Film Review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Setting of the film and main plot
Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked.
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation
OR
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Setting of the film and main plot
Paragraph 3: What you liked
Paragraph 4: What you disliked
Paragraph 5: Overall opinion and recommendation
Introduction
In the introduction,
Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or
an attractive statement about something bold in this movie that makes the
reader want to know more.
Mention general information about the movie, for example, the movie’s
title, its genre (sci-fi, comedy, thriller, horror, etc.) and the director’s name.
Here is an example of an effective film review introduction:
“Are you looking for an intriguing action-packed film where you can turn off your
brain and enjoy the ride? If so, then “London Has Fallen”, directed by Babak
Najafi is the film for you!”
Body
In the 1st body paragraph, mention the setting of the film (place and time) and
an overview of the plot, including the main character(s) and plot twists (if any).
Don’t describe the full story, especially the ending. Use the present tense.
Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review.
The plot focuses on/revolves around/involves …
Set in (time and place), the movie …
… provides the setting for …
As the film opens, …
In the 2nd (and 3rd) body paragraph(s), mention what you liked and/or disliked
about the film and state why, giving examples if possible. For example, you
could write about:
The plot (captivating, entertaining, thrilling, fast-paced, predictable,
confusing, implausible, etc.)
The acting (excellent/exceptional/remarkable/awful/unconvincing/weak,
etc.)
The script (e.g. the script is dull/exciting/clever/witty, etc.)
The special effects (realistic, brilliant, spectacular, breathtaking, mediocre,
terrible, etc.)
How the movie made you feel (the film literally brought tears to my eyes//
The film was heart-touching// The film was heart-pounding // I was on the
edge of my seat the whole time// I didn’t want to miss a scene! // I was
impressed by… // What struck me most was… // By the final scene I was
already half-asleep, etc.)
It’s also important to note that you should focus on the main things rather than
writing about every aspect of the film. Writing a few well-developed points is
better than many unjustified ones.
Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation (whether
you recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it
suitable families? Why?).
Examples of concluding phrases have been mentioned earlier.
Here are some useful expressions for describing a movie:
The film combines (suspense) with (horror) …
a must-see
a box-office success/failure
a blockbuster
a masterpiece
well-worth seeing
not to be missed
Important points to keep in mind
Include film-related vocabulary in your review, e.g. lead role, actors,
director, plot, script, special effects, etc.
Any expression you use should be consistent with your opinion of the film.
For example, if you’re writing positively about the film, it’s not appropriate
to write “By the final scene I was already half-asleep”!
