie Review Outline

• Direction. How do you think the director wanted his or her story to be told? If there are some specific gaps that were not answered in the movie or it was just plain slow, you can ask the director about it. At the same time, do a comparison to the movies that were directed by the same person and identify which you liked better. You may also see research paper outline .
• Cinematography. What techniques were used to film the movie? What setting and background elements helped to create a certain tone?
• Writing. Script writing is the heart of every good story, which also includes the dialogues and the character’s personality. Did you think the plot was interestingly unique, or was it too cliche and boring?
• Editing. Another important aspect in making movie magic are the people behind the computer making the magic. The transition of the scenes, the kind of cuts they use, the color grading, the sound or special effects used, the computer-generated image (CGI). All these are very important to make a movie be as realistic and creative as possible. You may also see training outline .
• Costume design. Do the costumes fit the scene or the action sequence that he or she is playing? In the world of cinema and film, you need to have an eye for fashion especially when you want to make the icon more memorable. Take the costume of Wonder Woman or Indiana Jones.You may also see book outline .
• Set design. Consider how the setting of the film influenced its other elements. Did it add or subtract from the experience for you? If the movie was filmed in a real place, was this location well-chosen?
• Score or soundtrack. Indiana Jones. Star Wars. The Extra Terrestrial (E.T.). All composed by the man and the legend, John Williams. He does not choose any song willy-nilly. He takes the time to conduct an in-depth analysis of each scene in order to determine what specific mood must be set for that particular sequence in order to achieve maximum effect, especially among the audience. You may also see thesis outline .

4. Watch it one more time . It’s impossible to fully understand a movie you’ve only seen one time, especially if you’re pausing it often to take notes. Take the time to review it once more completely, without any disturbances and look back on the things that you’ve written as to whether they are correct or not. You may also see APA outline .

Performance Review Outline

Reviewing your Movie Review

Edit your review. Once you’ve finished the first draft, read it through and decide whether it flows well and has the right structure. At this stage, you may need to shift around paragraphs or even delete the unnecessary parts in order to have the correct flow of ideas and thoughts. Give your review at least one editorial pass, before you consider it to be editorially sound. You may also see rough outline .

• Proofread your review.  In proofreading your movie review, make sure that you are able to get all the details right, the scenes, the names, every single detail, so that it can be considered an accurate portrayal of the movie. You may also see presentation outline .
• Publish or share your review.  You might want to consider publishing your review online or on the newspapers. In doing so, this will accomplish two things: people who would have wanted to make their review about that particular movie, but was unable to do so now have the means of sharing what they think through your words, or allow yourself to be open to feedback from other “film critics” to engage in an intellectual discourse about the film. You may also see course outline .

AI Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

• 1-800-611-FILM

How to Write a Movie Review: 10 Essential Tips

As long as there have been films, there have been film critics. Starting with the early days of cinema, where reviews appeared in newspapers and magazines as brief, descriptive pieces, as filmmaking evolved as an art form, so did the role of the critic. James Agee, André Bazin, and Pauline Kael shaped the discourse around cinema, and today, famous film critics like the iconic Roger Ebert , The New York Times’s A.O. Scott , and The New York Times’s Manohla Dargis continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

With the rise of the internet, film criticism now encompasses a wide range of voices and perspectives from around the globe. Sites like Letterboxd make it possible for anyone to write short-form reviews on film. Even stars like The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri have accounts and share opinions on the latest box-office hits.

How to Write a Movie Review

Today, contemporary YouTube and TikTok critics such as Red Letter Media , deepfocuslens , and DoMo Draper don’t just write film reviews, they shoot videos and skits. Through their creative formats, they offer refreshing and unique perspectives while building communities of diehard film and television enthusiasts. Whether you choose to write reviews for your own blog, other websites, or social media channels, by learning how to write a movie review, any aspiring filmmaker can start to watch films intentionally. 

@domodraperr Replying to @xsindeviltriggerx I’ll get right on that, Sir!🫡 #comments #movies #film #satire #fyp #mulan #disney ♬ I’ll Make a Man Out of You (feat. Black Gryph0n) – Cover – Samuel Kim

TikTok film critic “DoMo Draper” provides commentary on new and old films, often calling out racism, social injustice, misogyny, and prejudice.

While there’s no perfect approach to writing a review, there are best practices that every aspiring reviewer should consider.

Here are ten tips on writing a compelling piece.

1. Watch the film at least once.

For new reviewers, it’s impossible to capture everything after one viewing. Watching the film first, then watching to take notes, is an easy way to improve the quality of your final review. This will also make it easy to recall in-the-moment thoughts and reactions.

Take a review by Christian Blauvelt of Charlie Chaplin’s silent film The Circus , for example. Since the film does not have sound, properly critiquing the film requires close attention. Viewers have to pay attention to the various nuances in Chaplin’s performance, follow the story, and take in the cinematography. Regarding The Circus , Blauvelt writes, “The film lacks a conventional plot, but is rather a pearl necklace of strung-together episodes. ” The statement isn’t a criticism, but a keen observation likely gleaned from more than one viewing. 

So while every film reviewer has their own approach, many choose to watch a film more than once to deliver the best possible review. Image The Criterion Collection.

2. Express your opinions and support your criticism.

Professional reviewers do not shy away from sharing whether they thought a movie was good, bad, or indifferent. In a review for the film Mother!, reviewer Candice Frederick describes the film as “uncomfortable,” and “controversial,” helping viewers understand the tone of the movie. While Frederick seemed to enjoy the film, her honesty about how it would make audiences feel was vital in writing the review.

Be sure to back up these thoughts with specifics–a disappointing performance, beautiful cinematography, difficult material that leaves you thinking, and so on. Professional reviewers should express why and how they came to their criticism.

3. Consider your audience.

Are you writing for a fan site or a news outlet? Who will read your pieces, and what are their interests? Knowing who your readers are and where the review will be published can help you decide what elements of the movie to highlight. For example, take these two very different reviews for the film ‘Synecdoche, New York’.  

The first review was written by Alonso Duralde for The Today Show , and clocks in at around 500 words. The film focuses on the bullet points: characters, plot, and a concise review. The second review is over 3,000 words and published on the Critical Critics blog . This review goes into massive depth (and yes, includes spoilers) about the film, providing an incredible amount of analysis. The first review is tailored for the casual filmgoer, while the second is for cinephiles. Each review serves a different purpose.

It’s also a good idea to adjust your writing style to fit the target audience. For example, Alonso Duralde is a talented film reviewer and likely wrote the review to fit the tone of The Today Show site. Image via Director’s Library.

4. Talk about the acting.

When reviewing a film, it’s important to take space to discuss the performances. Does the film feature a seasoned actor in a new kind of role or a brilliant performance from a rising star? How was the acting? In a review by Brett Milam for the award-winning film Whiplash , he goes into rich detail about performances by both breakthrough actor Miles Teller and seasoned professional JK Simmons.

Regarding Teller, Milam writes, “This is a performance. This is art,” and about Simmons, “I found him fascinating to just look at.” Those are just small examples of the analysis he provides regarding their acting. As the film mostly focuses on the relationship between their two characters, Miles as the protagonist and JK as the antagonist, the review of the performances lends well to the plot of the film: student and teacher going head to head in an intense and determined showdown. 

Feedback about how well the actors handled the script, the dynamics in an ensemble, and so much more can help describe how the actors did in any given film.

5. Call out directors, cinematographers, and special effects.

Reviews that include highlights or missteps of directors, cinematographers, and costume designers can help provide support to your critiques. By providing specific examples of what worked, what surprised you, and what fell short of expectations, reviewers can write a well-thought-out review that goes beyond whether or not you liked it.

In a review for A Wrinkle in Time , Monique Jones artfully crafts a piece that diplomatically cites the missteps of the film. From analyzing the quality of the CGI to the camera techniques to inconsistencies in the rules of the fantasy universe, Jones fairly offers a critique that guides the filmmakers and crew on future endeavors. To write this type of review, it helps to have some knowledge of the filmmaking process so you can properly assess the screenwriting, cinematography, special effects, acting, and more. Image via Disney.

6. No spoilers!

The point of writing a movie review is to get people interested in seeing a movie. That’s why it’s absolutely best practice to not reveal spoilers in a film review. Film reviewer Robert Daniels approaches this creatively. In his review of Annihilation , he provides commentary on what would be considered spoilers. However, he places that part of the review at the bottom of the article under a bold header/image that warns the reader he’s about to spoil the film. For reviewers who want to dissect the entire film, this is a good way to both tease the film for anyone who hasn’t seen it and cater to people who want to know what the ending is.

Remember: the goal of any film review is to discuss the plot without revealing any twists or the ending of the film. 

7. Study the professionals.

As with all writing endeavors, the more you read, the better. However, with the modern landscape of film reviewing, which can go beyond writing and extend to content creation for social media platforms, there are a ton of reviewers to take notes from. First, determine what kind of reviewer you want to be, and what kind of medium you plan to deliver your reviews on. If you plan to post to Medium, for example, studying the reviewers already established on the site can be a great starting point.

Then, read film reviews for some of your favorite films. Determine which style of review you like and don’t like. Question why, and use your critical eye to consider why one reviewer has a hundred thousand followers and another only has two. If you’re looking to be featured on a website or a magazine, read the publications where you’d like your writing to appear as a template for your reviews, and don’t forget to read the submission guidelines. A few examples of film review professionals include Rotten Tomatoes , Roger Ebert , and Film Comment. 

8. Reread, rewrite, and edit.

While writing film critique is based on opinion, and follows the style of the reviewer, it’s still important to edit work. Writers should check for spelling, grammar, and readability. No matter how good a writer’s opinions are, they will not be taken seriously if the director’s name isn’t spelled correctly. Tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can be great for correcting and finding areas that need improvement. 

9. Find your voice.

The best reviewers have a distinct personality that comes across in their writing. Los Angeles Times film reviewer Carlos Aguilar wrote an impassioned piece about the film Beatriz at Dinner , going into a lot of detail about his experiences working in the film industry and his Mexican heritage. By sharing anecdotes about casual racism he’s experienced and connecting it to the film’s protagonist, and what she goes through, the review feels personal and relatable.

“If at a film festival – to which I’ve gotten access to because I’m a published writer – in a progressive city like Los Angeles, I must keep my guard up when people question my right to be there, then how are the voiceless supposed to feel safe, respected, or hopeful?” Aguilar writes. 

For new reviewers, developing this type of unique voice does not happen overnight, so take every opportunity to write as an opportunity to develop your style. Image via BBC.

10. Know your taste.

As a film reviewer, it can be helpful to identify your taste in film. By knowing specific preferences, strengths, and biases, reviewers can offer nuanced critiques that resonate with audiences and provide valuable guidance on which films they might enjoy. Additionally, it helps to maintain credibility and integrity as a reviewer by ensuring that assessments are authentic and reflective of personal cinematic sensibilities.

Try to explore various genres, directors, and themes to understand what resonates emotionally, intellectually, and aesthetically. Pay attention to the types of stories that engage you, which can help define your preferences.

Learn More About Filmmaking at NYFA

Film students with writing experience actually make great reviewers, as many of them are required to study a range of topics relating to film that can include cinematography, screenwriting, producing, and much more. Ready to build even more skills in filmmaking? Request more information about New York Film Academy’s filmmaking programs and workshops today!

Quick Guide on How to Write a Movie Review Essay

What Is a Movie Review

The internet has revolutionized the realm of film criticism. No matter a movie's level of quality, it is always worth analyzing. Despite the growing number of individuals attempting to write about movies, few are successful. Most people do not provide insightful analysis, instead simply state how much they liked or disliked the film.

A movie criticism, usually composed by a professional in film studies, takes a comprehensive look at the film from a historical, social, political, or theoretical standpoint. This is unlike the opinion or suggestion given in a movie review, which is shorter and more concise.

A remarkable aspect of a good film review is that it doesn't just rate the movie but provides explicit views that form the critique's basis. This form of writing, like crafting essays, research papers, and term papers, should be insightful and draw the reader in quickly. It's important to discuss the reputation of the lead actors and directors and to write about what you expected and if they were met. The reviewer must explain a story's development without recalling major plot points and endings. The review must be concise, engaging, and should involve metaphors, specific words, analogies, etc.

Movie Review Purpose

Most film reviews are intended to guide readers in deciding whether to view, rent, or purchase the film. They should provide the necessary information to aid readers in deciding without divulging any fundamental details, such as the storyline or any surprises. This paper is common in schools because the lecturer wants to evaluate the student's ability to think critically and report the event easily for others to understand.

Movie reviews typically present a brief summary of the film's storyline. They provide readers with an overview of the characters, relationships, and scenarios but do not convey the complete narrative. Perusing the review should be different from seeing the movie. Nonetheless, feel free to highlight the essential moments or pivotal points that make the film worthwhile viewing.

Our college essay writing service has put together some advice on composing a movie review essay like a real critic, so let's explore the article further!

How to Write a Movie Review: Movie Review Outline

The structure is key when it comes to the quality of your paper. Don't neglect the power of a good outline, no matter what paper you're writing. Outlines help you stay on track and make sure your paper flows well.

Taking the time to arrange your ideas before starting to write is an effective way to save time further down the line. With a well-structured plan already in place, you won't have to worry about other elements. This will also make the writing process less stressful. Here is a guide on how to organize your movie review outline:

How Do You Start a Movie Review Essay: Introduction

The introductory paragraph is the first obvious step in crafting a movie review essay outline. Here, you want to quickly captivate the reader. Deliver your viewpoint instantly and make it unambiguous. Don't leave the audience wondering whether you enjoyed the film. Tell them right off the bat so you have time to justify your assessment throughout the remainder of the process.

In the introduction movie review should also describe your thesis. Develop the main concept for your essay that you can support using your perceptions of the movie's various aspects. The reader should be able to tell from this statement if you thought the film was fantastic, awful, or simply alright. By including a thesis statement, you may move your analysis beyond the plot synopsis phase into the movie critique category, which is considered a separate creative process.

Crafting Your Essay Movie Review Analysis

According to our research paper service , film analysis is similar to building a case. You're attempting to influence the reader to follow your recommendation to watch or disregard the film. So, you must ensure your essay movie review will be convincing. Giving instances that demonstrate the validity of your personal opinion is the only method to do this. If you find any dialogue in the movie that you think best exemplifies whether the work is strong or not, utilize quotes. This also applies to all of the movie's artistic decisions. But, just because a movie's narrative isn't strong or engaging doesn't indicate the rest of the film is worthless. Carefully highlight how some factors might undermine the movie in your explanation.

The movie's plot is only one component and shouldn't dominate the overall piece. The following are the important aspects to include in your movie review structure:

Cinematography - Cinematography covers much more than simply camera angles. It includes how the picture is lit, how it moves, appears, and what lenses are used. Here you can try the following analysis: 'Warm, gentle colors are used throughout the film, combined with soothing whites and grays, to simultaneously create and gradually tear away the characters' romantic sentiments for one another. There is a painting-like quality to each image.'

Editing - The editing is arguably the absolute star of what creates a good movie review example. It affects both the duration and the flow of a movie. Without effective editing, there would be uncomfortable gaps between pictures and many errors.

Costuming - The clothing the characters wear is called a costume, but there are a number of things to consider while evaluating movie costumes. You should be able to decide if the outfits suit the characters and the movie's atmosphere.

Casting and Acting - Finding the ideal performers to bring characters to life is the goal of casting. This sometimes entails seeing performers portray both familiar personas and figures who are entirely at odds with who they are. Casting, therefore, involves more than just finding talented performers. You can assess the acting in the following way: 'Even though he excels while on the go, his stoic behaviorism causes him to fall short of his co-star during calm scenes where he keeps a blank look on his face.'

Once you have finished analyzing the acting, directing, cinematography, setting, etc., wrap up with concise, stimulating wording to sustain readers' attention. Don't forget to provide a few examples to support your statements about the film.

Concluding Your Essay Movie Review

Finalize your review by coming full circle. Close the review by returning to your introductory fact or thesis. Give your readers a refresher on the movie's most intriguing aspects. It's important to remember that before choosing a movie, viewers check reviews. Finish with a statement indicating whether it is worthwhile for them to view. Be specific about who this movie will be more fascinating to and why in your suggestions. Remember that your ending is your last shot at influencing your audience, so use it wisely.

No matter the kind of movie review you have to complete, our professional specialists are willing to help you. Directly forward your needs to our research paper service and get it done quickly.

Need Help With MOVIE REVIEW WRITING?

No matter what type of movie review you want, our qualified specialists are ready to assist you.

Short Movie Review Form

If you are currently working on a new or old movie review, reading our suggestions should be sufficient to help you earn an A. So what if you'll be writing many reviews in the future? In this situation, we advise you to develop a uniform movie review template, which will enable you to save time and complete your upcoming projects successfully.

So, how to write a movie review template, you may ask? Well, our essay helper prepared a simple yet great movie review template you may use as a foundation for your own writing if you need some help getting started:

Example Papers

Once you know how to review a movie and learn the most valuable tips to handle this assignment, it is time to look at some movie review examples to get you on the right track.

Check out the following pieces to see which of these movie review essay examples you might want to keep at hand when working on your own assignment:

Helpful Tips on Writing Movie Reviews

Here are some extra helpful tips to keep in mind when unsure how to write a movie review essay:

• Add Your Own Personal Feel to Your Movie Critique - You might not have much spare time for your pastime of reviewing. You won't be able to write a movie review, though, if you just wing it without reading what others have said. Make a note of the things that intrigued you, alarmed you, made you uncomfortable, or caused you to pause and consider something, and then use that list as the basis for your research.
• Develop a Distinctive Writing Style - Have an idol—it's good for you. You must be careful not to just paraphrase and duplicate what they say without adding your own original viewpoint. Instead, in order to stand out from the throng, you must discover your own voice. When writing movie reviews, you should also have a distinct writing style.
• Include Extensive Information -Mention the film's photographer, special effects designer, and director. Your review might be significantly impacted by this. Then you may list all the memorable movie moments that also stuck with you.
• Voice Your Views and Back Up Your Criticism - Give your own assessment of the film. Make sure you have evidence to support your criticisms. Use the movie's details that most shocked or humiliated you. Review genuine information rather than merely expressing your opinions without supporting details.

Final Thoughts

Composing a good movie review essay sample is easy if you follow this article's main steps and techniques. Furthermore, we strongly believe that this guide will assist you in achieving remarkable outcomes and ease your writing process. The staff at EssayPro is always available to provide a helping hand if you need a little additional push with movie review examples or even if it's simply coming up with a catchy essay title .

Order an essay and await excellent results! Contact our expert writers and ask them to ' write my essay for me ' – and they will ensure your academic success!

Do You Require a Skilled Professional Writer?

Our writers take extra measures to make sure that your essay is created precisely in accordance with your specifications.

FAQs on Writing an Essay Movie Review

Here are the most frequently asked questions on how to write a movie review. We provided extra details on movie analysis to simplify writing film reviews.

What are the 6 Important Things to Include in a Film Review?

How long should a movie review be, what are the 5 c's in film, related articles.

How to Write a Movie Review

Writing a Film Review

Movies have become a cultural mainstay of our society. Not only are they art and entertainment, but they have also become a way for people to bond and make connections. Finding someone who has a similar taste in movies can create new friendships and start interesting conversations. That's why understanding how to analyze a movie and write movie reviews is such a useful skill. 

Do you need to know how to write a movie review for college? Or how to write a movie critique? Or maybe just how to do a movie review? In this article, you will learn how to write a movie review step by step, as well as get an in-depth guide into each section of a movie review.

What is a Movie Review?

A film review essay is more than just a plot summary followed by a recommendation. A movie review analyzes different elements of a movie and mixes personal opinion with objective analysis. The goal of the movie review is to tell the reader about the details of a movie while giving them enough information to decide for themselves whether it's worth watching or not. Of course, a good movie review also has to be interesting and engaging! 

How to Write a Good Movie Review

More than most other pieces of writing, there are a lot of steps to take before actually getting into writing a movie review. But don't worry though, most of these steps are pretty fun and if you follow them, you will know how to review movies. 

Watch the film! 

It goes without saying that you need to watch a movie before you write a review for it, so, before you do anything else, watch the movie at least once. Don't worry about trying to pick up specific details on your first watch, just enjoy the movie and get a general impression of whether you liked it or not and what you liked or disliked. Ideally, you should watch the movie at least two times. On your second and third viewings, pay attention to movie review criteria like cinematography, acting, dialogue, character development, deeper meanings, etc. Read some film review examples to get a sense of the things they talk about.

Pause the movie on your second and third viewings and take notes on things that stand out to you. Don't be afraid to take as many notes as you want, after all these notes are just for you.  You might not use all the notes you have taken, but they will help you compose the main part of your body paragraphs.

Express your opinions

Once you have watched the movie a few times and taken notes, make a list of the strongest opinions you have about the movie. If you think that the quality of acting was one of the best parts of the movie, use your notes to come up with specific examples. You should have between 3 and 5 key opinions that you will elaborate on when writing a film review along with examples to back up your claims.

Think about your audience

The language you use is going to change based on who you are writing the movie review for. If it is an assignment for school or university, then you may have to use more technical language.  If you're writing an article for a website or personal blog, then think about who the audience is and use language appropriate for them. Keep in mind that your audience also depends on the genre of the movie you are critiquing. A movie review for a serious period drama will have a different audience than a buddy cop comedy and therefore different language. Look at a movie review sample from different genres to get an idea of the type of language to use. 

Research the actors

Having big movie stars associated with a film is often one of the main selling points of a movie.  If an actor is critically acclaimed, it’s especially important to mention the awards they have won as this is often a sign of the overall quality of the movie. It's also possible that you didn't like the movie overall, but one of your favorite actors was in it so you enjoyed the movie and another fan might enjoy it too. 

Do background research

An easy way to make a movie review interesting is to search for interesting details about the making of the movie. It may be worth mentioning if it was shot in a particularly beautiful place or a unique location, or if the special effects were practical rather than CGI. Include interesting casting decisions or other actors that were considered for a particular role. Think about what information could be interesting to someone who might want to watch the movie and include those details. Go over some movie critique examples to get inspiration. 

Research the professionals

People can be fans not just of the actors, but of directors, writers, cinematographers, costume designers, and many other elements of filmmaking. Many directors are auteurs, which means they have a very particular visual style or storytelling method. How much time you spend on this section is dependent on your audience. If you're writing for social media or a blog for general people, then this might not be interesting to most. But if you're writing for film school or for a specific audience interested in filmmaking, then this section will need to be more elaborate. Look at a film review example written for different audiences to understand the differences. 

Draft an outline

Now that you've done all the required research, it's time to come up with a review outline. An outline is always useful when doing any piece of writing because it gives you a  chance to visualize the structure and plan how you want to incorporate information. This is the general film review format.

Introduction

• Brief summary of the film
• Discuss plot, tone, characters
• Discuss creative and technical elements
• Your opinions

Conclusion 

Come up with a catchy title.

Almost more than any other piece of writing, a movie review’s title needs to be engaging. A title like ”film review of (name of the movie) might be to the point, but isn't going to stand out. A good title should grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more. A few ways you can do this is by talking about a specific actor or director, or by using one of the main plot points of the movie. For example, “A Romantic Comedy for the Unromantic”,  or “Chris Pratt Plays Against Type in the Best Possible Way”. Look at the titles of some movie review examples for inspiration!

Write your review

It's finally time to get to the actual writing! The next part of this article talks in-depth about each section of a film review. 

People aren't going to take a review seriously if you have spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. If it's an assignment for school, then you’re going to lose marks because of mistakes like that. Make sure you reread your paper a few times and check for typos and other silly mistakes.  Read the paper out loud once or twice to get an idea of if it has a good flow. Don't be afraid to move sections around if you think it helps you build a stronger case.

Struggling with the Film Review?

Get your assignments done by real pros. Save your precious time and boost your marks with ease.

How to Write a Film Review

Do you want a ‘how to write a movie review’ template? Let's go over the specific parts of a film review and what to include in each one.

Your first sentence needs to capture the reader's attention. You can do this by stating an interesting fact about the movie, starting off by expressing your opinion of whether it's good or bad, mentioning some of the important actors, comparing it to other movies in the genre or to real-world events, whatever it is, make sure it's catchy!

Next, give background information about the movie. This includes things like the title, release date, studio, important cast members, director, budget, etc. Make sure to highlight any achievements of the movie, for example, if it was nominated for any awards. The same goes for the director as well as important members of the cast. This shouldn't just be a dry stating of facts, rather this should be a collection of interesting information about the background of the movie. 

Finally, end your introduction paragraph with your thesis. In the case of a film review, your thesis is essentially what you thought about the film. Without giving away too much, express your overall impression of the movie noting particular things that you thought stood out or were weak.

Summary of the story

The trick to writing the summary of the story is giving readers an idea of what to expect without giving away any important plot points or spoilers. The goal of this section isn't to explain the plot of the movie, It's to make sure that people have a basic understanding of the story so that the rest of the review can make sense. Describe the setting of the movie, which includes the main locations and time period. Introduce the main characters (including the name of the actor in parentheses after the name of their character). And go over the general storyline. 

Plot elements

This is when you start explaining what you thought about the movie. Start with an analysis of the plot itself. Did it have a rising action that builds suspense? Was the climax a good payoff? What were your overall impressions of the movie? How did it make you feel? What do you think the purpose of the movie was and did the director succeed in their goal? 

This is also the section where you get to talk about the different characters in the movie. Why did you enjoy certain characters? Were some characters better developed than others? Could some characters have benefited from more development? Was the villain particularly interesting? 

Think about the overall mood of the movie, did it change over time? How did the tones and symbols of the movie emphasize elements of the plot? Remember that any point you make in this section has to be backed up by examples. So if you say that there are several plot holes that make the movie complicated to understand, mention the specific scenes.

Creative elements

There are a lot of technical and creative elements in a movie that can stand out even if the overall plot and story weren’t the best. On the other hand, even a great story can be spoiled by bad dialogue or set design. These are some of the creative elements you should pay attention to especially when rewatching the movie and taking notes.

Dialogue : This can refer to the overall writing of the movie as well. If you can get your hands on a script then read it! When thinking about dialogue ask yourself, did the conversation between characters seem natural and flow easily? Or did it seem choppy and unnatural? 

Cinematography : Cinematography refers to the camera effects and the choices of how to film a certain scene. The lighting, the choice of camera angles, essentially the unique perspective of the story as told through the camera. 

Editing : Editing refers to the transition between different scenes as well as how well the movie flows together. This could include things like clever montages, longshots, different perspectives, etc.  

Costumes : Some movies, especially historical movies, fantasy films, and science fiction films, depend heavily on costume design. Costumes are an integral part of making a character stand out or making the world seem more real.

Set Design : Set design refers to the backgrounds of scenes. Some sets might be more elaborate whereas others can be minimalistic. Each choice has its pros and cons and effective set design creates proper ambiance, setting the tone and mood for a scene or the movie.

Music and Sound : Sometimes the movie has a great soundtrack or just incredible sound effects that help make it stand out.

Stunts : More important for action movies, but in general stunts and action sequences can be a major selling point for a film.

Special Effects : Most movies rely on some amount of special effects, and whether it be CGI, or practical, or a combination of the two, the quality is important.

Once you have analyzed multiple different elements of the story from its plot, characterization, and other technical and creative elements, you can state your opinions and provide evidence for them. Make sure you refer to specific scenes or specific situations when looking for substantiating evidence. Remember that the goal of a movie review is not to just state whether you liked or disliked a movie, it is to analyze it in an objective way, and give information so that somebody else can decide whether they want to watch the movie or not.

In the conclusion you express your main opinion of the movie along with the most important pieces of evidence. You can talk about the purpose of the movie and whether the director was successful in showing that purpose. End with a recommendation of whether the movie should be watched or not, along with suggestions of movies that are similar to it.

Did you like our Film Review Guide?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay editing services!

Mistakes to avoid

You now know how to write a review on a movie but let's take a look at some mistakes that you should be careful to avoid.

Not focusing on the film

It's easy to start writing about things like the historical events the movie you loved is based on or the importance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe overall rather than focus on the movie itself.  While those elements can be interesting to include as background information, the point of a film review is to go over a particular movie so that is what you should spend the most time on.

Not providing evidence 

A common mistake people make when they write movie reviews is to state their opinions without any objective analysis. An easy way to overcome this mistake is to make sure that you provide evidence for any claims that you make.

Spoilers are an easy way to make sure that people will be upset with your movie review. It is common to accidentally give away too much, especially when writing the plot summary. Find the line between giving enough information so that people understand the general story and revealing important plot twists and turning points. Read some sample movie reviews for examples of how to avoid spoilers.

Using personal pronouns

Statements like “I did not like the special effects” or “I did not like the pacing of the movie” are clearly expressions of opinion. It is better to make statements like “the special effects in certain action scenes were cartoonish and took away from the realism of the film”. 

A movie review essay can be incredibly fun to write, especially if you have a strong opinion about the movie. But keep in mind that a movie review isn't just about your opinion, it has to include an objective analysis with claims backed up by evidence from specific scenes. It's difficult to have a movie review definition, but a great movie review is a blend between personal opinion and objective analysis. It informs the reader about the strengths and weaknesses of the movie while letting them make the decision whether they want to watch it or not. 

If you found your way to this article because you were looking for help on how to write a movie review for college, then you're in the perfect place. If you need any help, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Studyfy. At Studyfy, we offer a wide range of custom writing services, coursework writing services, and essay writer service . Our team of experienced writers is well-equipped to handle any writing task you may have, no matter the complexity or urgency. Just say, " write a paper for me ," and we will ensure that you receive a high-quality custom essay that meets all your requirements. Trust us to provide you with the best coursework writing services and custom essay writing that will help you achieve your academic goals.

Featured Posts

How to write a scholarship essay.

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Write‌ ‌an‌ ‌Argumentative‌ ‌Essay

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

How to Write an Expository Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay

How to Write a Reflective Essay

How To Write A Movie Review

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Write a Movie Review - Steps and Examples

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Sep 7, 2021

It has become a trend to post your thoughts about a movie on public pages, social media platforms, review sites, blogs, etc.

Not only that, students in high school or college are also assigned to write a movie review in their academic life to test their review writing skills.

It’s easy if you have good observational and good analytical skills. Otherwise, it can become a bit of a headache.

You can learn how to write a movie review with the tips and examples provided in this step-by-step guide.

On this Page

What is the Main Purpose of Movie Reviews?

The chief purpose of writing film reviews is to provide information regarding the movie and its ideas to the readers.

In doing that, students often make a common mistake of elaborating all the events that occurred in a particular movie. They state personal opinions about the movie.

Where such a review permits writers to express their personal opinions regarding some documentary or film, these reviews require an objective and unbiased approach as well. Know that an ideal review combines both elements.

Your review deliberates why someone should watch the movie or not. Make sure to write your review by considering that no one has ever watched that particular film or documentary before. This helps a lot in analyzing events that have occurred on the screen.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

The summary of the movie needs to be detailed enough to deliver assistance for the reader while making a true and honest decision.

How to Write a Good Movie Review?

It is always difficult to start writing any paper. If you are staring at a blank screen unable to come up with ideas, go through the steps given below to write a film review:

Let us discuss these steps in detail.

1. Watch the Movie Twice

It may sound obvious, but most of the students ignore it and simply copy-paste content posted by professional reviewers. It does not make a good impression, and more importantly, if you get caught with plagiarized content, you will have to face severe consequences.

You don't want that, do you?

So, watch the documentary or film twice and don't forget to take notes of minor and major characters and events.

If you rely too much on your memory, then you might forget or overlook something.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

Never start to write a movie review without conducting thorough research. A good reviewer not only watches the film but also gathers data relevant to it.

Search for the details like the name of the filmmaker, his motivation behind the movie, plot, location, historical events, and characterization, etc. See the intended target audience of the movie.

In short, the purpose of your research should be to gather information that delivers more depth and details to the review.

3. Analyze the Movie

Never ever start writing a review if you don’t even understand the movie and its concept. It is essential that you evaluate it from start to finish. Watch it again and again if you think it’s necessary or if certain elements are unclear. You can only make the writing process easier if you understand the events and the plot summary of the movie.

4. Outline Matters

Make sure you create an outline cohesively and concisely, comprising elements to follow while writing a movie review.

5. Include Examples

Add examples, along with the claims you make regarding the movie. If you think the plot of the film has some holes, then state an example of a scene or situation when that was apparent.

Moreover, if the bad casting or poor development of the characters affected the quality of the movie, name such examples as well. Mention examples while commenting on locations, plot, or any other film criticism.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

If you want to persuade your readers to agree with you, try to back your claims with evidence. Make sure your readers get the perception that you are objective while reviewing.

Never make it obvious that your personal feelings are involved while praising or criticizing the movie. It lowers the efficiency of the review.

6. Comment on the Quality of Scenes

Discuss what makes this movie stand out. Or simply that it uses similar strategies which worked for earlier works in the film industry. For this, it is a good idea to read reviews given by other authors.

What is the Proper Way to Organize a Movie Review?

Organizing information before getting started is the best way of saving time. Never undervalue the significance of a well-structured outline, as it helps focus on the subject and participate in a logical flow.

This way, instead of figuring out what to include, you will have an organized and logical plan to follow.

“What is a movie review format?”

Here's how you need to organize the review of a particular movie:

• Introduction
• Summary of the movie
• Analysis of the elements of the plot
• Creative elements (mood, symbols, tone, camera techniques, costumes, dialogues, characters, use of colors, etc.)
• Opinion (with evidence)

Elements of a Movie Review

Following are some important elements that you must incorporate into your review.

The title of the film/documentary

Just because your headline includes the name of the documentary or movie, it does not mean that it can be skipped in the text.

Make sure you always mention the name of the movie in the introductory part of your review. It may sound logical and obvious, but most of the students repeatedly make this mistake.

The main point of your review is to summarize the movie or documentary for those people who haven't yet watched the movie.

Know that as a reviewer, you need to discuss what exactly happened in the movie and state whether the moviemaker succeeded or failed in doing his job.

Research on a Filmmaker

Conduct research on who directed the movie. Find out if a person is a controversial figure, known for a political stance, and whether he/she has an interesting background, etc.

Write a paragraph on the people behind the creation of the movie and what they did to create this particular movie.

MOVIE REVIEW EXAMPLE

Mistakes to Avoid While Writing a Movie Review

• Do not forget the film you are writing a review about. Sounds obvious, right? But most of the students get off the train while discussing some historical event regarding film and start writing about that event specifically.
• Make sure you do not get off the train while writing your review. It will be considered irrelevant information.
• Avoid using personal nouns, over and over, such as “I like this, I dislike this, it bothered me, I do not think this should be done that way, etc.”
• Do not fail to check facts regarding the background, casting, director, release date, etc. of the movie.
• Do not give your opinion without stating any reason why you think that particular way.
• Do not write a review without following a structure.
• Do not write generalizations like cool effects, great acting, a bad movie, or it was a good movie, etc.
• Do not write a review without analysis or substance of the feature.

A movie review is all about the symmetry of personal opinion and unbiased reports. If you’re still finding it difficult to write, there’s nothing to worry about.

5StarEssays.com is here to help you with all of your academic papers. Get in touch with our expert “ write an essay ” service and avail exceptional essay writing services at affordable rates.

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• How to Write A Bio – Professional Tips and Examples

• Learn How to Write an Article Review with Examples

• How to Write a Poem Step-by-Step Like a Pro

• How To Write Poetry - 7 Fundamentals and Tips

• Know About Appendix Writing With the Help of Examples

• List of Social Issues Faced By the World

• How To Write A Case Study - Easy Guide

• Learn How to Avoid Plagiarism in 7 Simple Steps

• Writing Guide of Visual Analysis Essay for Beginners

• Learn How to Write a Personal Essay by Experts

• Character Analysis - A Step By Step Guide

• Obesity Essay: A Complete Guide and Topics

• Thematic Statement: Writing Tips and Examples

• Expert Guide on How to Write a Summary

• How to Write an Opinion Essay - Structure, Topics & Examples

• How to Write a Synopsis - Easy Steps and Format Guide

• Learn How To Write An Editorial By Experts

• How to Get Better at Math - Easy Tips and Tricks

• Creative Writing - Easy Tips For Beginners

• Types of Plagiarism Every Student Should Know

People Also Read

• narrative essay examples
• learn how to write descriptive essay
• thematic statement
• annotated bibliography topics
• writing an analytical essay

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

• Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

• Writing Style
• How to write …
• Analysis of Speech
• Storytelling
• Career Development

How to Write a Film Review: Preparation, Steps, Examples

• by Anastasiya Yakubovska
• 06.10.2022 25.09.2023
• How to write ...

How to write a film review (true, professional, and comprehensive) and not be limited to the phrase “What a great movie!”? In this article, you will find answers to the next questions:

• How long is a movie review? 
• How many paragraphs does a movie review have? 
• Features of the Film Review 
• What is the main purpose of a film review? 
• Functions of the Movie Review 
• How to Write a Film Review: Preparation for Writing 
• 10 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Start Writing a Movie Review 
• How to Write and Structure a Film Review: Step by Step 

What Is a Film Review?

A film review is a critical judgment or discussion that informs about the release of a new film and contains its analysis, assessment, summary, as well as personal impressions and experiences after watching.

How long is a movie review?

On average, the length of a film review is about 1000 words.

How many paragraphs does a movie review have?

It is recommended that the film review should consist of 5-7 paragraphs.

Read also article “How to Write a Book Review: Step by Step and Examples”.

Features of the Film Review

A film review is a persuasive piece of writing, it has some features as:

• A less formal style of writing. 
• You need to write objectively about the film. 
• But, on the other hand, movie reviews contain personal thoughts and feelings. 
• The film review’s audience is wider and more diverse. 

Movie reviews can be written by two groups of reviewers: professional critics and ordinary consumers. Therefore, the text of the review will differ. In the first case, when the reviewer is a professional critic, he will describe the movie instead of evaluating it. While consumer critics mostly write from a personal perspective. 

What is the main purpose of a film review?

The main purpose of a film review is to inform readers about the film (what can expect from it) and to help them determine if they want to watch the movie. 

Functions of the Movie Review

The film review performs several functions at once: it informs, analyzes, persuades, and entertains. If you can include all of these points in your review, then you will have an excellent result in the end. 

How to Write a Film Review: Preparation for Writing

Writing a review is, of course, a creative process, but you should not forget about the analytical approach to creating a convincing and high-quality text. You must take the work responsibly, which we will do now.

To write a professional film review, you first need to complete the following preparation steps:

• Of course, the first step is to find a film, if it has not been previously chosen by the manager/client/boss. There will be more chances to write a good review if the film was liked by both – film critics and you personally.
• Watch the movie at least 2-3 times. After the first viewing, you will get a general impression of the picture, and try to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the film. Pay attention to the details the next time you watch it: the sound, the actor’s play, the editing, the plot. 
• If you have difficulty understanding the events covered in the film (for example, historical), be sure to find additional information and research the topic.
• If after two viewings you still do not have a final assessment of the film in the form of a brief thesis, watch the film again. You can look at other works of the director who worked on this film, this will help you determine his characteristic style. Also, as an option, you can look at the game of actors in other films (for comparison).
• When watching a movie, take notes: key scenes, interesting plot twists, inconsistencies, details, and quotes. Then, based on them, you can build a review text, and a good quote can become an excellent epigraph.
• Find information about the filming: location, duration, season, details about the filming process, difficulties the production team faced, casting, etc. Such information will make the review more attractive to readers.
• If the film is nominated for awards and prizes, please include this information in your film review. For a potential viewer, such an assessment of the film will be a weighty argument in the direction of -> compulsory viewing.

10 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Start Writing a Movie Review

• Does the film split into multiple parts? A sequel, prequel, or one of the movie series? 
• What is the film genre (action, comedy, historical, drama, fantasy, Western, political, thriller, gangster, horror, tragicomedy, romance, sports, mystery, science fiction)? Is the movie based on real or fictional events?
• Did the screenplay writer create an exciting plot?
• Is the rhythm of the film slow and quiet, heavy and static, or chaotic and frantic?
• What is the film’s rating according to the MPAA? ( G – General Audiences. All ages admitted. PG – Parental Guidance Suggested. PG-13 – Parents Strongly Cautioned. R – Restricted. Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian. NC-17 – Adults Only.) 
• Are there any films with a similar/same theme? Sometimes it is worth mentioning some of them in a review, as a comparison.
• How can you characterize the work of a cinematographer? How accurately are the most expressive compositional, lighting solutions, as well as camera angles, selected and embodied?
• Is the film entertaining or covers a serious themes?
• Was the casting successful? Did all the actors cope with their roles?
• Is the atmosphere of the film tense, mysterious, sinister, relaxed, or romantic?

The answers to all of the above questions will help you understand how to write a film review, and above all, create a draft version of your future review. But, of course, this is not enough for the final result.

How to Write and Structure a Film Review: Step by Step

Writing a film review is a long and complicated process. Therefore, it is better to break it down into stages and move step by step. This will help you not to get lost and not get confused in the details.

• The catchy introduction.

The introductory part of the review should contain important information about the film: title, director, release date, and genre. 

You can mention nominations and awards, as well as indicate the box office (if the numbers are impressive) and the cast. 

In addition to “technical” aspects and a simple presentation of the plot, it is necessary to express your impression of the film in the form of a thesis, for example, to tell:

• about the connection of the film’s central idea with current events and social problems;
• about the similarity of the film’s plot with a personal life situation, personal experience, and feelings;
• about the connection of technical elements (lighting, sound, editing) with the theme of the film.

2. Pass the verdict.

Do not torment the reader and express your opinion about the film in the first paragraphs of the review.

You should not leave all the most interesting “for later”. If you decide to give a final assessment of the film at the end of the review, what are the chances that the reader will read to this end?

3. Write a summary of the plot.

Choose 4-5 main events.

Avoid the film’s ending and spoilers. Keep the intrigue. If you want to spoil and share an unusual story development, warn the reader about this.

4. Bring the feelings.

In addition to presenting the plot of the film, you should add emotions to the text of the review and show what you felt while watching it.

5. Define the main purpose of the movie. 

Perhaps the film’s purpose is hidden in its plot. Or maybe the film does not pretend to solve global problems at all. Perhaps the film is entertaining, and this is its advantage – it is relaxed and simple.

Sometimes the main idea of a serious and deep film can be found in an interview with a film crew, a screenwriter, or a director.

6. Add some details of the filmmaking process. 

It is important to know the measure and not to overdo it with the terminology. Here’s what you can write about:

• Cinematography: visual mood, lighting elements, shot sizes and widths, camera angles, etc. 
• Sound. The main goal is to create the necessary atmosphere in the film. Sound in movies includes music, dialogue, sound effects, ambient noise, background noise, and soundtracks. 
• Editing is the creation of a finished motion picture from many shot scenes. A film editor must creatively work with the layers of images, story, dialogue, music, pacing, as well as the actors’ performances to effectively “re-imagine” and even rewrite the film to craft a cohesive whole.
• Mise-en-scène (from French – placement on the stage) is the mutual arrangement of the actors and their environment on the set, natural or pavilion. Mise-en-scene includes landscapes, visual effects, the psychological state of the characters, etc.

7. The deep meaning.

You may be able to spot specific symbolic items, repetitive moments, or key phrases that give depth to the film.

8. Give examples.

It is not enough to say “ an excellent game of actors ”. Explain what exactly caught your attention (appearance, facial expressions, costumes, or movements of the actor). 

9. A convincing conclusion.

Write about the moments in the film that made the biggest impression on you. Share a recommendation. To whom and why do you advise to watch this movie?

10. Reread the review text several times .

Edit, and correct mistakes that can spoil the impression even from a professionally written film review.

Examples of Film Reviews

To consolidate the received information, let’s move from theory to practice. Below are two examples of film reviews.

Apocalypse Now

Review by Roger Ebert

Francis Ford Coppola’s film “Apocalypse Now” was inspired by Heart of Darkness, a novel by Joseph Conrad about a European named Kurtz who penetrated to the farthest reaches of the Congo and established himself like a god. A boat sets out to find him, and on the journey the narrator gradually loses confidence in orderly civilization; he is oppressed by the great weight of the jungle all around him, a pitiless Darwinian testing ground in which each living thing tries every day not to be eaten.

What is found at the end of the journey is not Kurtz so much as what Kurtz found: that all of our days and ways are a fragile structure perched uneasily atop the hungry jaws of nature that will thoughtlessly devour us. A happy life is a daily reprieve from this knowledge.

A week ago I was in Calcutta, where I saw mile upon square mile of squatter camps in which hundreds of thousands live generation after generation in leaky huts of plastic, cardboard and scrap metal, in poverty so absolute it is impossible to see any hope of escape. I do not mean to equate the misery of those hopeless people with a movie; that would be indecent. But I was deeply shaken by what I saw, and realized how precious and precarious is a happy life. And in such a mood I watched “Apocalypse Now” and came to the scene where Col. Kurtz (Marlon Brando) tells Capt. Willard (Martin Sheen) about “the horror.”

Kurtz is a decorated hero, one of the best soldiers in the Army, who has created a jungle sanctuary upriver inside enemy territory, and rules Montagnard tribesmen as his private army. He tells Willard about a day when his Special Forces men inoculated the children of a village against polio: “This old man came running after us and he was crying, he couldn’t see. We went back there, and they had come and hacked off every inoculated arm. There they were in a pile, a pile of little arms. . . .”

What Kurtz learned is that the Viet Cong were willing to go to greater lengths to win: “Then I realized they were stronger than we. They have the strength, the strength to do that. If I had 10 divisions of those men, then our troubles here would be over very quickly. You have to have men who are moral and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling, without passion, without judgment.” This is the “horror” that Kurtz has found, and it threatens to envelop Willard, too.

The whole movie is a journey toward Willard’s understanding of how Kurtz, one of the Army’s best soldiers, penetrated the reality of war to such a depth that he could not look any longer without madness and despair.

The film has one of the most haunting endings in cinema, a poetic evocation of what Kurtz has discovered, and what we hope not to discover for ourselves. The river journey creates enormous anticipation about Kurtz, and Brando fulfills it. When the film was released in 1979, his casting was criticized and his enormous paycheck of $1 million was much discussed, but it’s clear he was the correct choice, not only because of his stature as an icon, but because of his voice, which enters the film from darkness or half-light, repeating the words of T.S. Eliot’s despairing “The Hollow Men.” That voice sets the final tone of the film.

Film review: example

Diana biopic Spencer wobbles between the bold and the bad

By Nicholas Barber

You may feel that you’ve had enough of Princess Diana’s story on the big and small screens, what with Naomi Watts taking the role in Oliver Hirschbiegel’s awful Diana in 2013, and then Emma Corrin playing her in the most recent season of The Crown, with the mantel set to be passed in Elizabeth Debicki in the next run. But, to give it its due, Pablo Larraín’s Spencer marks the only time the People’s Princess has been shown delivering a lecture on Anne Boleyn to an old coat that she has just stolen off a scarecrow, and then having a chat with the ghost of Boleyn herself shortly afterwards. The Chilean director doesn’t go in for conventional biopics, as anyone who has seen Jackie (starring Natalie Portman) or Neruda will know. And here again he has gone for a surreal portrait of his iconic subject. The snag is that his experimental art house spirit keeps bumping up against the naffness and the familiarity of British films set in stately homes, so his psychodrama ends up being both ground-breaking and rib-tickling.

It’s set over three days in 1991, from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, at Sandringham House in Norfolk. The rest of the Royal Family has arrived for their holiday in a fleet of chauffeur-driven cars, but Diana (Kristen Stewart) rocks up on her own in a Porsche convertible, having taken a detour to visit the aforementioned scarecrow: her dilapidated childhood home, from the days when she was Lady Diana Spencer, is a field or two away from Sandringham. Her late arrival concerns the sympathetic head chef (Sean Harris) and bothers the Scottish army veteran (Timothy Spall) who has the job of ensuring that everything goes the way the Queen wants it to. Her Majesty’s insufferable Christmas traditions include weighing all the guests when they arrive and when they leave to ensure that they’ve been sufficiently gluttonous. But Diana is in no mood for festive japes. Her Christmas present from Charles (Jack Farthing) – a necklace with pearls the size of golf balls – is identical to the one he has given his mistress. And the whisper in the servants’ quarters is that the Princess is “cracking up”. The filmmakers apparently agree.

Steering away from the same territory as The Crown, Larraín and Knight don’t fill the film with awkward meals and heated arguments (although there are one of each of those). Prince Charles does some grumbling, but the Queen has hardly any lines and Prince Philip has none: they are closer to menacing waxworks than people. For most of the time, Diana is either talking to her young sons, her trusted personal dresser (Sally Hawkins) or to herself. It’s interesting, this lack of dramatic conflict and discernible plot, but it can leave the film seeming as listless and purposeless as Larraín’s Diana herself. Her favourite occupation is to wander around the estate until she finds something that has an ominous symbolic connection to her, and then make an unconvincing speech about it. Ah, pheasants! So beautiful, yet bred to be killed!

Stewart is such inspired casting that she makes all this eccentric nonsense watchable. She’s been practising Diana’s signature moves for years – dipped head, hunched shoulders – and she certainly knows what it’s like to put up with intrusive tabloid photographers. She also looks suitably fabulous in the many outfits that Diana is required to wear over the long weekend. And unlike Watts’s performance in 2013, hers doesn’t seem distractingly like an impersonation. Mind you, she delivers all her lines in little bursts of hissing whispers, so if you don’t see it with English subtitles, as its first audiences did at the Venice Film Festival, you might not understand more than half of what she says.

The effect is a bit odd, but there are lots of odd things in the film, not least the tone and the pacing, which lurch around like someone who’s had too much after-dinner port. Between Jonny Greenwood’s squalling jazz soundtrack, the hallucinations, and the blush-making sexual confessions, Spencer is a folly that wobbles between the bold and the bad, the disturbingly gothic and the just plain silly. In some scenes, it’s heart-rending in its depiction of Diana’s self-harm and bulimia. In others, it’s almost as risible as the Diana biopic from 2013, and that’s saying something. I didn’t know any more about Diana afterwards than I did beforehand, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. This is a film that echoes The Shining at the start and 2001: A Space Odyssey at the end. The Crown Christmas Special it ain’t.

Sources of information: 

• “The Film Analysis Handbook” by Thomas Caldwell. 
• https://payforwriting.com/writing/creating-review/how-to-write-movie-review
• www.mtsu.edu
• www.sciencedirect.com/science
• Image:   freepik.com
• Poster from the film Apocalypse Now

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 5

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

How to Write a Movie Review in 7 Steps

Table of contents

• 1 What Is a Review of a Movie?
• 2 Before You Start a Movie Review
• 3.1 Content
• 4.0.1 Introduction
• 4.0.2 Plot Summary
• 4.0.3 Analysis and Critique
• 4.0.4 Personal Opinion
• 4.0.5 Conclusion
• 5.1 Hook the reader
• 5.2 Portray a unique angle
• 5.3 Mention directors, cinematographers, and special effects
• 5.4 Add personal insights
• 5.5 Conclusive thoughts
• 5.6 Take a look as a pro-filmmaker
• 5.7 Adapt to your audience
• 6 Movie Review Examples
• 7 Mastering the Art of Movie Reviews: Final Thoughts

Crafting a nuanced movie review can be both an exhilarating and formidable challenge. For those grappling with the complexities of this art, rest assured ─ there’s a solution that transcends mere assistance. Enter the blog of the PapersOwl service for individuals seeking expert guidance. Our team of writers boasts extensive experience developing academic texts, ensuring that your movie reviews reflect sophistication.

Recognizing the pivotal role of movie review essays in fostering these discussions, we aim to empower you with valuable insights on how to write a movie review.

• The purpose of a good movie review;
• Main components and features of movie review;
• A step-by-step guide to writing an expert movie review.

Let’s dive into the details and unlock the secrets to movie review writing like a pro.

What Is a Review of a Movie?

A movie review essay is a thoughtful and critical analysis of a film, aiming to provide readers with insights into various aspects of the cinematic experience. It goes beyond merely recounting the plot, delving into the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, and overall impact.

When you write a film review, you encourage critical thinking and contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the diverse world of cinema. Beyond narrating the storyline, it analyzes elements like direction, acting, cinematography, and screenplay, aiming to capture the essence of the cinematic experience.

Before You Start a Movie Review

Before embarking on your movie review journey, immerse yourself in the film’s intricacies. We advise you to watch it at least once, ideally twice, to truly appreciate its depth. Indeed, multiple viewings unveil subtle details, providing a nuanced understanding of cinematic nuances. During these screenings, strategically take notes, focusing not only on plot intricacies, character nuances, and directorial choices but also on the impact of the musical score.

Moreover, extend your preparation beyond viewing. Research the movie and gather background information about the film, its director, cast, and production. This step adds depth to your review, allowing you to contextualize your observations and enrich your analysis. By combining thoughtful viewing with thorough research, you set the stage for a movie review that reflects your insights and contributes meaningfully to the broader cinematic conversation.

What Are the Main Components of a Movie Review?

When delving into the art of movie reviewing, a well-structured approach enhances the impact of your film analysis essay. Here’s a breakdown of key elements of a movie review outline to consider, ensuring your review is valuable and reader-friendly.

• Main Subject: Cover the central themes and messages conveyed by the film.
• Characters and Setting: Contextualize the film by exploring characters, their relationships, and the setting.
• Plot Analysis: Dive into the plot intricacies, discussing its strengths, weaknesses, and central message.

Evaluate the formal and aesthetic film aspects, including sound mixing, cinematography, script, lighting, costume/make-up, and editing. Articulate your thoughts on these components to write a good film review, providing an analysis of how they contribute to the overall cinematic experience.

By meticulously incorporating these elements into your reviews of movies, you not only provide a comprehensive analysis but also offer readers valuable insights into the film’s nuances. This structured and informative approach ensures that your review is expertly crafted and a valuable resource for those seeking a nuanced understanding of the cinematic work.

Structuring Your Review

Before writing a movie review, it’s recommended to share the notes and impressions you gathered during your viewing experience to present a concise, informative, and meaningful overview. Thus, you can highlight aspects you appreciated and structure your essay notes , providing reasons and examples. Equally, address elements that fell short and illustrate your points.

Introduction

In the opening passage, begin your review with an engaging text, revealing vital details like the movie’s title, director, and genre. This initial step must offer readers a tantalizing glimpse into the cinematic realm they are about to explore.

Plot Summary

Moving on to the plot summary, skillfully avoid spoilers in your student movie review format. Remember that the movie review structure guides readers through key narrative points, ensuring a comprehensive overview that intrigues without divulging critical plot twists.

Analysis and Critique

Next, delve into the film’s core components in your movie review essay. Here, you should evaluate acting performances, directing choices, cinematography, script quality, pacing, and the soundtrack. Thus, you can write a film critique that explores its strengths and weaknesses.

Personal Opinion

Transitioning to your personal opinion, share your interpretation and emotional response to the movie. For example, inject a unique perspective that forges a connection with readers. Additionally, you can write a review on a movie and how the film resonated with you, adding a personal touch to your review.

To conclude your professional movie reviews, summarize key thoughts and deliver a final evaluation. Here, you can reinforce your overall perspective and recommendation, leaving readers with a clear understanding of your stance. Indeed, a well-crafted conclusion ensures your review resonates as a valuable and comprehensive critique. Besides, utilize transition words for enhanced readability and fluidity throughout your review.

Top 7 Writing Tips for an Effective Review

Here are essential tips to ensure you write about movies reviews that are captivating for your readers:

Hook the reader

Write a movie report with an intriguing opening that instantly captivates readers. Create curiosity that will immediately hook the audience through a compelling quote, vivid imagery, or an enticing narrative snippet.

Portray a unique angle

Set your review apart when writing a film review by embracing a distinctive angle or perspective. Explore facets of the film that have yet to be extensively discussed. Thus, uncover hidden layers, unique themes, or overlooked details to give readers fresh insights, making your movie critique stand out in the cinematic discourse.

Mention directors, cinematographers, and special effects

To write a review essay on a movie, incorporate vital behind-the-scenes contributors into your review, including directors, cinematographers, and special effects teams. This way, you acknowledge their roles in shaping the film’s visual allure and narrative impact, underscoring their significance in translating the cinematic vision into a captivating reality.

Add personal insights

Analyzing what makes a good movie review, you should connect the film to broader themes or personal experiences, enhancing reader engagement. Draw parallels to universal concepts to deepen the emotional resonance, making the narrative more relatable and impactful.

Conclusive thoughts

End your film review writing with a potent summary based on movie review criteria, encapsulating your overall opinion. Provide a decisive recommendation, leaving readers with a compelling takeaway that solidifies your stance on the film description.

Take a look as a pro-filmmaker

Assess the film through the eyes of a professional filmmaker to write a film analysis professionally, exploring the five Cs of cinematography: composition, camera movement, cutting, close-ups, and continuity. Consequently, analyze how these elements contribute to the film’s visual narrative, enriching your critique with an expert perspective.

Adapt to your audience

Customize your language and style to resonate with your audience, whether casual moviegoers or cinema aficionados. Write a good movie review and tailor your tone for accessibility, ensuring your review is engaging and relevant to your intended readership.

Movie Review Examples

Elevate your understanding of how to critique a movie by immersing yourself in the well-crafted reviews found in the arts and entertainment sections of esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Rolling Stone . These outlets house reviews composed by movie review writers renowned for their expertise.

Pay attention to the masterful use of language, the depth of analysis, and the delicate balance between objectivity and subjectivity. Additionally, it examines how critics seamlessly weave personal insights into a broader cultural context in writing movie reviews, enhancing the richness of their assessments.

Mastering the Art of Movie Reviews: Final Thoughts

Today, we explored the intricacies of crafting compelling critiques. Assume a captivating introduction, delve into the essential elements of the review, and conclude with impactful insights to write a film review essay. Importantly, balance active and passive voice for academic writing prowess. Embrace these insights to elevate critical review of movies, captivate readers with your nuanced and expertly crafted analyses, and write an essay for you !

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

How to Write a Movie Review like a Pro

In this guide, you will learn how to write a review of a film to demonstrate the best of your critical abilities and to develop a deeper understanding of a movie.

The movie production industry offers society a reflection of itself and its problems, provides a distraction from reality, and tries to entertain the viewer. Whatever the primary aims of the creators, there is always a need to assess the quality of a movie to decide whether it is a worthy addition to the history of cinema. A movie review, serving as such an assessment tool, is a form of academic activity designed to illustrate and assess the quality of themes and topics present in a piece of visual art.

How to Start a Movie Review

Acquaint yourself with background information.

Before watching the movie, it would be beneficial to gather some background information and learn more about the author, director, release date, the piece of literature on which the film was based, or other such details. These will add to your contextual awareness in which the film was created and allow you to garner further understanding of the director’s style and individual trends in his work. Since a review requires you to be critical, there is a need for your opinions to be based on knowledge and understanding of the broader background.

Watch the film multiple times

Unlike a normal filmgoer, you are tasked with writing a review, which requires you to form almost a professional opinion. Therefore, in addition to the first viewing, where you are free to experience the movie from the standpoint of an ordinary audience representative, you also need to demonstrate another level of perception. During the second viewing, you need to distance yourself from the overall experience and focus on details that draw your particular attention. You can make notes to use later in your writing. The items that you need to observe specifically are formal techniques of movie production and topics touched on during the film. The former includes cinematography, lighting, camerawork, acting, choice of actors, soundtracks, narration, mise-en-scene, and other issues. Thematic elements are usually intertwined with the plot, or may be discreetly mentioned in the dialogues, and typically relate to issues of gender, race and freedom.

Develop a central thesis

After the second or third viewing, revisit your notes and the knowledge you gained before watching, consider relevant technical or ideological sides, and form a general idea or argument on which you will base your review paper. If you experience difficulty with defining a central point, you may need to view certain scenes or parts of the movie again to ensure you have understood every aspect you consider meaningful. You should resist the temptation to search for other professional critic reviews as this may influence your own thought processes and result in copying ideas. The review needs to be original, even if it may or may not reflect the opinion of other people.

Writing a Movie Review

Like any other essay, a movie review needs to be well-structured to guide the reader and enable them to understand your point of view. Therefore, it has to contain an introduction, body, and conclusion. While you may be asked, or decide, to focus on a particular element, the coherency of the paragraph and good flow always need to be present in this type of work. Depending on the required length, you will need several well-developed paragraphs that support your thesis and lead to a logical conclusion.

• Introduction In the introduction section, you may present the background of the film, including the name of the movie, year, director, main actors, or other specifics. In this part, you need to state the key thesis and present to the reader your arguments, addressing whether the film is successful or contains some critical flaws, and what led you to this conclusion. Usually, this argument is placed at the end of the introduction, although in case your essay is lengthy, you might also want to prepare your reader and acquaint him or her with its structure. It is also important to provide a succinct but informative title that informs the reader of the nature of your critique.
• A brief summary of the plot . It might be the case that readers have not watched the film prior to reading your review, which requires you to include a short recap of what happens in the movie. However, one needs to be concise and avoid mentioning particular plot twists or the ending so as not to spoil the readers’ future judgment of the film.
• Personal viewing experience . You may briefly describe the feelings that you had or ideas that the film inspired after you watched the movie for the first time. This will enable the reader to note what, in particular, stands out in the film, as well as raise awareness of its core negative or positive features. However, it would be impractical to extend this description into a full-length paragraph, as the main purpose of a review is examination and appraisal.
• Analysis and evaluation. This is the core part of the review paper and should occupy several well-developed paragraphs. Here, you need to assess the aspects of the film pertaining to formal cinematic techniques and themes in order to defend your thesis. Depending on what you have noted while watching the film for the second or third time, you may focus on just a few elements or review the movie as a whole, including what the goal of the film is, how well this is addressed, and how the movie utilizes formal techniques in the process. You need to demonstrate a depth of understanding and analysis to present a thorough basis for your central argument. Supporting claims with examples and comparisons from movie classics is also good academic practice.
• Conclusion In this section, you need to restate your thesis and main arguments, especially if they are lengthy and complicated, to ensure your purpose is clear to the reader. It might also be useful to incorporate a broader topic or a final idea as something for the reader to contemplate. Some topics that are touched on in the movie may be too broad to summarize, and you may mention how a movie succeeds in the task of addressing and developing its theme in the context of its length and presentation techniques.

Proofreading a Movie Review

An important element of any writing process is proofreading. This will ensure that there are no writing mechanics or narration logic violations present in the final paper. Also, do not be discouraged from rewriting some parts or changing arguments that appear to be weak. As long as it benefits the quality of the review, changing content is always warranted. However, last minute changes are generally considered poor practice (Corrigan 122). Therefore, it is important to finish and revise the work well before the submission deadline if possible.

General advice

• To navigate the writing process and assist idea articulation, one may utilize outlining and consecutive argument building prior to writing. Such a practice will help revisit your ideas and aid any changes that are needed.
• If in your argumentation you use something from external sources, make sure the ideas and words are accurately cited to avoid any accusations of plagiarism.
• Start working on your review early to enable you to watch the movie several times, outline, draft, and finalize the review paper.
• Remember to focus on a crucial aspect of writing and employ critical thinking phrases such as “a particular strength of … is in…”, “the main inconsistency in … is …” or other useful collocations.
• Keep in mind the fact that you should identify the film’s purpose and uncover what the author wanted to say by his or her creation. Critiques need to touch on the subject and assess how well the author has presented his or her idea.

Using this guideline should clarify the procedure of writing a movie review. Firstly, appropriate preparation and several viewings of the movie are needed in order to form ideas for the review paper. Secondly, one needs to structure, outline, and draft the paper to ensure clarity of narration and argumentation. Arguments should all be supported with evidence from the film under review and complemented with examples and comparisons, if possible. The final step is to proofread and expand or shorten sections where needed.

Corrigan, Timothy. A Short Guide to Writing about Film . 9th ed., Longman, 2014.

Unfortunately, your browser is too old to work on this site.

For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript.

10 Movie Review Examples That Will Help You Write Better Reviews

Studying movie review examples is a great place to start if you’re looking for inspiration for your own movie reviews. 

This article has gathered different kinds of movie review examples that will help you write better and more insightful reviews in whatever style you choose.

There is an overwhelming library of movie reviews to sift through, but having studied many reviews by Pulitzer Prize-winning film critics along with your average movie review articles published online, I’ve been able to find a few movie reviews that provide a great template for crafting a review of your own.

10 Detailed Movie Review Examples

The Classic Movie Review

A classic movie review example has a neat structure that clearly communicates the author’s sentiment toward the film in a clean, straightforward manner.

Roger Ebert’s review of North is the perfect example of that.

1. “North” by Roger Ebert

This review starts with a catchy hook, making readers curious for Ebert to elaborate on his statements.

“I have no idea why Rob Reiner, or anyone else, wanted to make this story into a movie, and close examination of the film itself is no help.”

The opening sentence of this movie review example makes it clear to the audience that Ebert did not enjoy the film in question and if they would like to know why, they are encouraged to continue reading.

The whole first paragraph is chock full of strong adjectives setting the tone for the scathing critique this film is about to get.

Moving on to the next paragraph of this movie review example, Ebert gives a quick synopsis of what this film is about, filling the audience in on the story in case they’re unaware.

“He [Elijah Wood] plays a kid with inattentive parents, who decides to go into court, free himself of them, and go on a worldwide search for nicer parents.”

Following the paragraph summarizing the main plot of the film, the movie review dives straight into the critique explaining why this film garnered the strong adjectives it received in the opening paragraph:

“This idea is deeply flawed. Children do not lightly separate from their parents – and certainly not on the evidence provided here, where the great parental sin is not paying attention to their kid at the dinner table.”

In this movie review example, Ebert dives deep into the oddities of the narrative and what makes it so unbelievable.

He questions the director’s decisions and the plot’s direction as well in these middle paragraphs:

“What is the point of the scenes with the auditioning parents?… They are not funny. They are not touching. There is no truth in them.”

Ebert uses the middle paragraphs to dissect what does not work in the film.

In the final paragraphs of this movie review example, Ebert closes out by reiterating his sentiments towards the film, giving readers a good idea of whether the movie would be something he would recommend others watch.

“I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie. Hated it. Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it.”

“‘North’ is a bad film – one of the worst movies ever made.”

After reading Ebert’s movie review example there is no question of whether he liked the movie or not. I don’t know, he might’ve even mentioned hating it at one point…

And he makes it clear what plot and artistic choices played into his final assessment of the film.

Would you whip out your cash to experience the movie North after reading a review like this?

With this straightforward, informative, evidence-supported review, there is no confusion about the perceived quality of this film.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF NORTH BY ROGER EBERT

The Real World Parallel Review

A movie review that can parallel the events occurring within the movie with events occurring outside of the movie shows a deeper level of critical thinking.

This is one of the movie review examples that truly exemplifies a deep critical thinker.

2. “The Flash” by Justin Chang

This movie review example starts right away with a brief synopsis of what the movie, The Flash, is about.

“‘The Flash’ is a time-travel story and a cautionary tale, a warning of how dangerous it can be to change the past or mess around with alternate realities.”

Same as with the classic movie review, this reviewer also hints at his overall sentiments towards the film.

“…this initially enjoyable, increasingly sloppy megabucks mess…”

This review, unlike the classic movie review, spends more time following the plot of the story through a biased lens, further walking readers through the details of the story.

“He gets stuck in the past and… winds up unwisely joining forces with a teenage version of himself (also Miller, with floppier hair), who’s had a much happier childhood but doesn’t (yet) have the Flash’s superheroic powers.”

After indirectly criticizing the CGI and praising the main actor’s performance, Chang gets into his main criticism of the review: the popular trend of reintroducing old versions of superheroes into new superhero movies.

“Really, though, is nostalgia that satisfying anymore?”

And it’s really this last sentence of the movie review example that ties this compelling thought together, not only concluding the movie but drawing a parallel to how the movie creators are perpetrators of the same mistake that the movie’s main character made.

“Lost in an endless game of IP-reshuffling musical chairs, Barry realizes, possibly too late, the futility of dwelling on the past — a fatuous lesson from a movie that can’t stop doing the same.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF THE FLASH BY JUSTIN CHANG

3. “Bonnie and Clyde” by Roger Ebert

Another great movie review example, using a movie as a sense of societal self-reflection, is Roger Ebert’s review of Bonnie and Clyde . The final sentences of the review say:

“‘Bonnie and Clyde’ will be seen as the definitive film of the 1960s, showing with sadness, humor, and unforgiving detail what one society had come to… it was made now and it’s about us.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Bonnie and Clyde BY Roger Ebert

4. “Black Panther” by Soraya Nadia McDonald

Yet another movie review example is this Black Panther review by Soraya Nadia McDonald.

The whole review deep dives into the cultural context of the movie and its timeliness or lack thereof.

“Honestly, the worst thing about Black Panther is that it had to be released in 2018 and not during the term of America’s first black president.”

This movie review example walks through the narrative praising the film’s actors, director, and cinematographer before ending on the note of its cultural relevance.

“Perhaps it’s even capable, just as The Birth of a Nation once was, of helping to steer an entire national conversation.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Black Panther BY Soraya Nadia McDonald

The Storytelling Movie Review

If you have a story of your own that you can parallel with the movie’s story, then connecting the movie’s narrative with your own is a particularly entertaining way to craft your review.

Instead of comparing the film to society as a whole, the following storytelling movie review examples compare the movie to specific stories they pull from their personal life.

5. “The Help” by Wesley Morris

One of my favorite reviews by Pulitzer prize-winning Wesley Morris is written in this style, drawing readers in with his own personal story:

“Three summers ago, I went to visit a friend in West Texas.”

“What happened in Texas?”, readers wonder as we curiously continue reading.

After 3 engaging paragraphs narrating a strange, racial encounter in Texas, Morris introduces the movie, The Help .

“This pretty much captures the cognitive dissonance of watching “The Help’’: One woman’s mammy is another man’s mother.”

The following paragraph gives a synopsis of the film and introduces the audience to the main characters:

“Meanwhile, the heart of the film itself belongs to Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer), the two very different maids and best friends at the center of the story.”

The center of this movie review example narrates the happenings of the movie from a biased point of view before presenting some debate points about the movie’s approach to race relations.

“‘The Help’ joins everything from “To Kill a Mockingbird’’ to “The Blind Side’’ as another Hollywood movie that sees racial progress as the province of white do-gooderism.”

Morris then praises the actors’ performances in this very character-based film but is unable to shake the social weight of the casting that this film requires:

“And yet here’s the question you ask as you watch a black actor in 2011 play a white lady’s maid, decades and decades after that was the only job a black woman in Hollywood could get. What went through the minds of Davis, Spencer, and Aunjanue Ellis, who plays Hilly’s maid, as they put on those uniforms and went to work?”

Morris finishes off the review sure to reference the personal story that he introduced in the beginning before leaving the reader with something to ponder.

“These are strong figures, as that restaurant owner might sincerely say, but couldn’t they be strong doing something else?”

Morris’s final statements in this movie review example make it clear his assessment of the film’s quality is good but its messaging is questionable, allowing the audience to make a judgment on whether they’d like to see the film for themselves.

“On one hand, it’s juicy, heartwarming, well-meant entertainment. On the other, it’s an owner’s manual.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF THE HELP BY WESLEY MORRIS

6. “Me Without You” by Stephen Hunter

This movie review example also tells a story although it’s not personal.

Instead of starting by talking about the movie or talking about himself, Hunter begins the review like a novel. With an untethered phrase that needs further explanation.

“Friendship isn’t rocket science. It’s much harder.”

He then lists out all of the complexities of trying to maintain a friendship, painting a picture to support his point.

“Oh, yeah, it’s easy to say just be loyal and true and that makes you a good friend. But suppose the other person does something that really irks you, like chew gum or vote Democratic?”

Hunter doesn’t leave you hanging for too long before segueing into how this thought point relates to the film.

“And that thorniness, that dark underbelly of it, is the gist of the acerbic British import ‘Me Without You…'”

As usual, a sign of good storytelling, he finishes this movie review example with his full-circle concluding statement on friendship.

“But the truth is, of course, that friendship matters to those of us who still claim membership in the human race…”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF ME WITHOUT YOU BY STEPHEN HUNTER (Under the title: ‘Me’: Friendship as Relationship)

The Unconventional Movie Review

A less common but creative and fun way to approach a movie review is to approach it from a different angle or point of view. To write it in a way that’s unexpected.

7. “ET” by Roger Ebert

In another movie review example from Roger Ebert, instead of approaching this review traditionally, Ebert rather writes the review as a letter to his grandchildren.

Rather than addressing the readers, he addresses his grandchildren in his movie review:

“Dear Raven and Emil: Sunday we sat on the big green couch and watched “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” together with your mommy and daddy.”

After noting how his grandchildren reacted to climactic parts of the film, Ebert recounts the events of the movie, ET, continuing to include his grandchildren’s remarks and reactions.

“The camera watches Elliott moving around. And Raven, that’s when you asked me, “Is this E.T.’s vision?” And I said, yes, we were seeing everything now from E.T.’s point of view.”

Ebert uses this opportunity to make a simplified analysis of the director’s use of POV in the movie, praising the film’s direction without losing the context of a grandfather’s letter.

“Some other filmmaker who wasn’t so good might have had subtitles saying, “E.T.? Are you out there? It’s Mommy!” But that would have been dumb.”

Ebert ends this movie review example like anyone would end a letter, with good wishes and a signature.

“Well, that’s it for this letter. We had a great weekend, kids. I was proud of how brave you both were during your first pony rides. And proud of what good movie critics you are, too. Love, Grandpa Roger”

The average person has a 7-8th grade reading level, so a simple letter like this, is not only cute, creative, and endearing but it’s incredibly easy to read and understand the critic’s assessment of the movie.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF ET BY Roger Ebert

8. “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse” by IMO Flicks

Another unconventional movie review example is one that I wrote for this blog website.

Instead of writing from my point of view, I decided to write from the point of view of an out-of-touch grandma, someone who may not have the background knowledge to really understand and appreciate the film.

I approached the film this way because I was tired of reviewing Marvel Superhero films but the thought of writing it as an out-of-touch grandma made the review so much more fun and less pressure-filled, even if it’s really not the most straightforward or informational read.

The review does not include a clear synopsis and the critiques of the film waver between genuine observations and areas that the grandma misunderstood.

It was a blast to write.

The grandmother writer uses the remarks of her grandchildren as a voice of reason for the film.

“My granddaughter told me to rate this spider film [ Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ] out of 10 points. I initially wanted to give it 4 points out of 10… Apparently, my grandchildren think this rating is ridiculous. One of my grandsons almost threw a chair. He gave the film a 200/10, claiming it’s one of the best films he’s ever seen.”

This sort of review may not be as befitting for a serious homework assignment but if there’s space to think outside the box, I say go for it.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

The Self-Aware Review

Similar to the unconventional movie review, but not quite as unconventional, these movie review examples are self-aware of their influential power. It breaks the fourth wall of movie reviews so to speak.

9. “Manchester By the Sea” by Ty Burr

This movie review example of Manchester By the Sea wants to encourage you to watch the movie but doesn’t want your expectations so high that you don’t experience the same subtle unexpected magic that the movie works on viewers.

Burr explains this in the first paragraph:

“Nothing destroys an audience’s appreciation of a small good movie like advance praise.”

Careful to not ruin the audience’s expectations, Burr goes on to begin every following paragraph with a phrase that denies all of the critiques that follow.

“So I won’t tell you that I’ve seen “Manchester by the Sea” twice now and both times felt haunted for weeks.”

“I won’t bother you with how the movie stands as a soul-satisfying comeback for its maker…”

“I could say, but I won’t, that we’ve all seen too many movies in which a lost soul comes out of his shell and rejoins the human race after he inherits a kid from a dead relative.”

The entire center of the film covers the movie in a way that says, “You didn’t see me. I was never here.” Good and well knowing that people are going to be more curious about this film and expect it to be as fantastic as Burr says.

But don’t worry, Burr accounts for this “undesired” outcome that he had been trying to avoid from the beginning with this closing paragraph.

“If I do tell you all this, forget I ever did. Just remember you heard somewhere that “Manchester by the Sea” is an experience worth having…”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF MANCHESTER BY THE SEA BY TY BURR (Under the title: A Shore Thing)

10. “Mark Kermode” by Mamma Mia

Kermode’s review of Mama Mia takes his self-awareness in a different direction where he personally loves the movie Mama Mia and is not afraid of letting the world know it.

In fact, the movie has brought something to life in him as a movie critic.

“One minute I was a miserable critic; the next, everything had gone pink and fluffy.”

Kermode continues the movie review example, touching on the actor’s performances, the director’s execution of the film, and the soundtrack before returning to how the film affected him as a critic.

“I feel duty-bound to report that I came out of the screening an utter wreck.”

Further aware that as a serious critic, he probably shouldn’t like this film as much as he did, he lets his guard down and leans into the wonder of the film.

“I have certainly mellowed, and perhaps my critical faculties have withered and died. But I simply can’t imagine how Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again could be any better than it is.”

The self-aware review speaks to the readers as a friend rather than as a removed source of movie information.

A lot of the time, this personal voice can be merged with other review styles as well.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Mamma Mia by Mark Kermode

Common Questions

How to write a movie review.

To write a movie review you would need to watch the movie and take good notes, then you would craft an attention-hooking introduction, a few center paragraphs explaining your critiques of the film, before concluding on whether you’d recommend the film or not. This article breaks down the 10 steps to writing a movie review effortlessly .

What should a good movie review include?

A good movie review should include a synopsis of the film, a clear stance on whether the film was good or not, including why or why not, and a conclusion that makes it clear whether the critic would recommend others to watch the film or not.

What is the best movie review for students?

The best movie review example for students would be the classic movie review because it’s straightforward and the easiest to follow and grade.

In Conclusion…

There are so many movie review examples to choose from but the majority can fall into one of these 5 groups: the classic movie review, the real-world parallel, the storytelling review, the unconventional review, and the self-aware review.

If you would like to view 50 more outstanding movie review examples , I’ve grouped some here in a shared Word document available for free!

I hope this article was able to provide some movie review examples to help you craft your own. Happy movie reviewing!

What’s your favorite movie review example? Let me know in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe for the latest blog updates (form in sidebar).

Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

When I'm not over-analyzing movies, I'm eating chocolate, belting my favorite songs, and binge-watching reality dating shows. Feel free to share your opinions with me and follow me through my social links!

View all posts

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word 🙂

• Share on Tumblr

You May Also Like

Is Red White And Royal Blue Good? | Feel-Good Escapism But Not The Best Movie

CODA Movie Review | Beautiful Beyond Words

Don’t Worry Darling Harry Styles Accent Explained (it makes sense)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Breakout English

How to write a film review

Writing a review is an option in many different English language exams, and films are such an obvious choice for reviews, so knowing how to write a film review is pretty important. It’s a great topic for the classroom too. Everyone watches films and there is a lot of opportunity to teach vocabulary, either film-related vocabulary or film review adjectives. I like to start off a class about films with some chat, or my personal favourite, the Movie Music Quiz , which also now has an excellent Movie Picture Quiz version too.

The structure of a film review

Like any writing task, it’s essential to know the structure of a film review before you start writing. A basic film review template shows you how to write a film review using a simple structure. Film reviews for First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) Cambridge exams, as well as Trinity ISE exams, should all use a 4 paragraph structure. Another thing to remember is that your review should always have a title, and that title should include the name of the film.

• Introduction – Essential details and mini-summary
• Summary – A description of the film and some important details
• Analysis – An evaluation of different elements
• Conclusion – Your opinion and a recommendation

Introduction

In the introduction of a film review, it is crucial to mention the film title and the names of the director and the main actors. A brief summary of the film’s plot and background information can also be included, but it should not give away too much detail. The introduction should engage the reader and entice them to continue reading the review. Additionally, it is important to mention the genre and target audience of the film, which will give the reader an idea of what to expect.

In the summary section, the film review should give a comprehensive but concise description of the film, focusing on the plot, characters, and any significant events. The summary should be written in a way that does not give away the ending or spoil the film for the reader. It is important to maintain objectivity and not include personal opinions in this section. This section should provide enough detail for the reader to have a clear understanding of the film without giving too much away.

The analysis section is where the reviewer can showcase their critical skills and provide an in-depth evaluation of the film. The review should examine various elements of the film such as the script, direction, cinematography, acting, and special effects. You could also make a comparison to similar films in the same genre. The analysis should be written in an objective style with the opinion only showing through the language used.

In the conclusion, the reviewer should give their personal opinion of the film, summarising their thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses. They should also consider the target audience and whether they believe the film will appeal to them. Finally, the reviewer should provide a clear recommendation. The conclusion should be concise, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the reviewer’s overall opinion of the film.

Using adjectives in reviews

Reviews are a great way to show off your language with impressive adjectives. If you read a film review in a newspaper or magazine, you’ll notice that the reviewer rarely, if ever, gives an explicit direct opinion. However, their opinion of the film is always crystal clear. This is through the use of adjectives.

Many adjectives have a clear connotation. They are either perceived as positive or negative. Compare these two examples. Which one is a positive description and which is negative?

• It’s a first-rate experience with an imaginative plot and a star-studded cast.
• The second-rate writing combined with weak performances is typical of this director’s work.

When using adjectives in a film review, it is important to choose words that accurately convey the reviewer’s opinion. Adjectives with strong connotations, either positive or negative, can be very effective in expressing the reviewer’s thoughts about the film. However, it is also important to use a variety of adjectives to avoid repetition and keep the review interesting. The use of adjectives can also help to paint a picture of the film, allowing the reader to get a sense of its atmosphere and tone.

The materials

Many exams, such as the Cambridge First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) exams, as well as Trinity ISE exams, require students to write a film review as part of their writing task. These materials will provide students with a solid understanding of the structure of a film review and help them to develop their writing skills. This will give them the confidence they need to write a review that meets the requirements of the exam and impresses the examiner.

The materials will help you learn how to write an introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion of a film review. You will also see a range of useful adjectives that you can use to express your opinions in their reviews. Finally, you will get an opportunity to practise writing film reviews, which will help you to develop your skills. Then you can check your answers with the samples provided in the answer key. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or just looking to improve your writing skills, these materials will provide you with everything you need to write a great film review.

1 thought on “How to write a film review”

Interesting and useful material to be used in class. thanks!

Comments are closed.

How to Write a Movie Review and Where to Get Help

The first thing you do after watching a movie is to go online and write a comment about it. Comments about movies are usually posted on social media profiles or public pages, review sites, blogs, among other platforms. You can make the process easier with tools available online.

Writing a movie review is a common assignment that students have to do in high school and college. Even though it may seem simple, movie reviews require time and proper organization. It’s not just about writing what happens on the screen, the review goes deeper than that.

Movie Review Purpose

The main purpose of a movie review is to inform the reader about the film and its ideas. Seems simple, right? Reporting all events that happen and stating one’s opinion about them is a common mistake that many students make. While movie review allows writers to express their opinions about some film or documentary, there is also the need for the unbiased and objective approach. An ideal review combines both.

The review determines whether someone will want to see the movie. Even if the professor (or teacher) assigned a specific title and film to review, one should act like this is the perfect opportunity to introduce the cinematography work to their lecturer. Always assume they haven’t seen it before. As a result, it becomes easier to analyze events that happened on the screen.

Film review should be detailed enough to provide assistance in making an honest decision i.e. whether the reader wants to see it or if they’d like it. Why is this type of paper a common school assignment? Lecturers want to get more insight into a student’s critical thinking skills and the ability to report event (one or more of them) in a manner that others understand easily.

In addition, they want to assess the way you analyze plot and characters. After all, movie reviews also involve the analysis of events that happened in a documentary or “regular” film. Reviews test writing and vocabulary skills, adapting to different genres and events they portray, and your capacity to sum up some major work and report it in a cohesive, logical, and interesting manner.

While reviews entail more responsibility than initially thought, students find them fun and with this guide, you will too.

How to Write a Good Movie Review

You have to write a movie review for school and now what? Where to start, how to make it look more “academic”? Today, we have the opportunity to use numerous tools to make every part of our lives easier, and movie review writing isn’t the exception. Throughout this tutorial, you’ll learn how to compose a report about some film and what tools to use to simplify the process.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Write a Movie Review

Beginnings are always the hardest. This is the point where you set the pace and determine how to approach this assignment in the most efficient manner. Here are some useful tips to kick-start the movie review writing process:

• Watch the movie or documentary twice and take notes of both major and minor events and characters. It’s a mistake to rely on the power of your memory only, there’s always something we overlook or forget
• Carry out a thorough research . Watching the movie isn’t enough, research is equally important. Look for details such as the name of filmmaker and his/her motivation to make that film or documentary work, locations, plot, characterization, historic events that served as an inspiration for the movie (if applicable). Basically, your research should serve to collect information that provides more depth to the review
• Analyze the movie after you watching it . Don’t start working on the review if you aren’t sure you understand the film. Evaluate the movie from beginning to an end. Re-watch it, if necessary, if you find some parts confusing. Only when you understand events that happened on the screen will you find it easier to create the review
• Draft an outline that you will follow to write the review in a concise and cohesive fashion
• Include examples for claims you make about the movie. If the plot has holes, then mention an example of a situation or scene when that was evident. Also, if the character(s) is poorly developed or bad casting affected the movie quality, name examples too. Provide examples when commenting dialogues, locations, plot, everything. If you want the reader to agree with you, it’s essential to back up your claims with evidence. You don’t want to make it seem like you’re praising or criticizing the movie without any reason whatsoever
• Consider and comment a movie’s originality and quality of scenes . Explain how the movie stands out or whether it just uses the same approach that worked for previous works in the industry

How to Organize Your Movie Review

Quality of your paper depends on the level of organization you implement. Never underestimate the importance of well-structured outline, regardless of the type of paper you have to write. Outlines help you focus on the subject and contribute to a logical flow.

In addition, getting things organized before you start writing is a great way to save time later on. Instead of trying to figure out what to include, you’ll have a well-structured plan to follow. It’s needless to mention you won’t be too stressed out. Here’s how to organize your movie review:

• Introduction (with title, release date, background information)
• Summary of the story
• Analysis of the plot elements (rising action, climax)
• Creative elements (dialogues, characters, use of colors, camera techniques, mood, tone, symbols, costumes or anything that contributes or takes away from the overall plot)
• Opinion (supported with examples and facts from the story)
• Conclusion (announcing whether the filmmaker was successful in his/her purpose, re-state your evidence, explain how the motion picture was helpful for providing a deeper understand of course topic)

Movie Review Elements

• The title of the film/documentary – just because your headline features the name of the movie or documentary it doesn’t mean should skip mentioning it in the text. Always name the feature you’ve watched in the introductory paragraph. This may seem like a stupid thing to point out, but it’s one of the most common mistakes that students make
• Summary – the whole point of the review is to summarize the documentary or movie for people who haven’t watched it yet. To make this as effective as possible, always assume that your professor hasn’t seen it either (as mentioned above). Why is this important? You won’t leave out some important details thinking he/she watched it already so they won’t bother. As a reviewer, your job is to explain what happened in the film and express whether the filmmaker failed or succeeded. Again, saying you liked or disliked it isn’t a viable comment. Your opinion has to be supported by specific reasons and examples from the feature itself
• Filmmaker – do a little research on the person who directed the piece. Is that person a controversial figure? Is he/she known for a political stance? Does the filmmaker have a significant background? Devote a paragraph or two to the person behind the movie and their other works in order to establish the significance of the film you are reviewing for the director’s career
• Significance to your class – How does the content of the documentary or film fit into your course topic? Is it important for historical accuracy? If you are watching the motion picture for history class, make note of over-dramatization. If the motion picture is based on the book you’ve analyzed in English class, you can mention similarities, differences, or some elements that film contains, but book doesn’t and so on
• Creative elements – filmmakers work hard to include creative elements into their motion pictures. How are these elements important to the plot and movie in general? For example, costumes can either enhance the movie or betray its intent. Colors can be vivid and lift the atmosphere or mood in the movie or they can be dull and make it seem depressing. Good sound effects enrich the viewing experience while bad ones only destroy everything. Moreover, camera movements and angles also add elements to the story. Take notes of symbols in the story, if any.
• Actors – let’s not forget the casting! Were the actors realistic? Did they portray the role of a specific character successfully? Did they have good acting skills? Do you believe that some particular actor was the right fit for the role?

Checklist / Outline for a Good Movie Review

• Introduction (title, topic, release date, background information)
• Accuracy of depiction
• Use of sources in the documentary
• Creative elements that enhance or tarnish the overall story (quality of script, visual design, performance, lighting, hair, and makeup, costume, set design, symbolism)
• Your opinion

Mistakes to Avoid

• Not focusing on the film – while connecting the plot to some specific historical event is a good idea (when applicable), strive to avoid writing about unnecessary details or introducing irrelevant information such as the history of cinematography or that particular genre, snacks, among other things
• Inserting yourself – you’re the one who’s writing the review. The paper reflects your understanding and opinion of the motion picture you’ve seen and there is no need to write in first person all the time: I noticed this, I saw that I liked this, I disliked that
• Failing to check facts about movie background and release date, director, casting etc.
• Giving out your opinion without mentioning any reason why you think that way
• Talking about irrelevancies
• Writing a review without a structure
• Writing generalities such as great acting, cool effects, a good movie, it was bad etc.
• Writing a review without substance or analysis of the feature

Finished papers

Customer reviews

Movie Review Examples

• The Hunger Games and the idea of dystopia
• Mean Girls review: does it exploit stereotypes about high schools or it helps to undermine them?
• The Martian review and its connection to Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe
• The Last Jedi review: all the reasons it’s far from the original saga
• Manchester by the sea and ideas of forgiveness and grief
• Forrest Gump review
• I am Sam review
• Runaway Bride review and its role in modern understanding of marriage

Movie Review Help

Like other types of writing, movie reviews require patience and time. Being a student isn’t the easiest task in the world and you don’t have enough time to dedicate to one assignment only while neglecting others. There’s no need to despair; you can use the internet to get much-needed assistance with this assignment. Here’s how:

By Markers Expectations / Rubrics

Clear Organization – as stated above, the clear organization is vital for a well-structured movie review. You can use the Edusson website as a guide through this process via numerous posts about writing, self-help resources, and Essay Examples that serves as an excellent platform to sharpen writing skills and compose your paper.

RobotDon Essay Checker  platform proves to be handy when you complete the writing process and want to make sure it’s unique, without fluff and wateriness, repetitive words and expressions.

Let’s not fort that you can hire an essay writer  who will write a perfect review for you.

Use of Sources – just because it’s movie review, it doesn’t mean you should avoid using sources to support your claims. Sources are particularly important for reviews of documentaries or when you’re trying to connect the review with some problem in society. Research requires more time than any other part of the process and you can easily hire a professional i.e. a helper who will do that for you

Opinion – a movie review is about the equilibrium of unbiased report and personal opinion. While it’s okay to say what you think about the movie, you also have to approach certain aspects in an objective manner to help the reader get a better understanding of the motion picture. Finding the balance between subjective and objective writing can be frustrating, which is why professional service comes handy. All you have to do is to provide title, information, your opinion and a pro writer takes it from there

Essay Writing Service – there is no need to be stressed out because you have a ton of work to do when professional writer service can write movie review easily. Services like Edusson are used by students who can’t keep up with constant demands in school or college, but they don’t want to jeopardize their grades. With over 1000 writers, Edusson is a perfect assignment writing service . You have the full control of the project through set deadlines, choosing the writer for this task etc.

Essay Editing Service – sometimes students don’t need help with the writing process, but they need someone to edit it. Don’t ask your friends and family members to do it for you, hire professionals. Improve your paper. Raise your grades! Editors and proofreaders from Edusson correct grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation mistakes, check the style, formatting, organization and other aspects of your work to boost its quality. You can also use RobotDon to edit an essay on your own.

Movie Review FAQ

Do I have to write a movie review in a certain formatting style? Everything depends on the instructions your teacher gives you. It often happens that a movie review can be free of academic formatting. But don’t exclude the possibility that you will have to complete this paper in MLA or get task writing a paper in APA .

Can I copy an existing movie review? Well, of course, it is important to look at examples of other movie reviews to get to know the structure and ways of ideas expressing better. But if you copy a film review directly from the other source, your curator will detect plagiarism in it.

My major is not moviemaking. Why am I assigned to write a film report? Students are assigned movie report writing, first of all, to broaden their mind and evaluate the way they can analyze material and express their opinion. Don’t feel confused if on the Psychology class your professor asks you to review a movie. It is a common practice for students who are completing their degree in various fields of study.

Will you just give me someone else’s review?

No, not at all! Edusson stands out as the writing service with full transparency. All essays and other papers are written from scratch by professional writers with strong work ethic and desire to help their clients get better grades. The movie review you receive is 100% original, which you can check with RobotDon’s plagiarism checker.

Will you send my review to someone else?

The answer is – no. Not only are the clients in control of the process, but author’s rights are transferred to them the moment the review is done. Once the writing process is over, the review is yours and can never be sent to someone else.

What if I need more edits?

If you need edits or want some specific info to be added, our writers will be happy to make necessary revisions.

I need more help with movie review service, how can I contact you?

Our customer service is always available through 24/7 live chat feature.

Do you like movies? Who doesn’t? Movie and documentary reviews give you a unique opportunity to improve your writing skills by combining school assignment with someone you really like. Although it’s not that difficult to compose a review of a motion picture or some educational/informative feature, feel free to use all the available resources to get the most out of your assignment. Use the advantage of the internet to work on your review for major benefits such as:

Improve Your Paper

Practice makes everything better and the internet allows you to make it happen. For instance, Edusson acts as a perfect tutorial + professional writing service platform as it allows you to improve writing skills while getting assistance from professional writers and editors when necessary . The do-it-yourselfers benefit greatly from RobotDon, a cute little helper that analyzes the review and identifies mistakes you need to correct. The result of using these resources is a well-written movie review that meets or exceeds your lecturer’s expectations.

Raise Your GPA (Grade)

Using multiple resources and platforms to your advantage can only be a good thing for your GPA. When you’re a student, everything you do counts and contributes to GPA. It all comes down to learning how to make student life easier for you and one way to do that is to incorporate online tools into your assignments. Your professor will appreciate the effort and thanks to the improved writing skills, good grades are unavoidable.

Related posts:

• How To Write A Good Compare And Contrast Essay: Topics, Examples And Step-by-step Guide
• Writing a Personal Statement Essay for Volunteer Job
• How To Write A Philosophy Paper On Education: Full Guide
• Explaining Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy with Demonstrative Examples

Improve your writing with our guides

How to Write a Scholarship Essay

Definition Essay: The Complete Guide with Essay Topics and Examples

Critical Essay: The Complete Guide. Essay Topics, Examples and Outlines

Get 15% off your first order with edusson.

Connect with a professional writer within minutes by placing your first order. No matter the subject, difficulty, academic level or document type, our writers have the skills to complete it.

100% privacy. No spam ever.

+1 888 701 5192

How to Write a Movie Review: Tips, Samples, Template

• What Is a Movie Review?
• Guide on How to Write a Good Movie Review
• 1. Watch and finish the entire film
• 2. Take notes and analyze while watching
• 3. Research the film
• 4. Start with the film review outline
• 5. Write the introduction for the paper
• 6. Write the paper’s body
• 7. Conclude the movie review paper and rate the movie
• 8. Proofread and finalize the movie review paper
• Film Review Format
• Film Review Template
• Movie Review Example
• Movie Review Writing Service

Writing is a big part of any student’s life. Professors give students written tasks like writing movie reviews and reaction papers . They often use inspirational or educational films to help students learn important life lessons like feminism and equality . This is why writing movie reviews is not just a trivial assignment but also a good way for students to deeply analyze a certain film and develop new ideas from it. People passionate about moving pictures such as film critics and loyal fans may also find themselves writing movie reviews. If you are someone currently tasked to write a review paper, reading about some movie review tips will help you make a well-written film review.

This review paper type is a critical document that summarizes the film’s plot, analyzes its various aspects, and contains a viewer’s personal opinion regarding the whole film. A movie or film review should be a thorough and objective task that provides readers an overview of a film. It should give readers substantial information which should allow them to decide whether a film is worth watching. This type of paper can be a written piece or in video format. For this article, the focus will be on writing film reviews.

This type of paper can contain technical criticism on how a director designed the film scenes or it can be a medium in which the author shares only their personal opinion about a film and not touches any of the film’s technical aspects. Writing movie reviews may be a task that professors assign to their students to improve their critical thinking and reflect upon an idea. It can also be a full-time job for professional film critics. Loyal and passionate fans also tend to write movie review papers with great articulation and skill that can often compare to the works of professional critics.

Guide on How to Write a Good Movie Review

In writing this type of paper, the author should aim to give a summary of the plot and analyze behind-the-scenes and on-screen aspects of the moving picture. Depending on the nature of the review, an author may reveal important parts of the film that some readers may consider as spoilers. This is why when writing movie reviews, it is best to just summarize the plot instead of providing a lot of specific details. The paper should also tell readers if the film is worth watching or if it does not hold up to the trailers and advertisements. Below is a guide on how to write a good review paper:

To be able to write a criticism of a certain film, a writer should watch and finish it. Even if the show is dreadful and boring to watch, a writer should finish it in order to produce a complete and honest movie review paper. Some film critics recommend watching films at least two to three times before writing the whole paper. This allows a critic or a writer to focus on one specific aspect of a film while watching a film. The first time a writer watches a film, they can focus on analyzing the main plot, the characters, the theme, and how enjoyable the film was. For the second time, the writer may focus on the more technical aspects such as how the cameras were angled and how the lighting affects the emotions in a film. The more times a writer watches a show, the more details they will be able to discover and write in their paper.

While watching a film, the writer should pause the film when they think of an idea. Watching a scene may give the writer an idea for their paper’s outline. For example, watching a montage-like scene where the protagonist is talking to a lot of minor characters may give the writer the idea of adding a minor character list section in the movie review outline. The writer should also take note of specific details such as a character tattoo or a painting inside of a character’s house. Taking notes will be more crucial if the writer is watching the film in class or in a theater. Since the writer will be unable to pause or replay scenes, they should be actively taking notes. 

While taking notes, the writer should also analyze the scenes they are watching. The writer should ask themselves questions that can help them better analyze a scene or the entirety of the film. These questions can also help when planning the paper’s outline. Ask such questions as:

• How well did the story writer construct the plot?
• Do the actors fit the characters they are portraying?
• Is the show interesting? Does it make the viewer think?
• Do the music, lighting, and camera angles give justice to the important scenes?

Once a writer finishes a film and has taken notes, the next step is to research additional information about it and the people behind it. Research about the directors and actors and their previous works. Search for interesting stories that happened during the filming that the actors may have told in interviews. Try to look for existing papers that other writers have written. Writers may also look at movie review examples from other films but within the same genre. If the subject is a biographical film such as Roman Polanski’s The Pianist , a writer should also look for sources that can validate their notes and personal opinions.

Before writing the paper, a writer should start by looking at their notes to create a film review outline. The paper’s outline is simply the plan on how the writer will structure their paper. The outline can look like a list of topics that the writer will discuss. It can also include the subsections of the movie review paper. This will help a writer avoid running out of ideas during the writing process and make the paper flow naturally. Writers can refer to the questions they asked themselves while analyzing the film.

After creating the paper’s outline, the writer can now begin writing the first draft of the paper. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction. As with any other written works, the introduction of the paper should provide an overview of the topic and make the readers interested in reading the paper. The writer should write a thesis statement that tells the readers the main idea of the paper. The writer should also state in the introduction if they liked or disliked the film. This will help readers get a feel of how the paper’s content will proceed. Giving a film a score or simply stating that it is a “great” or “bad” film should be enough for the readers to get an idea of the perspective of the writer.

The writer should refer to the notes that they have written while writing the main body of the movie review paper. Include a concise summary of the plot to help readers an overview of what happened in the story. Also, include important information about the movie’s production such as the director’s name, producer’s name, lead actors’ names, release date, genre, and other similar information. This can help readers know if it’s a big-budget movie or an indie film. It can also help readers know if the movie’s genre is something that they are interested in and if they should continue reading the movie review paper.

Once the writer has established the plot summary, they can now write their analysis of the movie. The writer should start with one idea and follow the movie review outline that they made. The writer should describe and discuss specific scenes to help them prove their points and opinions. If they think the show is lacking, they can compare it to other similar movies and explain to the readers how it failed to deliver. The writer should also discuss the cinematography in the movie review paper. Tell the readers if the lighting and music complement the emotions being portrayed in a scene. The writer can also explain in detail the plot holes that they notice in a movie.

After the writer has presented all the points of their movie review paper, the last thing to do is write the conclusion. The conclusion should retell the paper’s thesis statement and summarize the main points of the paper. The writer should say if they believe that the movie is good and if they think the readers should watch it. If the writer thinks that the movie is bad, they can recommend other movies to the reader. Giving the movie a score or a grade is a good way to end the movie review paper. The writer can use any grading system such as numerical or letter grades. Some creative critics even use a customized grading system for their movie review papers.

One of the most important parts of writing the movie review paper is proofreading. The writer should look for mistakes such as grammatical and typographical errors. Readers may not take the movie review paper seriously if they find too many mistakes. They can also show the paper to a colleague or a friend and ask them for their opinion. This will provide the writer a fresh set of eyes to proofread their movie review paper. The writer should also fact-check their opinions and statements so that they will not be giving misinformation to the readers. A writer will need to revise their movie review paper at least once. If they want it to be perfectly written, they may need to do two or more revisions.

Need a movie review paper? I can help!

As with all other kinds of documents, writing film reviews will require the writer to follow a structure. This is why creating a film review format is important. It will make the task of organizing the writer’s thoughts and ideas easier. The writing process will also be faster since the writer will just have to fill in the sections in the format. A movie or film review format follows the standard  essay format of Introduction - Body - Conclusion. Here is a movie review outline that writers can follow:

Introduction - The introduction of a movie review paper should provide the title, release date, director, writers, producers, the whole cast, the publisher, and the genre. The introduction should also contain a thesis statement that gives an overview of the main idea of the movie review paper.

Summary of the movie - Include a brief summary of the plot. Depending on the nature of the movie review paper, the summary can include specific events that reveal some integral part of the plot. The summary should include key events that will provide readers enough information to understand the story.

Complete movie analysis - This is one of the main parts of writing movie reviews. The writer can start with a discussion of the film’s plot. They can tell the readers if they think it has a well-written story progression. They can then proceed with the technical aspects of the films such as the directing style, camera techniques, editing, and symbolism in the film. They can also include their analysis of the philosophies and ideas that the characters of the story believe or practice in the movie review paper.

Personal opinion - This is the part of writing movie reviews where the writer is able to share their own thoughts and ideas about the movie. The writer should express how a specific scene made them feel and think. They can relate some scenes to their own life experience and compare how they acted with how the characters acted. The writer should make it clear in this movie review paper part if they liked it or not. They should use examples and facts from the movie to back up their opinions and discussions.

Conclusion - This is the last part of a movie review paper. The writer should state if they think that the moving picture was successful in telling the story and delivering the message of the filmmaker. If the subject of the movie review paper is within the horror genre, the writer should say if they think that it did a good job of scaring the viewers. The writer should express their closing thoughts about the moving picture and tell the readers if they learned something from watching it. This should also be the part of the movie review paper where the writer rates the show.

Besides creating a movie review outline and following a film review format, a writer can use a film review template to help in organizing ideas. A film review template is helpful if a writer is going to write multiple movie review papers. It is basically a questionnaire that asks the writer about the movie. A film review template can help writers save time. Instead of sitting in front of a screen and thinking about what they should take note of, the writer can use the film review template as a guide. Writers can search online and find a variety of film review templates to use. Here are sample questions that writers can use if they opt to create their own template:

What is the title of the show?

Who are the main characters and how are they related to one another?

Where and when did the story take place? Give a brief summary of the plot.

What is the moral lesson in the story?

What scene/s did you like the most?

What scene/s did you hate?

Which character/s did you like the most?

Which character/s did you dislike?

What are the issues that you have with the film?

Do you recommend the film? If so, to whom will you recommend it?

Deadline Approaching?

We work 24/7 and we are affordable (from $13.95/page). Our writers, managers and support agents all have been involved in academic ghostwriting for years. We can assist even with the most difficult writing assignment under time constraints.

Review on Doctor Strange (2016)

Doctor Strange (2016) is the story of a brilliant but arrogant surgeon who lost full control of his hands after an accident. He discovered that there is a reality far larger than himself and learned the lesson of humility. It showcases a story of falling from grace and finding the way back up, becoming a better person. The actor Benedict Cumberbatch played the main character of Stephen Strange while actor Mads Mikkelsen played the antagonist Kaecillius. Both were powerful but arrogant individuals, focused only on their own selfish needs. Director Scott Derrickson directed the film who is also known for his work on “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” and “Deliver Us from Evil”.

The first 20 minutes of Doctor Strange (2016) showed how Stephen Strange lost full control of his hands after a car accident. He began looking for ways to heal himself which led him to a group of sorcerers and their leader called the Ancient One. He trained with the Ancient One and quickly excelled in controlling magical forces. He then learned of a student called Kaecillius who has begun a crusade to summon a powerful being that can destroy the earth. When Kaecillius attacked the sorcerers, he crossed paths with Stephen Strange who despite all odds managed to beat Kaecillius. However, Kaecillius escaped and was able to successfully summon the being Dormammu. Stephen Strange made a risky move by imprisoning himself and Dormammu on a never-ending time loop. Dormamu later succumbs to Stephen’s torment and agrees to leave earth in exchange for his freedom.

From the beginning of Doctor Strange (2016), it showed how arrogance can be a dangerous thing. Stephen was driving his sports car at a dangerous speed in the rain and was also talking on the phone. Due to his arrogance, he fell into an accident. He also pushed people away during the time that he was recovering. He was broken due to the fact that the very thing that made him special - his hands, are now injured. This was his life’s lowest point and Benedict Cumberbatch successfully portrayed a broken and desperate man.

The director then showed the incredible skills and abilities of Stephen Strange when he was able to quickly progress as a skilled magician. At first, he was having a hard time creating simple spells but when he successfully cast his first spell, a domino effect transpired. This for me was the weakest part of the plot and whole of Doctor Strange (2016) itself. It showed that his arrogance and high opinion of himself were not without reason. However, it made the character archetype so generic. The main character was the chosen one. He has a gift and fate seems to be in his favor. This is also depicted when he was able to defeat the antagonist Kaecillius during their first fight. Kaecillius was a sorcerer far longer than Stephen Strange yet the latter was able to beat him.

One of the best parts of Doctor Strange (2016) for me is when Stephen Strange was talking to the Ancient One’s spirit. The Ancient One was on the verge of death and she was telling Stephen that he has a choice. To go back to his life and use his magic to become the best surgeon once again or serve something greater than himself. This was a crossroad for Stephen Strange and the last moments of the Ancient One. What made the scene great for me was the emotion that the actress Tilda Swinton who played the Ancient One expressed during her last scene. She was dying and in her words, she said “You would think after all this time I would be ready. But look at me, stretching one moment out to a thousand, just so I can watch the snow.” Her spirit, once beside Stephen Strange, was now gone. The scene, for me, was perfectly directed and acted. The refutation of the concept of death, of a dying soul, gently clinging to life, was perfectly captured in that well-directed and acted scene.

Doctor Strange (2016) was a moving picture that attempted to teach the lesson of humility. For me, the film failed to do this simply because it ended with Stephen Strange becoming a master magician. Though he chose to become a protector of the earth instead of pursuing his surgeon career, he is now more powerful. Though he learned about humility and that he is just a smaller piece in a bigger puzzle, he is now a guardian of the earth and can bend reality through his will. I would recommend Doctor Strange (2016) to any Marvel fans who have not watched it yet. For those who are not Marvel fans, if they are interested in magic or a fan of Benedict Cumberbatch, then perhaps they can give Doctor Strange (2016) a try. 

Moving pictures are entertaining and fun to watch. In contrast, writing papers and criticizing a show you just watched can be a pain, especially when your professor gives you a deadline. Since part of the review process is watching the film, you will spend hours looking at a screen, observing and analyzing the film. Instead of stressing out about not having enough time to write a movie review paper, try hiring a professional writer from CustomEssayMeister to write your paper. Our writers can guarantee an impressive paper that will surely impress any professors.

Let’s get your assignment done!

How To Write A Movie Review

How to Write a Movie Review - Guide & Examples

People also read

Learn How to Write an Editorial on Any Topic

Best Tips on How to Avoid Plagiarism

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Summary for Students

Write Opinion Essay Like a Pro: A Detailed Guide

Evaluation Essay - Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

How to Write a Thematic Statement - Tips & Examples

How to Write a Bio - Quick Tips, Structure & Examples

How to Write a Synopsis – A Simple Format & Guide

How to Write a Comparative Essay – A Complete Guide

Visual Analysis Essay - A Writing Guide with Format & Sample

List of Common Social Issues Around the World

Writing Character Analysis - Outline, Steps, and Examples

11 Common Types of Plagiarism Explained Through Examples

Article Review Writing: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

A Detailed Guide on How to Write a Poem Step by Step

Detailed Guide on Appendix Writing: With Tips and Examples

A movie review is one of the most common writing assignments that students face. Many people struggle with writing, and some don't know what they should write to meet their teacher's expectations.

The best way to write a movie review is by understanding the purpose. You will get better grades if you understand what's important for a good piece of work.

There are a lot of movie reviews available on different websites on the internet.  However, some are written by amateurs only for fun, and others are written professionally. 

If you want to learn how to write a movie review for college, keep on reading. It is a great chance for you to learn about the world of film criticism. 

In this blog, you will find a step-by-step guide and examples for becoming a perfect movie critique. 

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

• 1. What is a Movie Review?
• 2. How to Write a Movie Review?
• 3. Movie Review Example
• 4. Movie Review Topics
• 5. Movie Review Writing Tips 

What is a Movie Review?

A movie review is an analysis of a film or a documentary. Writing a great movie review involves detailed research, analysis, and reporting the writer’s view in a logical and structured way.

It is a well-balanced synthesis of personal opinion and a critical analysis of themes and plots. Writing film reviews is considered creative writing. It involves both analytical and innovative approaches to come up with the best movie review.

The combination of an analytical approach and creative skills will help you craft an exhaustive and convincing piece of writing.

Purpose of Writing a Movie Review 

The reason for writing a movie review is to tell others what you think about a movie. 

When you write one, you share your opinions on whether you liked it or not and why. It helps people decide if they want to watch the movie or not. 

So, the purpose is to share your thoughts and help others make a choice about the movie.

The combination of an analytical approach and creative skills will help you craft an exhaustive and convincing piece of writing. 

Important Elements of a Movie Review

All movie reviews have in common the elements that they contain regardless of the genre. The elements of a movie review provide an overall structure on which the whole analysis is based. A good review must comprise the following components:

It is not just enough to include the title in the headlines. Make sure to include it in the text as well as in the introductory paragraph.

Another important element that you need to pay attention to is the storyline, also known as the plot. Mention it clearly and concisely for the readers who have not watched the movie yet.

Don’t forget to dedicate a paragraph to the filmmaker and discuss their personality. Provide some background information and the controversial and political side (if relevant).

The cast is one of the important factors that a movie has. Your review should properly indicate if they have acted well or not. Do not forget to mention if they have the required skills to portray the character they played.

Creative elements play an important role in the overall success or failure of the film. Your movie review must state these elements and how they contributed to the storyline. These elements include costumes, lighting, sound, camera work, etc.

How to Write a Movie Review?

Writing a movie review may seem like an impossible task, but it can be learned easily. You should know the movie review format. 

Therefore, you can present both interesting opinions and amazing writing skills clearly without any confusion.

Below are the steps on how to write a movie review that any student can follow. 

1. Watch the Movie

Watch the movie and take notes of the important points. Be focused and conscious throughout the film to record characters, events, minor and major details.

2. Research the Movie

To watch the film only once is not enough; you might have to watch the movie at least 3 times. It is important to give quality time to research as well. Reviews require great research to find some important information. Such as who the filmmaker is, characters, and events that lead to the movie, plot summary, location, symbolism, etc.

3. Create the Movie Review Outline

The best way to organize your review logically is to make an outline first. The outline is a framework on which your whole review is going to stand. It is important to have an outline before you start writing your review. 

Confused how to write a movie review template? Here is an outline for you:

4. Analyze the Movie

Once you understand the movie, start the analysis. Critically evaluate the movie from the start to the end and note each and every detail. Once you analyze and understand each point, you are all set to write a good movie review.

5. Include Examples

A great movie review needs to include relevant examples to support your claims and observations. Mention everything that you have observed while watching the movie. It is not enough to make general statements; you must support your arguments and claims with strong evidence.

6. Write Your Review

After gathering all the required information and examples, you can start the writing process by following the above outline. Make the introduction paragraph exciting and engaging. Reveal as much information as possible in the body paragraphs. To conclude, connect the information back to the introduction in a creative way.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

7. Edit Your Final Draft

Once you are done writing the first draft, make changes and re-write the final version. In the editing phase, be sure to check for important information that might have been left out. Also, check grammar or spelling mistakes before submitting it.

The steps explained above could be used for writing a movie review for middle school, high school, and college. Moreover, you can get help from the following guide.

Check out our how to write a movie review for school example for better understanding:

Writing a Movie Review

Movie Review Example

Want to learn how to write a movie review without spoilers? 

To gain a better understanding of how to write a movie review essay and how film review examples for students look, check out this sample.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green - Movie Review

How To Write A Film Review Pdf

Short Movie Review Examples

Movie Review Topics

Here are some movie review topics that can help put your work in the right direction from the very start.

• Write a review on Titanic Movie
• A critical review of Jurassic Park Movie
• Write A Review on 2001: A Space Odyssey
• One Cut of the Dead - Review
• A review of Burning Cane Movie
• An honest review of The Ron Clark Story Movie
• The Miracle Worker Movie Review
• A Comparison between The Boy In the Striped Pajamas Book and Movie
• Discuss symbolism in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Movie
• Write a Review about the Film Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice

Movie Review Writing Tips 

Writing a compelling movie review requires a balance of insightful analysis and engaging expression. Here are some tips to enhance your movie review writing:

• Be Concise: Keep your review focused and concise. Aim for clarity and avoid unnecessary details.
• Structure Matters: Organize your review with a clear structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Follow a logical flow to guide your readers through your analysis.
• Balance Opinion and Analysis: Blend personal opinions with objective analysis. Support your views with specific examples from the film.
• Avoid Spoilers: Be mindful of spoilers. Provide enough information to convey your points without giving away major plot twists.
• Consider the Audience: Keep your target audience in mind. Tailor your review to the interests and preferences of potential viewers.

All in all, it is not difficult to write a movie review if you know the basics. Just follow this guide and craft an amazing review.

Still if you are facing any issue in writing a movie review, consider taking help from the best writing services at MyPerfectWords.com !

We guarantee a high-quality review written by professional writers. With us, you will submit a movie review worthy of an A grade. 

So, don’t waste time and hire us today!

Frequently Asked Question

How long should a movie review be.

A movie review is typically around 300 to 500 words, providing enough space to cover key aspects without becoming overly lengthy.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Custom Essay, Term Paper & Research paper writing services

• testimonials

Toll Free: +1 (888) 354-4744

Email: [email protected]

Writing custom essays & research papers since 2008

A quick guide on how to write a film review.

Most students don’t know how to write a film review essay. However, this is not a difficult exercise as long as you know what you are doing. This task is interesting because the format of presenting a review is the same. You can look at a professional film review example to gain more insights. Here are some tips on how to write a film critique essay.

Watch the Movie before Writing the Movie Review

You cannot write a film review before watching the video. Make sure you are conscious and focused throughout the film. It is good to take notes as you continue watching the movie. Record all the characters and events (both minor and major) and don’t overlook anything.

Research the Movie before You Write the Film Review

Once you watch the film, you will get an overview and overall feel of the movie. With this, you will find the process of researching the movie to be quite exciting and easy. Researching will augment everything that you have watched in the movie. You need to know the historical events that lead to the film, characterization, plot, location, and so on from the movie.

The movie will become more engaging and understandable once you have the details behind it. You cannot begin to analyze the movie unless you know the details behind its formation. You will be forced to watch it again until you fully understand it. Part of the things you need to find out from the film include director’s name, names of lead actors, year and title, genre, book title if the movie is based on a book.

Draft the Outline Review

The next step is to draft an outline for your film review. It will help you to organize you essay logically and concisely. The outline represents a skeletal framework that supports the entire study. Here is a typical film review example outline that you need to follow.

• Release date
• Background information
• Story summary
• Plot elements analysis
• Creative elements
• Special effects
• Camera techniques
• Characters etc.

The above structure presents a perfect example of a film review outline that you need to follow. Once you have your outline, you can now begin to analyze the movie. Evaluate the film critically from the beginning to the end. As you continue with the analysis, make a clear observation of any confusing sections. Re-watch the video to grasp the idea that is being portrayed. Once you have a clear understanding of the whole video, you can begin to write the review.

You can also go through film review essay example to learn more before you begin the writing. The examples will teach you how to write a film title in an essay and how to quote a film in an essay. Also, you need to understand how to write a film critique for you to present decent analysis.

Do not forget to augment your film review with examples. You have to support the things you observe as you watch the film with examples like mentioning the scenes where the event took place. If you have a faulty plot, do mention the same but use examples that will support your claims. Also, mention the poorly developed characters that you come across in the movie. It is good to note everything that you come across while watching the movie.

Some of the notables include editing errors, bloopers, poorly done speeches, appealing quotes, beautiful or faulty dialogues, and locations. Don’t make general statements about how awful or awesome the film is. Make sure you use the evidence in the film to support your claims. That is why it is a film analysis essay and not a movie’s opinion sampling interview.

Remember to provide a comment on the originality of the movie. You have to mention how unique the film is depending on what you see as you watch. If you think that the movie is a standard feature and has a conventional approach, make sure you also mention it.

Write Your Film Review

After gathering all the above facts, use the outline to write the film critique essay. Each part in the essay should be enjoyable and easy to read. The introduction for your film review essay should be captivating and engaging. The essay should have a grand opening to capture the attention of your readers. An excellent opening will keep the eyes of the reader on the article.

Be keen to edit your final draft before submitting it to your tutor. Once you have the first version of your review, edit it until you get fine final draft. These tips will help you to learn how to write a movie review essay. Watch the format that you use and ensure that the sentences connect with each other logically. Compare the final piece of content with the requirements of your tutor so that it complies. The final submission should be plagiarism-free, polished, and edited. Use the right style and recommended format to work on your film review essay. You can consult professionals editors before the submission. It is good to read some movie review samples before writing your final essay.

Movie Review of The Graduate The Graduate was not a movie that I likely would have chosen to watch. It moved rather slowly and while it did build tension and have somewhat of a brow-raising theme, by today’s standards, this theme of older woman/younger man/younger man/older woman’s daughter is hardly shocking or even worthy of note compared to some of the shocking topics today’s films depict. I think the film is trying to say to American society at the time it was made that sexuality and relationship boundaries needed to be stretched. The movie stressed that coming of age was related directly to sexuality, and I don’t think that is necessarily the case today, and probably wasn’t the case then, either. However, the emphasis placed on linking sex with adulthood was strong. The movie also placed a great deal of emphasis on the importance of sex to young men and middle-aged women, a stereotypical trend that does continue today. I don’t think this is fair, though, and it diminished the value of other maturation issues such as self-esteem, financial stability and responsibility, and career, just to name a few. The movie, with the protagonist’s affair with the mother and then falling for the daughter made it seem that he would, of course, have to choose one woman over the other, as the option of not gaining a wife after graduating from college didn’t seem a realistic possibility, again, a reflection of the era when the film was created. Also, while this movie wasn’t at all about race, it likely did reflect not only on the Women’s Liberation movement, it reflected intrinsically on biracial relationship issues as well, since at the time it was filmed, the Civil Rights movement had just moved past its most tumultuous hurdles. The film asked the audience to redefine its definition of relationships, allowing for age differences and changes of heart. Intrinsically, it could also have been asking the audience to be more open minded in general about accepting relationships that had been taboo in the past.

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Key Outlining Tips for Movie Review Essays

Table of Contents

Watching movies is one thing. But it takes a whole other level of commitment and focus to write an evaluation essay about them.

You’ll need to map out your essay in a way that makes it easily understandable and compelling to readers. The good news is that you can make your writing process much more manageable with the help of a proper  movie evaluation essay outline .

Essay outlines are like the blueprints of your essay. They direct what goes into your writing, how it flows and how you will build your argument. And we’re here to guide you in making that blueprint.

Check out the key tips we’ve got for you in this article!

What’s a Movie Evaluation Essay?

Movie evaluations are critical pieces of writing that aim to provide a well-rounded assessment and analysis of a film. It requires you to look at the film from all angles, from writing and acting to direction and editing. Not only that, but you need to become intimately familiar with the film’s story, characters and themes.

These evaluations can be magnificent in and of themselves. They should entertain, educate, and persuade your readers. It’s essential that your writing should be original and compelling without spoiling the movie’s plot. A rule of thumb for such essays is to combine personal opinion with objective analysis.

Some of the things you should include in your essay are:

• Title, release date, and important figures:  Include the title and release date, as well as the names of the director, screenwriter, and major actors.
• Context:  There’s no need to trace the film’s entire history. But providing your audience with a little context about the film in question is important.
• Hook:  In your introduction, you should include a fact or quote to grab your reader’s attention.
• Evaluation/Opinion:  You should clarify your opinion of the film and then introduce the central thesis.

Main Parts of a Movie Evaluation Essay

Movie evaluation essays consist of four main parts: Introduction, Summary, Analysis, and Conclusion. All of these work together to reinforce the central idea of the movie’s plot and ultimately prove your original point.

Introduction

Your introduction needs to include the basic facts about the movie, including its title, director, and date of release. It may also mention aspects of the film that you especially liked so that the reader knows what to expect in the review. Consider adding the central theme or ideas of the movie to your thesis statement.

Here, you give an overview of the main concepts in the movie, including the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why). Also, don’t forget to talk about the How of the movie. This pertains to the movie’s point of view, style, and structure.

This is part of the body of your essay, which includes your critique of the movie. Talk about why you liked it and any supporting material from the film to support your views. Also, let your readers know your insights on whether the movie was able to achieve the goal it set out to achieve.

The conclusion of an essay should leave readers with a few key takeaways or a call to action that applies to the content. It can include the significance of the analysis, a summary of your discussion, or a response to the central claims made in the introduction. You can also state your thesis again and present evidence for your analysis to make it more convincing.

Key Tips for Writing a Movie Evaluation Essay Outline

Now that you know the main parts your essay should contain, it’s time to look at some key tips for making your outline. These will help you structure your thoughts and organize your material into a coherent essay .

Write your review and all your ideas about the film on your rough draft. Think back to what you should include in your evaluation, like the context, title, important figures, and so on. You don’t have to worry if some don’t seem relevant; focus on getting everything down.

Decide on Your Thesis Statement.

Get some ideas for your thesis statement or central argument for your review if you haven’t yet. Effective movie reviews do not simply say, “this film is bad” or “this movie is good.” An effective review will make a wider argument about the film.

Do you have any pointers that would be helpful? If you don’t have a polished statement ready to go, it’s okay. But try to have at least a solid idea of your argument. This will make planning your essay much easier.

Filter Through the Information You’ve Gathered

Now that you have decided on a thesis statement, it is time to go back through your brainstorming notes. Remove anything that may not be relevant to your thesis.

To help you determine which data are relevant, ask yourself how it supports your thesis statement. If you can provide a clear answer, then you should include it.

Movie Evaluation Example

Try looking at the example below to help you better visualize what a movie evaluation should look like. This is a brief evaluation of the hit South Korean Movie, Parasite.

Parasite: a Gasp-Inducing Masterpiece

The movie Parasite is a South Korean dark comedy thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho. It is the first non-English script to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020. This motion picture retains a long-lasting and shocking effect with its overly simplistic plots and acting.

The premise of this movie serves as a backbone of social commentary within the South Korean comedy/thriller (Kench, 2020). Every element in the film, including the student’s stone and the contrasting architecture, contribute to the central theme of classism and wealth disparity.

Parasite (2019) is an Oscar-winning film that is a cinematic portrayal of capitalism’s long-established inequality and a critical message to society today.

Wrapping Up

A movie evaluation essay outline is an integral part of your work. It acts as a backbone for your assignment. This is where you will arrange and organize all your data to use later in your essay. It’s an essential part of the pre-writing phase, and once you pull off a good outline, half of your task is complete.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Essay Outline Tool Articles

How to write a synthesis essay outline.

One of the most interesting assignments you could have is writing a synthesis essay. For a college or university student,…

• Essay Outline Tool

Learning the Structure of an Informational Essay

Academic writing assignments, primarily essays, are required of all college and university students. That’s because they think it will aid…

The Correct Way to Structure an Article

Writing non-fiction has a set format that can be followed, which makes it not all that different from writing fiction.…

Exploring the Structure of a Response Essay

You will typically be expected to write in a formal and impersonal voice when you are given the assignment of…

Writing a Persuasive Essay? Use This Structure!

Writing essays is a requirement of your academic program as a college student. Whether you love them or loathe them,…

Writing a Proposal Essay? Read This!

Are you writing a proposal essay? To write it correctly, we have to know what a proposal essay actually is.…

• order now ✕
• How It Works
• Discount Program
• Additional Services
• Free Essays
• Affiliate Program

Movie Review Essay, Its Outline and Writing Tips

How to do a film review? Writing a film review is not that easy. However, you can fulfill this task using movie review essay outline and if you are ready to watch your selected movie from the beginning to its end and express your opinion about it. All film reviews are divided into two categories: formal and informal.

Preparing a movie review essay is one of numerous written assignments that students must complete in high school, college, or university. Even though it can turn out as simple as ABC, a movie review writing assignment requires spending plenty of time and efforts, as well as proper organization. Take into account that it does not concern writing what occurs on the screen, it should go deeper and be well-though-out than that.

Get a Price Quote

So, if you are not aware how to write a movie review essay for college, university or high school, think of such an astounded opportunity to search for online academic writing assistance and support If you refer to our online trustworthy and first-class writing services company , our fascinating professionals will help you solving all your writing problems as they do know how to critique a movie or how to prepare an outstanding movie review essay outline of the high quality.

Practical Guide on How to Start a Movie Review and Submit It Successfully

It is proven that begining any new things, writing is not an exception, is always the most complicated. A start is regarded as an essential point where people usually set their pace and specify how to approach the task in the most productive way. Here are several useful and advantageous tips that can help you at each stage of the writing process.

The Most Important Components of the Film Review Essay Structure

If you do not know how to write a movie critique or how to write a movie review essay, but you want to succeed in doing this yourself, then carefully and attentively read each piece of information given below.

• The title of the chosen or set movie – as the headline is supposed to feature the name of the film, it is imperative to mention it in the essay. Always make emphasis on the feature that you have watched in the introduction of your movie review essay. This may sound a bit an unwise thing to indicate, but it is regarded as one of the most common blunders that students usually make.
• Summary – the key point of the film review writing is to present a summary for those people who have not seen it yet. To make it as efficient as only possible, try assuming that your teacher has not watched it either due to some reasons. Why is it of great importance? As an amazing reviewer, your task is to explain to your readers what occurred in the movie chosen or set and give your evaluation whether the film producer or director succeeded or not.
• Film-producer – conduct some research on the film-director or producer. Is that person an extravagant personality? Is she or he well known for his / her contributions to the industry of cinematography? Does the film-producer or director have a remarkable background or achievements? Devote a paragraph to this person behind the film and his / her other masterpieces, if any, in order to determine the significance of the movie you are to review for his / her career.
• Importance to the class of yours- How does the movie content suit into your term or course topic? Is it significant for historical truthfulness and accuracy? If the movie is based on the well-know bestseller you have analyzed in literature class, you may focus on differences, similarities, or some components that the movie contains, but the book lacks, etc.
• Creative components – film-producers do work very hard to incorporate creative components into their movies. How are these components significant to the plot in particular and the film in general? For instance, colors can be vivid and fascinating, thus lifting the atmosphere or spirit in the film or they can be faded out, thus contributing to the feeling of depressing or indifference.
• Actors – Do not forget about the actors. Were the actors true to life? Did they manage to depict the role of a certain hero successfully or awfully? Did they have amazing acting skills and natural gifts? Do you consider that a certain actor was the right choice for the film role?

Learn about writing an analysis essay:  “How to Write an Analysis Essay + Painting Analysis Essay Example”

In case you have some doubts regarding how to write a review of a movie in the essay, do not hesitate to contact our professional experts.

We have predicted all your needs and prepared useful suggestions for your convenience. No matter what sort of writing assistance you are looking for, be sure to send your request to us when you need it.

How to Analyze a Film: An Effective Strategy that You Should Follow

• Watch the film that you have chosen one or several times and put down all your impressions. Avoid relying only on your “excellent memory” as there is always a possibility to forget or simply overlook something.
• Carry out a detailed research. Simply watching a movie is not enough, thorough research is also of huge significance. Try looking for especial details, such as the name of film-director or producer and her or his motivation to shoot that movie, characterization, locations, plot, historical events or figures that served as a source of inspiration for the film (if applicable or needed). Your research should be aimed at collecting information that gives more depth and clarity to your review.
• Analyze the film just after you saw it. Do not commence working on your movie review if you have slight doubts that you misunderstand the movie. Evaluate the film from its beginning to its end. If there is a need, re-watch it, if you misunderstand some episodes. Only when you have a clear understanding of all the events that took place on the screen will you find it much easier to complete your movie review essay.
• Try including some examples based on the film. If the plot comprises evident and confusing holes, give an example of these situations or scenes. Also, if the hero or heroine is poorly presented or bad casting and play had a terrible influence on the film quality, also make emphasis on these examples. Present examples whenever you comment dialogues, plot, locations, etc. If you wish the readers to agree or disagree with your point of view, it is of great significance to back up each claim or argument of yours with clear evidence.

Consider that our online premium-class company is always ready to assist you with whatever written assignment is assigned to you by your teacher or professor. We are just a few clicks and a few minutes from you.

Movie Review Essay Sample

Download PDF Sample

Get to know about capstone project in article: “Capstone Project Paper”

Free Movie Review Writing Tips to Follow

• As a student, most likely, you will have to write formal film reviews as requested by your professor. So, as you are getting ready for writing a film review, begin with the analysis of the movie. You can either choose it on your own or follow the instructions provided by your professor. If you have some freedom of choice, do not ignore the criteria listed by your professor. The movie of your choice will have to meet them.
• To produce a first-class film review essay, you will need to watch the movie two or three times. This is the best way for you to understand the hidden meaning of the movie and see the things that you may not be able to notice, if you watch the movie once.
• As you are expected to produce a solid film review, you should also explore some additional sources. For example, try to find any information about how your chosen movie was created. Is it that the director of the movie used his or her personal experiences as the base for developing the movie plot? Look closer at the movie setting, the crew that was invited to work in every scene, and the movie budget.
• By the time you are ready to watch the movie for the second time, you will know enough about the plot to focus on the smallest details of the movie structure.
• Now you can list the most critical features of the movie to be discussed in your movie review essay. Develop a movie review essay outline and expand upon the most essential points you have noted in the film of your choice. Do not forget to develop a good introductory passage. Tell your reader who the director of the movie is, when the movie was created and presented to the audience, what initial reaction it stirred in the public, and why the author decided to create the film of that kind.
• Now switch to writing the body paragraphs. Perform a thorough analysis of the movie’s story plot. Analyze how well the actors have coped with their professional tasks. Is the movie realistic? Use evidence from the movie, when writing a film review.
• Now you can finish your paper with a strong concluding paragraph. Tell your reader what you feel about the movie. Provide recommendations for your audience. Because your opinion matters, try to choose a movie that touches your heart and stirs your mind.

Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Movie Review — “Rocky” Movie: Review and Analysis

"Rocky" Movie: Review and Analysis

• Categories: Boxing Film Analysis Movie Review

About this sample

Words: 799 |

Published: Apr 11, 2019

Words: 799 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• Chapman, J. (2013). The making of Rocky: How the famous boxing franchise was born. The Guardian.
• Crouse, R. (2006). The 100 best movies you've never seen. ECW Press.
• Ebert, R. (1976). Rocky. RogerEbert.com.
• Film Society of Lincoln Center. (2015). Rocky (1976).
• Keegan, R. (2018). Stallone's latest Rocky movie brings a Philadelphia hero to the desert. Los Angeles Times.
• Leitch, W. (2006). Rocky. In J. P. Telotte (Ed.), The Essential Film Themes (pp. 178-196). Oxford University Press.
• Roberts, A. (2016). Sylvester Stallone: From Rocky to Creed. Harlequin.
• Squire, J. R. (2008). The Rocky story. In C. C. Cavallaro (Ed.), Antiheroes: Heroes, villains, and the fine line between (pp. 89-102). Scarecrow Press.
• Stallone, S. (2010). Rocky: The undisputed collection. MGM Home Entertainment.
• Stallone, S. (2017). Sly Moves: My Proven Program to Lose Weight, Build Strength, Gain Will Power, and Live your Dream. William Morrow Paperbacks.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life Entertainment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 852 words

1 pages / 381 words

3 pages / 1473 words

4 pages / 1710 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Movie Review

In this film The Lorax advocates for nature and everything that lives inside of it. As you watch the Film you can see the spiritual and emotional connection the Lorax has to the land. The Lorax and the environment around him was [...]

Watching a good movie is one of my favorite pastimes. After a long day of school or work there is on other sensations such as curling up on the couch and watching a great movie. Epic stories throughout our history our best [...]

The movie Little Miss Sunshine provides an amusing and honest portrayal of a typical American family. This Caucasian, middle-class family embarks on a disaster filled road trip, to take seven-year-old Olive from their home town [...]

The Matrix was a revolutionary movie that commented on technological reliance and used lighting, special effects and camera angles to add intrigue to the storyline. It tells of the dangers of technology and shows a worst-case [...]

In the film Bicycle Thieves the main character’s young son, Bruno, plays an important role in the story and goes through his own development throughout the film. The specific elements of the film’s mise-en-scène including the [...]

Introduction of the movie "Forrest Gump" Mention of main characters and narrative style Description of Forrest Gump's personality and characteristics His loving nature and protective instincts The impact of [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

The 30 Best Movie Inspirational Speeches

Cinema's most stirring oratories and spirit-raising team talks.

In times of trouble, you need a little help getting up and going, and film can often provide just that. Cinema has a long and storied history of providing great words of motivation and encouragement, sometimes for the characters' own benefit and occasionally to the audience. Here, we've chosen 30 of the best that should fit almost any occasion - but if you're really pressed for time, here are 40 condensed into a two-minute span { =nofollow}. If you have a little longer, read on!

Also: The 25 Best Movie Bollockings

The Great Dictator

Made at a time when the shadow of World War II was looming over Europe, Charlie Chaplin’s speech here – he’s playing a poor Jewish barber in disguise as a preening dictator and forced to address a Nuremberg-style rally – is a heartfelt plea for sanity and compassion in a time of madness. It’s the perfect antidote to extremism, and uses fiery rhetoric for good. If only we’d be able to pull this switcheroo in real life.

Buy The Great Dictator

Independence Day

Sure, there are cheesemongers with less cheese on offer than you see here and OK, the American jingoism doesn’t work at all for those of us not of a Yank disposition. But Bill Pullman’s slightly sheepish style blends here with steely determination, and he delivers the American St Crispin’s Day speech with conviction. Then, like any US President, he leaps into his fighter jet and flies off to battle aliens.

Buy Independence Day

For those who prefer a little humour in their motivational speeches, try the pitch-black streak in this opener, establishing Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius as a leader of men and a helluva guy. Galloping around the Legions in his cool armour and fur-lined cloak, you might question whether he really needs an entire army to back him up, but you’ll never doubt for a moment that they’d choose to follow him as he unleashes hell.

Buy Gladiator

Any Given Sunday

There’s a lot to be said for a little personal touch to leaven your high-flung rhetoric, and it’s a trick that Al Pacino uses well here, in the first of three American football speeches we’re going to include (hey, we can’t help it if the heavily-padded sport produces some great pep talks). Pacino’s troubled Tony D’Amato unveils his own problems with brutal honesty before using his own failures as a spur to rev on his team to greatness, speaking of team spirit and commitment as someone who has been known to suck at both.

Buy Any Given Sunday

Friday Night Lights

The film has been somewhat overshadowed nowadays by the equally good TV show that followed it, but watch Billy Bob Thornton here and be reminded that Kyle Chandler isn’t the only fundamentally decent man who can inspire a team of small-town boys to great efforts in pursuit of perfection. It’s also worth noting that he puts his emphasis here on excelling and not winning, making it clear that victory isn’t only measured by the scoreboard. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

Buy Friday Night Lights

It is, and will probably always be, the greatest inspirational speech ever made. It’s endlessly flexible, and works even when not declaimed by the classically trained (see this Renaissance Man version for proof). And it’s by Shakespeare, still the best writer in Hollywood. We have, controversially perhaps, chosen Branagh’s version over Olivier’s because the latter sounds a little shrill to the modern ear, while Branagh convinces us that he could convince his men. This speech, given by the titular monarch to a vastly outnumbered force about to fight the French, obviously works especially well for English people, but by God, Harry and St George, it’s universal in its rousing effect.

Buy Henry V

This is a little-known film in the UK but it’s revered in certain communities in the US. Sean Astin’s Rudy has overcome dyslexia, poor grades and his relatively small stature to win a place on Notre Dame’s famous Fighting Irish American football team. Only problem is that he’s never been off the bench, and with his final game approaching he threatens to quit the team if he isn’t allowed to play – prompting this inspirational speech / telling off from a friend who points out that he’s being whiny and entitled and needs to grow a pair. Soon he’s back on the bench and given a starting position when his entire team threatens not to play unless he’s given a shot.

An honourable mention for Hector’s pep talk but Achilles wins the battle of the inspirational speeches just as he wins their duel (c’mon, that’s not a spoiler; it’s in the 2000 year-old Iliad). This is a short snippet, but then godlike Achilles, the man-killer, is a man of action rather than words. And what he does say – focusing on lions, glory and the manifold abilities of his small, hand-picked group of Myrmidons – would convince a rock to fight any Trojan who dared oppose it.

Animal House

Not every inspirational speech is about trying to inspire his cohorts to kill people or batter them up and down the length of a football field. Some aspire to a higher goal. Some aspire to debauchery, drinking and probably nudity. Some aspire to party like 1999 might have done had it tried harder. Some aspire to a particular kind of grubby, deranged greatness. One such is John Belushi’s Bluto, and this is the greatest night of his life.

Buy Animal House

The Goonies

Come the hour, cometh the man – and in this case the man is a small, asthmatic Sean Astin, inspiring his fellow Goonies to never say die and to keep going in their quest to find treasure and save their community. In his yellow rain slicker and with his voice on the edge of breaking he may not look like a modern Napoleon, but he has the same effect on his exhausted and discouraged troopers. He’s so good you’ll almost forget to laugh at his mentions of One-Eyed Willy. snigger

Buy The Goonies

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Death comes to us all, and Aragorn ain’t going to lie about it. But he still gees up his troops with the assurance that their civilisation will survive the onslaught of the forces of Mordor. Sure, they’re vastly outnumbered and sure, it seems likely that Frodo has failed in his quest to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom (especially if you’re watching the Extended Edition) but Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn ensures that no one will be quitting any time soon. Not this day!

Buy The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Bill Murray isn’t usually the guy you turn to for sincere, inspiring words of comfort. He’s more the type to puncture any attempt at same, and probably to fast-talk his opponents into giving up and going for a karaoke session while he’s about it. But after his heart grows two sizes during the course of Scrooged, he makes a plea for kindness and niceness from all mankind. He still does it in a recognisably Murray, manic and scattershot way, but that just makes him all the more compelling. Someone hire this man to play Santa Claus.

Buy Scrooged

Stirring sports speeches are limited to American Football. Miracle On Ice chronicles the based-on-truth tale of how the US Olympic hockey team triumphed over their Russian rivals. Kurt Russell's the speech-giver here, playing coach Herb Brooks. "Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world," he tells them. You'll feel a swell of pride and inspiration too.

Rent Miracle

Deep Blue Sea

“You think water’s fast? You should see ice.” Samuel L. Jackson’s been around the block more than once, and he’s seen the worst of mankind. It’s with the weight of that history behind him that he takes charge and orders his fellow survivors of a marine disaster to start pulling together and quit arguing. His speech also has what is, unquestionably, the greatest punchline on this list. Still, it achieves the desired effect once everyone has quit screaming.

Buy Deep Blue Sea

If in doubt, steal from classical history, something that David Wenham’s Dilios demonstrates with aplomb here. In actual history, the one survivor of the 300 was so shamed by his survival that he executed a suicidal one-man attack on the Persians at this Battle of Plataea, but Wenham seems more in control and also like he has quite a bit of back-up. “The enemy outnumber us a paltry three-to-one,” notes Dilios triumphantly. Why, it was hardly worth the Persians turning up.

Good Will Hunting

Here’s an inspirational speech well-suited to highly-paid sports teams and the enormously talented. Ben Affleck’s argument is, basically, that if you’re lucky enough to get extraordinary chances in your life, it’s your duty to the rest of us schmoes to actually take those chances and run with them as far as you can. If you can get past the shellsuit and the hair, he’s basically Yoda-like in his wisdom.

Buy Good Will Hunting

Most people only remember the last word – “Freedom!” – but the rest of the speech is pretty killer too. Mel Gibson’s William Wallace starts off by puncturing his own legend, and acknowledges the urge to cut and run in the face of a far superior English force. But then he reminds his men what they’d be missing if they do, and soon they’re all back on side and facing down the hated English. By the end of this speech, you’ll all hate the English with them – even if you are one.

Buy Braveheart

Coach Carter

You’d expect the inspiration in this basketball film to come from the titular no-nonsense coach, played by a fiery Samuel L. Jackson. But in fact it’s one of his players who nabs the best lines, as he and the team sit studying to keep their grades as high as their scores. There is a little cheating here: Rick Gonzalez’ Timo actually steals his inspirational speech from Marianne Williamson (it’s sometimes wrongly attributed to Nelson Mandela) but he delivers it well so we’re going to allow it.

Buy Coach Carter

While it’s his skills in the ring that he is most lauded for, Rocky Balboa is something of a poet to boot. An incoherent one, certainly; a poet who says “I guess” a lot more often than Wordsworth might like, but a poet nevertheless. His moving words here, as he single-handedly ends the Cold War and ushers in a new era of East-West relations, are just one example. Another is…

Buy Rocky IV

Rocky Balboa

If his last speech was incoherent – in fairness, his rhythm may have been thrown off by the translator – this one verges on incomprehensible when he really gets going. Still, there’s real passion in Rocky’s plea for one last shot and an argument that’s applicable to all sorts of situations of institutional injustice or unfeeling bureaucracy.

Buy Rocky Balboa

Stand And Deliver

Those who've watched him on the modern Battlestar Galactica know that Edward James Olmos is a past master at giving speeches. This is him from a little earlier in his career, playing Jaime Escalante, a real-life teacher who inspired his students to stop dropping out and start taking calculus seriously. Here, he's handing out as pop quiz, so anyone having to home school their kids can take note.

Rent Stand And Deliver

Good Night, And Good Luck

This one is couched particularly at media moguls, but there’s a call for excellence and the highest moral standards here that we would all do well to live by. David Strathairn’s Edward R. Murrow, in a speech lifted directly from Murrow’s actual address to the Radio and Television News Directors Association in 1958, pleads for TV to inform as well as entertain. We feel that if more people saw this speech, Made In Chelsea would be cancelled immediately and reality TV would be banned, so spread the word!

Buy Good Night, And Good Luck

Anyone who has ever flirted with a romantic interest knows the risk of being knocked back, and Jon Favreau's Mike is experiencing a crisis of confidence. Luckily for him, he has Vince Vaughn's Trent to talk him back into the game, and Alex Désert's Charles to remind him that he's so money. He's a bear! And she's a bunny! Everything is going to be fine.

Buy Swingers

Charles Dutton’s second appearance on this list, after Rudy, sees him once again reminding lesser men (and women) to get with the programme, pull the finger out and generally stand up and be counted. But this time they’re facing unstoppable acid-blooded xenomorphs rather than American football players, so he has to be extra-emphatic.

Buy Alien 3

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End

Remarkably few women get to deliver inspirational speeches in movies – apparently they’re relegated to clapping admiringly from the sidelines. Thank goodness for Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) who is elected King of the Pirates and rouses her troops into action for a last-ditch fight against the Lord Beckett’s overwhelming forces, led by the Flying Dutchman. She may not have quite the lungs of others on the list, but there’s no doubting her conviction as she calls for them to “Hoist the colours!” – the Jolly Roger – and sail out one last time.

Buy Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End

The Replacements

One doesn’t expect lengthy speeches from Keanu “Woah” Reeves (although he’s done his share of Shakespeare actually) but he’s rarely more succinct and to the point than in this chat with his fellow Replacements. And in fact there are few speeches more likely to be effective in motivating an exhausted team for one last effort. “Chicks dig scars” could be used by virtually every example here to drive on the listeners.

Buy The Replacements

Bill Murray at it again, and once more an unconventional speech. This time out, he's John Winger, a loser who decides that he and best pal Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) will join the Army. Stuck with a group of oddballs, and, after a night of partying, decides to rally his fellow troops. It works... Sort of. But Murray's typically laconic style works well for the speech itself.

Rent or buy Stripes

The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King

All seems lost for Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin again) and Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as they lie, exhausted, on the slopes of Mount Doom. Frodo’s beyond endurance and raving as the influence of the Ring grows ever stronger on him, and his desperate straits drive Sam to one last push. It’s barely a speech, really – he uses his words better here – but there are few moments more inspirational.

Buy The Lord Of The Rings: Return of The King

The Shawshank Redemption

A quiet moment between Tim Robbins' Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman's Red became one of the more memorable moments in Shawshank , a movie with no shortage of them. And for those who are spending more time inside than perhaps they might be used to, Andy's musing on what he would do if he got out of prison are inspirational in themselves, even before he gets to that iconic line.

Rent The Shawshank Redemption

Avengers: Endgame

Steve Rogers, AKA Captain America, is not shy of breaking out speech mode when the moment calls for it. And inspiring the Avengers as they're about to embark on a trip through space and time to retrieve the Infinity Stones certainly seems like that moment. "Whatever it takes," indeed.

Rent Avengers: Endgame

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Communication Skills
• Public Speaking
• Speechwriting

How to Write a Speech Outline

Last Updated: January 3, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 504,758 times.

A speech outline can increase your confidence and help you keep your place so you sound authoritative and in control. As you write your speech outline, focus on how you'll introduce yourself and your topic, the points you'll cover, and the interests of your audience.

Sample Outline and Writing Help

Crafting Your Introduction

• Keep in mind you may be nervous when you start your speech. Include this in your outline so you won't forget.
• If there's anything about you that relates you to your audience, or to the group that organized the event, you want to include that in your brief greeting as well – especially if you didn't have the benefit of an introduction from someone else.
• For example, you might say "Good afternoon. I'm Sally Sunshine, and I've been a volunteer with the Springfield Animal Society for five years. I'm honored they've invited me to speak here today about the importance of spaying or neutering your pets."

• When choosing your attention-getter, keep your audience in mind. Think about what would grab their attention – not necessarily what you personally find interesting or humorous.
• If you're not sure whether your attention-getter will work, try practicing it in front of friends or family members who are similar in age and interests to the people who will be in the audience when you give your speech.
• For example, if you're giving a speech on spaying and neutering pets to a group of suburban families, you might open with a humorous reference to the Disney movie "101 Dalmatians."

• Briefly explain the importance of the topic or issue you'll be discussing in your speech.
• If your speech is an informative one, explain why the information is important or relevant to your audience.
• For argumentative speeches, explain what might happen if action isn't taken on the issue.
• For example, you might say "Every year, our local animal shelter has to put down 500 unwanted cats and dogs. If all pets were spayed and neutered, it's estimated this number would decrease to under 100."

• If you're giving an argumentative speech, your thesis statement will be a statement of the ultimate point you hope to prove through the information and evidence you lay out in your speech.
• For example, the thesis statement for a speech arguing that all pet owners should spay or neuter their pets might be "Our entire community would benefit if all pets were spayed or neutered."
• The thesis statement for a more informative speech will simply summarize the type of information you're going to provide the audience through your speech.
• For a more scientific speech, your thesis statement will reflect the hypothesis of the scientific study you're presenting in your speech.

• If you're giving a speech for a class in school, your "credibility" may be as simple as the fact that you took the class and researched the topic.
• However, if you have a more personalized interest in the topic of your speech, this is a good time to mention that.
• For an argumentative speech, a personal connection to the subject matter can enhance your credibility. For example, maybe you're giving a speech about local urban housing policy and you became interested in the topic when you learned your family was facing eviction. A personal connection often can mean more to members of your audience than extensive professional experience in the area.

• There's no hard and fast rule, but speeches typically have three main points. You should list them in your introduction in the order you plan to present them in your speech. The order in which you discuss your points depends on the type of speech you're giving.
• For example, your speech on spaying or neutering pets might address the benefits to the pet first, then the benefit to the pet's family, then the benefit to the community at large. This starts small and moves outward.
• For an argumentative speech, you typically want to lead with your strongest argument and work down in order of strength.
• If you're giving an informative speech based on a historical event, you may want to provide your points chronologically. Other informative speeches may be better served by starting with the broadest point and moving to more narrow points.
• Ultimately, you want to order your points in a way that feels natural to you and will enable you to easily transition from one point to another.

Building the Body of Your Speech

• Your first point will be a top-level entry on your outline, typically noted by a Roman numeral.
• Beneath that top-level, you will have a number of sub-points which are comments, statistics, or other evidence supporting that point. Depending on how your outline is formatted, these typically will be letters or bullet points.

• As with the points themselves, with your evidence you typically want to start with the strongest or most important sub-point or piece of evidence and move down. This way, if you start running short on time, you can easily cut the last points without worrying that you're leaving out something important.
• The type of evidence or sub-points you'll want to include will depend on the type of speech you're giving.
• Try to avoid pounding your audience with long series of numbers or statistics – they typically won't retain the information. If you have a significant amount of numerical data or statistics, creating an infographic you can project during your presentation may be more useful.
• Keep in mind that additional personal stories or anecdotes can be particularly effective to get your point across in a speech.
• For example, if your first point in your speech about spaying or neutering pets is that the procedure benefits the pets themselves, you might point out that pets that are spayed or neutered live longer, are at a decreased risk for certain types of cancer, and are generally more healthy than pets who aren't spayed or neutered.

• Avoid over-thinking your transition. It really doesn't need to be incredibly sophisticated. If you can't come up with anything specific, using a simple transitional phrase will work fine.
• For example, you might say "Now that I've discussed how spaying and neutering has a positive effect on your pet's health, I want to move to the effect that spaying and neutering has on your family."
• Some of the most effective transitions turn on a particular word or phrase, such as the word "effect" in the example above.

• When choosing your sub-points or the facts that you want to emphasize in your speech, keep your audience in mind as well as the overall point. Think about what's important to them, or what they potentially would find most surprising or most interesting.

Creating Your Closing

• This transition doesn't need to be fancy – it doesn't even have to be a whole sentence. You can simply say "In conclusion," and then launch into your summary.

• You don't need to go into detail here – you're just reinforcing what you've already told your audience.
• Make sure you don't introduce any new information in your closing summary.
• For example, you might say "As you've seen, spaying or neutering your pet has substantial benefits not only for you and your pet, but also for the community at large."

• If your speech went well, you have fully proven your thesis and demonstrated its importance. This statement should relate back to the summary of your points and present a strong statement.
• Particularly for brief speeches, you can even combine your summary of points with your thesis statement in a single sentence that wraps up your speech.
• For example, you might say "Given the benefits to your pet's health, to your family, and to the overall well-being of your community, it is clear that spaying or neutering pets should be a top priority for all pet owners."

• You may want to think of a way to bring the entire speech back around to that story you initially told to grab your audience's attention.
• If you have an argumentative or similar speech, your closing lines typically will include a call to action. Give your audience an example of how important the subject of your speech is, and implore them to act on the information you gave them in a specific way.
• When making a call to action, make sure you include specific details, such as where to go, who to contact, and when to act.
• For example, you might say "For the next week, the Springfield Animal Society will be spaying and neutering pets for free at their clinic on 123 Main Street. Call 555-555-5555 to make an appointment for your furry friend today!"

• Particularly if your speech was longer or if you went over the time allotted, be sure to tell them that you appreciate their time.
• As with your initial greeting, including this in your outline ensures you won't forget it in the moment. That doesn't mean you should try to write something verbatim. Rather, you should focus on your thanks being more off-the-cuff and sincere.

• If you want to establish parameters for the questions, be sure to list these in your outline so you can mention them when you announce that you're open for questions.
• Anticipate questions that may be asked dependent on your speech topic. Preemptively answer those questions and include them in your outline.
• You also should note if you only have a specified period of time for questions, or if you're only taking a set number of questions.

Community Q&A

• Outlines can vary in how formal or informal you make them. You could either make it a full script or use shorthand with highlighted main points. Use the outline that works best for you. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 0
• Use a large font that you can easily read by glancing down. Print your outline and place it on a desk, then stand and look down at the paper. If it's too small or you find yourself leaning over to read it, increase the font size. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3
• If you're giving the speech for a class, you may need to turn in an outline of your speech that follows particular content or format requirements. Review your assignment carefully and turn in an outline that follows your instructor's requirements, even if you decide to use a slightly different outline when you give your speech. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html
• ↑ https://lewisu.edu/writingcenter/pdf/final-developing-a-speech-outline.pdf
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-evidence
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/10-2-keeping-your-speech-moving/

About This Article

The best way to write a speech outline is to write the main points of your greeting and introduction in the first section, including your name and what you’ll be talking about. Then, make a second section with bullet points of all the important details you want to mention in the body of your speech. Make sure to include facts and evidence to back your argument up. Finish your outline with a section that summarizes your points concisely. To learn how to keep your audience's attention throughout your speech, keep reading below! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Ren Solomon

Oct 1, 2018

Did this article help you?

Erick Villegas

Sep 21, 2017

Fernando Patino

Nov 19, 2018

Tristan Doell

Oct 12, 2017

Nov 23, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

‘Civil War’ beholds the rockets’ red glare but not real-world divisions

Alex garland’s lean, cruel film appeals to its broadest base by dodging specifics.

The jaw-clenching, bullet-clanging thriller “Civil War” opens with a blurry image of the president of the United States of America. As the president moves into view, we can see he’s played by Nick Offerman and can hear the speech he’s practicing, vague platitudes about vanquishing the insurgents of California and Texas. But even as POTUS’s face comes into focus, writer-director Alex Garland keeps him fuzzy. What are his politics? What could have possibly united blue California and red Texas against him? What year is it? I suspect Garland might answer that specifics are a distraction. No bloodbath is rational.

Early on in Garland’s fourth movie, a bomb explodes in New York. In the eerie silence, a hard-bitten war photographer named Lee (Kirsten Dunst) dispassionately snaps photos of the fresh corpses. Behind her, a greenhorn named Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) takes photos of Lee taking photos of the dead, and behind Jessie, of course, are Garland and his cinematographer Rob Hardy filming images of both women. There are three lens-lengths of distance between these horrors and us bystanders curious to see the collapse of the United States.

Everyone in that chain would claim they’re recording the brutality for our benefit. Lee admits she hoped ghastly images from her earlier career — a montage of executions from other wars in other countries that flips by in eerily stunning slow motion — would caution her own homeland to keep the peace. Clearly, that didn’t work. Maybe Garland naively hopes the same, which is why he’s avoided the real-world polarization behind this conflict so his gory warning will be watched by as many Americans as possible. Garland has stripped every background player of any demographic patterns of age, race, class, gender or beliefs. One fatal standoff is between two women of color who appear to be roughly the same age. There’s no telling which side would want your allegiance (and, honestly, neither deserves it). The only word we recognize, a reference to Lee’s landmark photographs of something called “the antifa massacre,” rushes past so fast that only later do we realize Garland didn’t give away whether the antifascists got slaughtered or did the slaughtering.

Garland doesn’t investigate how this war started, or how long it’s been going on, or whether it’s worth fighting. The film is, like Dunst’s Lee and her longtime colleagues Joel (Wagner Moura) and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), coldly, deliberately incurious about the combatants and the victims. As Lee says, any moral questions about them should be asked by whoever is looking at her photos, but those theoretical observers don’t factor into the film, either. (By contrast, this year’s Oscar documentary winner “20 Days in Mariupol,” also about photographers in a war zone, threw its narrative weight behind the desperation to get its powerful images out .) When we take in Dunst’s weary gaze and welded-on grimace with the same dispassion Lee gives to her own subjects, we can’t imagine the last time she let herself feel anything at all.

Yet the blinders Garland welds onto the story make it charge forward with gusto. This is a lean, cruel film about the ethics of photographing violence, a predicament any one of us could be in if we have a smartphone in our hand during a crisis. That’s also a predicament that Garland and other big-idea, big-scare directors find themselves in when they want to tell a shocker about very bad things without overly enjoying their sadistic thrills. Garland’s first three movies — “Ex Machina,” “Annihilation” and “Men” — dug into artificial intelligence, environmental collapse and sexual aggression, some more compellingly than others. In “Civil War,” any patriotic ideals about what this country once stood for never come up. The closest anyone comes to invoking democracy is a funny gag when a hotel concierge tells Lee that, given the sporadic blackouts, she has the freedom of choice between risking the elevator or climbing 10 flights of stairs.

Most of the movie is spent embedded with Lee, Jessie, Joel and Sammy as their battered white van takes a circuitous route from Manhattan to Washington. The gang races their competitors for footage of the president. Over a soundtrack of anxious punk rock, we see the cost of nabbing the money shot: the bottles of vodka, the filthy clothes worn for days on end, the growing doubts that their press badges still offer protection. Garland has an obvious arc in mind: Jessie the rookie must shed her vulnerability (which Spaeny does, masterfully), while Lee the veteran must regain hers. But it’s hard to buy Dunst’s unflappable pro needing to be dragged around by the scruff of her bulletproof vest like a mewling kitten.

Occasionally, the film plays us for a fool. The trailers have made a fuss over a line where a rifle-wielding soldier (Jesse Plemons) asks the journalists, “What kind of Americans are you?” But in context, it turns out that the brute is asking Moura’s Joel if he might be Central or South American. (“Florida,” Joel replies.) The bully is actually “just” xenophobic — a fake-out that feels like Garland is nervously changing the subject. Yet, more often, the film feels poetically, deeply true, even when it’s suggesting that humans are more apt to tear one another apart for petty grievances than over a sincere defense of some kind of principles. In one dreamlike scene, the team is attacked by sniper fire at an abandoned winter carnival. No one knows who’s shooting, a stranger in fatigues shrugs, as they duck behind plastic penguins and plaster Santa Clauses. We never will.

R. At area theaters. Contains strong violent content, bloody/disturbing images and language throughout. 109 minutes.

• ‘Ennio’ puts one of cinema’s most revered composers in the spotlight 17 minutes ago ‘Ennio’ puts one of cinema’s most revered composers in the spotlight 17 minutes ago
• ‘The People’s Joker’ is the superhero movie of the year 18 minutes ago ‘The People’s Joker’ is the superhero movie of the year 18 minutes ago
• Everything to know about ‘Sasquatch Sunset,’ the absurd Bigfoot movie 1 hour ago Everything to know about ‘Sasquatch Sunset,’ the absurd Bigfoot movie 1 hour ago

Movie Review: A heist movie that gleefully collides with a monster movie in 'Abigail'

If you always thought your garden-variety heist movies could do with a bit more blood-sucking vampire, have we got a flick for you

If you always thought your garden-variety heist movies could do with a bit more blood-sucking vampire, have we got a flick for you.

“Abigail,” featuring a 12-year-old tutu-wearing member of the undead, is way better than it should be, a gleeful genre-smashing romp through puddles of gore.

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and producer Chad Villella — part of Radio Silence Productions — have cracked the modern horror code with such hits as “Ready or Not,” “Scream” and “Scream VI.” They do not disappoint with “Abigail,” even perhaps opening a new, bloody revenue stream. (And wait for the phone call scene, a nod to “Scream.”)

“Abigail” starts with an odd assortment of mercenaries — played by “Scream” veteran Melissa Barrera, “Downton Abbey” star Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, William Catlett and the late Angus Cloud.

The six — representing the muscle, sniper, computer expert, getaway driver, medic etc — are hired to kidnap a rich preteen (nicknamed "Tiny Dancer") and hold her for ransom. The rules are: No names. No backstory. No grabass, which is a weird request, if we're being honest. All this group needs to do is detain the target for 24 hours until rich dad pays $50 million in ransom.

Why are six professional underworld characters needed to snatch and detain a sweet preteen, still wearing her tutu? That's easy: Not all of them are going to survive to claim their share of $7 million. That's because Abigail (Alisha Weir, awesome, stay away from me, no seriously) is really into, well, neckwork.

“I'm sorry about what's going to happen to you,” Abigail sweetly tells the kidnappers. We have some idea — and it's going to be great. Suddenly, the rambling estate they're holding her becomes a prison. The tables are turned.

The script written by Stephen Shields (“The Hole in the Ground”) and regular Radio Silence collaborator Guy Busick (“Ready or Not” and the “Scream” movies) — gleefully mines humor in the horror. Laughing a moment after a body fully explodes is normal here.

“This whole thing is a trip,” says one of the gang. Believe them. “Something doesn't add up,” says another. Believe that guy, too.

Garlic, sunlight, spears and crucifixes are employed to try to stop Abigail, who has hijacked the heist movie and turned it into a run-for-your-life thriller. She's a very smart 12-year-old who turns hardened mercenaries against each other.

Barrera, who had been so central to the life of the “Scream” franchise, shows why she's so good at horror — funny, sarcastic, vulnerable, athletic, soulful and very convincing with a stake in her hand.

Stevens, who famously left the aristocratic “Downton Abbey” for better roles, may wonder what he's doing here now, bathed in blood fighting a preteen vampire, but does an admirable job, definitely in on the camp.

But it's Weir in the titular role who carries it, doing pirouettes and leaps as she chases the bad-guys-now-good guys to the theme of “Swan Lake” with blood dripping down her throat, rotten teeth and feathers in her hair. “I like to play with my food ,” she says.

Run faster!

“Abigail,” a Universal Pictures release that hits theaters Friday, is rated R for “strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use.” Running time: 110 minutes. Three stars out of four.

MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Online: https://www.abigailmovie.com

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

Top Stories

House Democrats help Johnson avoid foreign aid bills defeat, despite GOP defections

• 32 minutes ago

Israel-Gaza live updates: Israelis fired 3 missiles in limited strike

Matt Gaetz attended 2017 party where minor and drugs were present, statement claims

• Apr 19, 5:04 AM

Emergency rooms refused to treat pregnant women, leaving one to miscarry in a lobby restroom

• Apr 19, 12:01 AM

Trump hush money trial updates: Prospective alternates voice varied opinions of Trump

• 12 minutes ago

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events