No Spoilers Here! (How To Write A Good Movie Review)

Member Name: kitschkitty

Product:	How To Write A Good Movie Review
Date:	13/01/09 (166 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Put some effort in and you'll get lots of VH ratings to make you smile

Disadvantages: If you can't be bothered writing your opinion, don't bother writing at all

In my time on Dooyoo, I've read a lot of film reviews. Most of them are good, a few exceptional and there tends to be waves of absolutely diabolical dross. Now I will admit that there are members who write far better film reviews than I ever manage, but with just over half of my film opinions receiving crowns, I'm not a complete novice myself either. With so many new members of the site, many of whom seem to be directing their skills to writing film reviews, I thought I'd take the time to write a few of my personal tips here. Not everyone will agree but I hope it provides at least some food for thought.

Before you even think about writing a film review, have you watched it? It might sound silly but I've read reviews of films that I'm familiar with and the plot description leaves me wondering if the writer has any idea what the film is about. And even if you have watched it, was it at a sleepover party 20 years ago where you talked through most of it or is the film still relatively clear in your head? I have lots of films I've seen over the years that I'd love to review but since my memory of them is hazy, I'll be leaving them on the backburner until I get around to watching them again. So now you have a film in mind that you do remember clearly, where do you start?

Firstly, we have the summary of the film. This is perhaps the most important part and yet is the element I find lacking in so many reviews. Despite the fact the film you are reviewing was a massive blockbuster netting millions of dollars, not everyone will have seen it or even heard of it. This doesn't mean you need to patronize the reader, but it does mean your review will require a taster of the plot. Of course, taster is the operative word here. When I'm reading a film review I want to find out the general premise behind the film in the form of a snippet. I don't want to read a poorly rehashed blow by blow account of every scene. I'm sure the cast and directors can do a far better job of telling the story than you ever will so this is just unnecessary. Which also brings me to the point of spoilers which are a definite no-no in writing a film review. Once I've read the ending of a film, where's the incentive for me to watch it? Juno was a film that, although not at the top of my to watch list, was something I would have liked to have seen. That was until I read a 'review' on Dooyoo which told me the final scenes of the film. Take films like Sixth Sense, Matchstick Men and Identity (off the top of my head), where the whole action of the film is hinged on a twist at the end. By revealing the twist, you've completely ruined the naïve pleasure of a first time viewer. So when it comes to your plot, aim to keep it short and sweet and retain an air of mystery about the events of the film. A good indication is to only write in as much detail as you find on the back of the DVD cover. Filmmakers write the blurb on the box with the aim of reeling in potential viewers and you should aim to do the same.

Next, a lot of people tend to give a mention to the cast. Again, you don't need to go into massive amounts of detail here and I certainly don't care who played the main character's chauffeur's daughter's best friend in a 2 second shot. If you're mentioning the starring actors, then usually a name will suffice. If they're lesser known talents you might want to mention one or two other films they've acted in but, from my point of view, this isn't something that's required. Most important to me is if they were cast well. Did you find Jim Carey convincing in his role as an awkward and tongue-tied clergyman considering the role is so dramatically different to those he usually plays? And whether you did or didn't, tell the reader why. Did the film star a previously unknown actress who excelled herself and showed true potential as a future Oscar winner? This to me is far more interesting to read than the fact that this was the woman who played Stiffler's mum in American Pie and she started her career in a Cheerios advert at the age of 3.

So now you've told the reader a bit about the film, the plot, the genre and the performances, it's your chance to get creative and tell us what you think. But don't fall into the trap of simply tagging 'It was good/bad' to the end of your plot outline and hitting the submit button. Dooyoo is about your opinion and your views so you now have the freedom to let loose and write about what you liked or disliked in particular and why. Perhaps the story was shocking and clichéd but the actors excelled to such an extent that you couldn't take your eyes from the screen. Maybe the story was excellent but the special effects looked like a scene from Camberwick Green. It doesn't matter whether you loved the film or hated it, just be honest and back up your arguments. This is the most important part of your review and should really take precedent when you're writing a film review. Don't spend hours writing a fantastic plot outline unless you can back it up with your thoughts and opinion on the film. This is the part that's going to help me and other readers decide whether or not we will buy or rent the film. Just be careful here that you're opinion isn't hinged solely on a personal hang up. Take my friend who has a vehement loathing for Kevin Costner. No matter what film he features in, she would never view it subjectively and is the last person I would turn to on an opinion about Costner's latest blockbuster, no matter how good the film might be. If you're reviewing a horror film but you can't stand horror films, you're review probably isn't going to be particularly useful. You don't have to stick to only reviewing films you love, but again, make sure you have reasoning to back up your opinion of a film either way.

Finally, for the true movie buffs, there comes the elements of direction, use of lighting and lenses, how suitable the backing music was etc. You don't need an expert to comment on anything else you think of that jumped out at you. It isn't essential in a film review but there are plenty of people reading and writing who appreciate the inclusion of such elements. But if you don't know what you're talking about, then it's definitely an area to steer clear of.

And, to finish, I'll just mention one last pet peeve. Fortunately, it isn't so common here on Dooyoo but I have seen a strange template used for film reviews. I really can't stand film reviews that are broken into sub-headings of plot, cast, awards etc. For me, a review should flow and should be written in a professional style. Have you ever seen a film review in a broadsheet or magazine where the writer has had to write each little thought under a sub-heading? It's awkward and clumsy and whilst I'm glad to see people are endeavouring to include all the essential elements of a film review, you should be able to do this without needing to break your review up into different sections.

So I hope this has helped. Perhaps the best advice I can give is to read around the film category and see what works and what doesn't in other people's reviews. Reading the latest crowned film reviews will also give you a good indication of what Dooyoo are looking for in terms of quality. And remember this is my personal opinion, feel free to use a little artistic license and I look forward to reading plenty more blockbuster reviews in the near future!

Summary: Now which film shall I review next....