Tips on How to Write an Objective Film Review

1. Most of us enjoy a good film because it is entertaining. If you are not familiar with the camera work, editing, lighting or sound effects, do not try to be an expert. Leave those to academic film critics. Just concentrate on explaining how you are entertained by the film.

2. A good film review should include its title, the year it was made, the director, the main actors, the screenwriter and songs or music titles used in the film. The readers would also need to know the genre of the film. Is it a horror movie, a comedy, a drama, an adventure or a thriller?

3. To be able to make sharp observations in order to write an accurate good film review, watch the film more than once. If you have access to videos of the film, review the scenes in question a few times.

4. Point out the values promoted by the film reviewed. For example, the film Mary Poppins emphasizes the importance of family life.

5. Do not use ambiguous terms like slow or long. Use words which are more meaningful. If the characters are unrealistic, say so. A three-hour film may not be long if it is interesting. A fifteen-minutes film is long if the story line is boring.

6. You can't brand a film as outdated just because there is no hand phone, computer or other modern inventions in the film. A film has to be true to the time and background it is set in.

7. Take short notes as you are going through a film. It is easier than recollecting the scenes or facts after you have finished, especially if you do not have a strong memory.

8. Films often reflect cultures and habits of different places. Film reviewers should observe and point out the differences between the characters in the film and the local people as a whole.

9. It is interesting for readers to know the names of the main actors and the names of the characters they acted in the film. Mature readers may also want to know the names of the director and other films he has directed and rewards he was given.

10. A reviewer can also do some research and find out the production history of the film, cost of producing and the locations of shooting.

11. A brief summary of the story is required. However, do not give a lengthy summary or synopsis of the film. The summary is usually given in the trailer. However, make sure that your summary makes sense to readers who have not heard of the movie before. Readers want to read your observation and your opinion.

12. Remember, your opinion is not the absolute truth. It is more objective to express your views with writing I feel, I found or I think in the beginning of a sentence.