How to Write a Movie Review

Your professor assigns a review of Citizen Kane. You know it’s a “classic,” but what should you write? That the camera angles were “good”?

A movie review for a class requires critical thinking and a formal evaluation of how the film’s parts—acting, directing, and cinematography—work together to create a cohesive experience.

This guide is your foundational resource. We will cover the “what” (what a review is) and the “how” (the writing process). You’ll learn to analyze a film and structure your argument.

What is a Movie Review?

A movie review (or film critique) is a genre of writing that provides a brief summary of a film, followed by a critical evaluation of its artistic and technical merit. For an academic context, it is an evidence-based argument that supports a central thesis about the film’s overall effectiveness.

It is not just a summary, and it is not just an opinion. It is an analyzed judgment.

Movie Review vs. Movie Summary

A summary (or plot report) only answers “What happened?” A review answers “Was it good, and why?”

Movie Review vs. Film Analysis (Theory)

For most college classes, a “review” or “critique” is what is required. A “film analysis” is a more advanced paper.

• Movie Review (Evaluation): Judges the film’s overall quality for a general audience. (e.g., “Is this a good movie?”)
• Film Analysis (Interpretation): Applies academic theory (e.g., feminist theory, auteur theory) to make a deep, narrow argument about a film’s meaning. (e.g., “How does this film challenge gender roles?”)

Key Cinematic Elements to Analyze

A movie is not a book. You must analyze the cinematic elements, not just the story. As the Purdue OWL explains, “a film’s formal techniques… are part of its ‘language’.” Focus your analysis on these 6-7 key areas.

1. Plot and Screenplay

This is the “what.” Analyze the story itself.

• Narrative: Is the story logical? Original? Predictable?
• Dialogue: Does it sound natural or “fake”? Is it memorable?
• Pacing: Does the film feel rushed or does it drag?

2. Acting (Performances)

Analyze the actors’ work. Go beyond “the acting was good.”

• Believability: Did you believe they were the character?
• Chemistry: Did the actors have a believable relationship (e.g., as friends, rivals, or a couple)?
• Casting: Was this actor the right choice for the role?

3. Directing (Vision)

The director is the “author” of the film. Their job is to unify all elements into one cohesive vision.

• Tone: What is the film’s overall mood (e.g., hopeful, cynical, tense)? Is it consistent?
• Vision: Does the film feel like it has a unique, confident style?

4. Cinematography (The “Look”)

This is how the movie was filmed. It’s the “painting” of the film.

• Camera Angles: Does the camera look up (low-angle) at a character to make them powerful? Or down (high-angle) to make them weak?
• Lighting: Is the film bright and colorful, or dark and shadowy (film noir)? How does this affect the mood?
• Color Palette: Does the film use a specific color (e.g., red) to symbolize something?

5. Editing (Pacing and Flow)

How the individual shots are cut together.

• Pacing: Quick cuts in an action scene create excitement. Long, slow takes can build suspense.
• Transitions: How does the film move between scenes?

6. Sound and Music (Score)

Analyze what you hear.

• Score: The orchestral music. Does it build emotion? Does it warn you of danger?
• Soundtrack: The pop songs. Are they well-chosen for the scenes?
• Sound Design: The other sounds (creaks, wind, explosions). Are they realistic and immersive?

7. Theme (The “So What?”)

This is the central idea or message of the film (e.g., “love conquers all,” “power corrupts”). A good review analyzes how all the elements above (acting, lighting, music) work together to support this theme.

How to Write a Movie Review (7 Steps)

This is the step-by-step process for writing your essay.

You cannot write a good review from memory. Watch the film with a notebook.

• First Viewing: Watch for the story. Get a feel for the plot, characters, and your overall reaction.
• Second Viewing (if possible): Watch for the elements. Take specific notes on the cinematography, sound, and key scenes. Write down powerful lines of dialogue.

Do a quick search for the film’s basic facts. This provides context for your review.

• Who: Who is the director? Screenwriter? Main actors?
• When: When was it released? (e.g., a film from 1950 has different technical limits than one from 2024).
• Context: Is it based on a book? Is it part of a series?

Your thesis is your overall, arguable judgment of the film. It must go beyond “it was good.” It should state how and why it succeeds or fails.

• Weak Thesis: “The Dark Knight is a great movie about Batman and the Joker.”
• Strong Thesis: “Through its gritty cinematography, unsettling score, and Heath Ledger’s chaotic performance, The Dark Knight succeeds as both a compelling superhero film and a dark exploration of social order.”

From your notes, select the 3-4 best examples that support your thesis. You will analyze these scenes, shots, or lines of dialogue in your body paragraphs.

A standard movie review outline provides a clear, logical structure for your reader. (See the template below.)

Write your review based on the outline. The most important rule: NO SPOILERS.

• Do: Summarize the film’s setup (the first act, the main conflict).
• Do NOT: Reveal major plot twists, character deaths, or the ending.

Review your draft.

• Revise: Is your thesis clear? Does all evidence support it? Did you analyze the cinematic elements, not just the plot?
• Edit: Check for grammar, clarity, and film-specific terms (e.g., use “director,” not “author”).

Movie Review Outline Template

Use this template to structure your review.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

For a good example, see our film review of Silence of the Lambs.