You Don't Have To Be An Expert To Write A Good Review (How To Write A Good Movie Review)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	How To Write A Good Movie Review
Date:	26/12/08 (222 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An honest opinion is more advantageous than anything else

Disadvantages: Too much of the story and too much technical stuff is not helpful from a consume'rs point of view

Writing a review on a film, as I prefer to call it, (not wishing to use the Americanism), is much the same as writing any other review.

First say what the packaging, cover, etc looks like. Then give an outline of the plot, being careful not to give too much away and mention some of the cast. Tell the reader about the director and producer if you can and follow up with a comment or two about any music in the film.

You don't have to be a film, or media student to do this, although there are lots film reviews on Dooyoo which read more like student essays for their film studies module.

There are two very important things to remember when writing a film review. Firstly, never give away the whole story. This is referred to as a 'spoiler'. If you do this you will spoil the film for potential viewers. No one wants to know the end the first time they watch a film. It would be very much like reading a book and having someone tell you how the story ends.

Secondly, don't forget to write your own opinion. Once you have told us all about the film, say how you enjoyed (or didn't), whether you think it is worth watching again and which age groups it would suit. Is it a violent action film, a girlie romance, or a kids' film, for example.

What consumers want from a Dooyoo film review is an overall idea of what it's about and enough information to help them decide if they might enjoy it.

There is an element here on Dooyoo who will always rate you low if you don't provide all that film buff info that many like to show off, but let's face it. If a consumer wants to know more about a film than what it's about and whether they might enjoy, they too can easily access specialised film review sites and find all that information. Dooyoo is for consumer reviews, not in-depth specialist information.

What I am really saying here is that in my opinion, a film, or indeed a book review, needs to tell the reader what's on offer and to give a personal view on the experience. It shouldn't be part of a competition to write the most academic sounding, professional film review. They belong on specialist sites.

Clearly, it is up to the individual and this is my view on it. There are some very well written, detailed film reviews on this site, and I don't mean to put those writers down, but I prefer to read film reviews that give me a general feel for the experience and I decide whether to watch it from that part of the review. If I want film history, or specialist info on directors I go to a specialist site.

Summary: The wrirer's personal experience of the film is the most important part of a good review