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A Free Movie Review Template for Kids and Teens

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Watching movies at home during a holiday break or as a learning experience in the classroom can be fun. This free printable movie review template is for kids and teens and is a useful resource for students looking to write a thoughtful and organized movie review.

Check out our list of best movies for the entire family . Family movies can contribute to a fun, enriching, and wholesome entertainment experience for the entire family.

This template is perfect for school assignments, lesson plans, or just for fun. We will provide some tips on how to write a good review on your movie of choice, as well as a few example reviews. So put down your video games, grab your popcorn, and get ready to write.

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Whether you’re a movie buff or just looking for a fun way to express your opinions on your favourite movie, our movie review template is the perfect tool. With space to write out your favorite quotes and describe what you did and didn’t like about the movie, this template is a great way to make writing fun for kids and adults alike. Plus, you can use it again and again for all your movie review needs.

Table of Contents

What Is a Movie Writing Template?

A film review writing template is the perfect way to help individuals structure and organize their thoughts and ideas about a movie they have watched. It allows the reviewer to cover all the essential aspects of the movie, including plot, characters, acting, direction, cinematography, and overall impact. That’s the beauty of printable templates, they are perfect to use for many ages and situations.

When using a movie review template to review documentary films, fictional movies, or classic films, start by providing a brief summary of the movie’s plot without giving away any spoilers. Next, discuss the main characters and their performances, highlighting any standout performances or areas for improvement.

Then, delve into the film’s direction and cinematography, commenting on memorable movie moments. After discussing the technical aspects of the movie, share your thoughts about the overall movie-watching experience.

What is Included in these Free Movie Worksheets?

Included in this movie review template pack is a simple movie review worksheet where you can include a movie review outline, a page where you can share illustrations from the movie, and write an essay movie review.

Our template is in PDF format and we’ve included questions about basic information from the movie, including the following questions:

The movie title and release date

Your name and age

What are the best things about the movie? What do you like about the movie?

What you didn’t like about the movie? Share your personal opinion of the movie.

Would you recommend this movie to others? Why or why not?

Draw your favorite character from the movie

Draw your favorite scene from the movie

Draw your least favorite scene from the movie

Details about the movie – Who are the main characters? What is one great thing about the movie?

This free PDF download movie review template has plenty of room for you to answer all of the above questions.

Free Printable Movie Review Template

We have designed a free printable film review template to use in a personal or classroom setting as a creative writing project or students’ learning project. The download process is easy – simply enter your email address at the bottom of this post and the template will be in your inbox.

It is appropriate for a classroom setting, a birthday party, or just reviewing your favorite movie with friends. The free printable PDF files are for personal use only and are a quick fill-in activity printable that kids of all ages will enjoy. This movie review worksheet is perfect for primary students such as younger children, middle schoolers, and even older children.

How to Write A Movie Review

Examples of movie reviews using our template.

Our free printable movie review template is a great tool for anyone who wants to write a movie review. It provides a clear structure and prompts to help you organize your thoughts and opinions. Here are a few examples of movie reviews using our template:

Simple Film Review Sheet

Example 1: “coco”:.

“Coco” was released in 2017 and is a Pixar film. I’m 12 years old and I thought it was a great movie! I loved the characters and the story. The only thing I didn’t like was that it was a bit slow in parts. I would recommend this movie to others. It’s a heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.

Example 2: “Ice Princess”:

Ice Princess is a 2005 Disney film starring Casey Ferguson as a brainy high school student who discovers a talent for figure skating. The film follows her as she pursues her dream of becoming a championship skater, with the help of her coach (played by Michelle Trachtenberg).

Along the way, she learns important lessons about dedication and perseverance. I enjoyed this film because it is lighthearted and full of colorful characters. it also provides a portrayal of the hard work and determination required to succeed in competitive figure skating. As such, Ice Princess is an inspiring movie that is sure to delight viewers of all ages.

Our film review template pack provides benefits to users.

This free template streamlines the review process, ensures consistency, allows for customization, and is reusable. Give it a try and see how it can improve your movie-reviewing experience!

We have designed a free printable movie review template for you to use. It is appropriate for a classroom setting, a birthday party, or just reviewing your favorite movie with friends.

This free PDF download movie review template has plenty of room for you to answer all of the above questions. Movie review templates can be used as rich learning experiences to help students develop critical thinking skills, improve their writing abilities, and express their opinions in a structured manner. It can also be a fun activity for movie enthusiasts to share their thoughts and recommendations with others.

To download our free printable movie review template, simply click the link below. Print out as many copies as you need and start reviewing your favorite movies today!

What are some of your favorite movies? Have you written any reviews? We would love to read them! Leave your reviews in the comments section below. Happy writing!

Wife, Homeschool Mom, Registered Nurse, Certified Biblical Counselor. I create Journals, Crafts, and Printables to help you make memorable moments at home with your family.

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Free and Useful Editable Movie Report For Homeschool

November 27, 2020 | Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy .

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I’m so excited to share this free printable editable movie report to compliment the 7 Step DIY Homeschool Planner and other learning forms I have here.

Table of Contents

Editable Movie Report for Homeschool

Although I feel we need to teach our kids how to write a book report or two, some of the same learning concepts can be done assigning a movie report.

Don’t misunderstand me, I didn’t assign a lot of books reports.

However, a required book report or two helped my kids to prepare for literary analysis in high school. The same can be done with an oral report. It’s great to have choices is my point.

So I think you’ll love adding this free editable movie report to your language arts curriculum.

Look at how I created it:

• There are two versions of the same copy. One version has color and if you need to preserve your ink, one version is grayscale .
• Both versions are editable. If you want your kids to practice his beautiful penmanship, just print without using the editable fields.
• If your child prefers to use the editable form, type to fill in and then print.
• Also, I created more of a book-ish type of report meaning I encourage writers through my form to think deeper than what is happening on the screen. That is how we want to sneak in a bit of critical thinking through the fun of watching a movie.

Movie Review Form

Movie reports are not only fun, but have a way of reviving a love lost in writing or analyzing.

Too, if a child has special needs, he may not able to read without great difficulty or write well. Still, he certainly can be encouraged to express himself in beautiful language.

An editable movie report form can help him to jot down fascinating facts and still think about the elements of literature.

Through a movie, his thoughts can be formed in a visual way instead of reading the pages of a book.

In addition, on the last page I have a place for a writer to draw his or her favorite scene/s. This page is unnumbered so that your writer can decide if he wants to illustrate more than one scene and print the same page multiple times.

On the other hand, he can divide the last page into 4 squares using his pencil and illustrate more than one scene on the one page.

Your writer decides if he wants to illustrate one scene per page or various scenes on one page, or print one page per scene. I love options while teaching and I know you do too.

Also, adding the unnumbered last page in this download allows you the freedom of including your youngest learner. He may be at the drawing pictures stage right now. This way your youngest learner is part of language arts instruction for the day.

Another important component I added to the form to help with older learners is a comparison between the movie and the book.

Because this section simply asks the child to compare the two, you decide which literary elements of the book and which movie parts you want your child to compare.

Lastly, the movie report shares some of the same literary elements or the elements of fiction included in a book report like:

• setting; and
• characters.

Another important distinction I made in this form because my kids had a hard time with it too is making the distinction between the plot and t he theme.

Teach with Movies

So I have both a Main Idea (more like the theme) section and Plot so that your kids can learn the difference too. It helps them to think critically when filling out these parts.

Some kids do understand the difference between plot and theme until the teens years which I find is normal.

And filling out the section about what is advertised as the main idea about the movie, versus what are the plot and theme (Main Idea on form) can lead to many interesting observations about the movie.

Analyzing literature is something I’ve tried to make fun in our house; analyzing movies is another way to bring fun to language arts.

I hope you’ll love this form. Do you see other ways you can use this form?

How to Download this Freebie. It’s a Subscriber Only Gift.

From time to time, I do Subscriber Freebies only. This is a subscriber freebie. I do this to show my appreciation and because I want you to follow me and give me a chance to make a difference in your homeschool.

Too, when you join my email list , you get access to my Subscriber’s Only Exclusive Library of Freebies.

This is how you get access to this form quickly. 1) Sign up on my list . 2) Confirm your email. 3) Look for the automatic reply giving you the password to the private subscriber’s area. You should have it soon.

IF you are already a follower/subscriber , PLEASE do NOT email me asking how to find it. You may not want to wait on me replying since I get bombarded with emails.

IF you’ll find the MOST RECENT email from me, the password and link to the Subscribers Area are ALWAYS at the bottom of every email . Look for the most current email since I change the password frequently.

You’ll love these other tips and posts:

• 10 Fun Amazon Prime Movies for the Youngest Homeschoolers
• 7 Educational Movies for Kids About Westward Expansion
• Homeschool History Teaching Ancient Civilizations Using Netflix
• How to Choose the Best Middle School Literature And Favorite Resources
• How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
• What Homeschool Subjects to Teach and When to Teach Them

Hugs and love ya,

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Film Review: Structure and Format for Students

• backlinkworks
• Writing Articles & Reviews
• October 5, 2023

I. Introduction II. What is a Film Review? III. Importance of writing a Film Review IV. Structure and Format of a Film Review A. Introduction B. Summary and Synopsis C. Analysis and Evaluation D. Conclusion V. Tips for writing an Effective Film Review A. Watch the Film Multiple Times B. Take Notes and Analyze the Film C. Consider the Target Audience D. Use Proper Film Terminology E. Ensure a Balanced Review VI. Common Mistakes to Avoid A. Spoiling the Plot B. Biased Opinions C. Lack of Supporting Evidence D. Grammatical and Spelling Errors VII. Conclusion VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I. Introduction

writing a film review can be both an enjoyable and educational experience, allowing students to analyze and critically evaluate a movie. This guide aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and format of a film review. By following the suggested guidelines and tips in this article, students will be equipped to write well-structured and informative film reviews.

II. What is a Film Review?

A film review is a written analysis and evaluation of a movie. IT serves as a critical assessment of various elements, including the plot, characters, cinematography, directing, sound design, and overall impact of the film. Film reviews offer readers insights into the quality, themes, and messages conveyed by the movie, helping them decide whether IT is worth watching.

III. Importance of writing a Film Review

writing a film review goes beyond simply expressing personal opinions about a movie. IT enables students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills by evaluating different aspects of the film. Additionally, film reviews play a crucial role in helping others make informed decisions about whether or not to watch a particular film. As a student, writing film reviews can also contribute to building your portfolio or improve your chances of pursuing a career in film criticism or journalism.

IV. Structure and Format of a Film Review

A well-structured film review ensures clarity and coherence in conveying your thoughts and opinions. The following sections provide a recommended framework for writing an effective film review:

A. Introduction

The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide essential information about the film. Start by mentioning the film’s title, director, main actors, and release year. Include a concise summary that sets the context for the review while avoiding spoilers.

B. Summary and Synopsis

In this section, provide a brief overview of the plot without giving away crucial details. Focus on the main themes, conflicts, and events that shape the narrative. Make sure to maintain an objective tone and avoid personal bias.

C. Analysis and Evaluation

The analysis and evaluation section is the heart of the film review. Here, you will delve deeper into the film’s various aspects, such as cinematography, acting, screenplay, and sound design. Analyze the effectiveness of these elements in conveying the film’s intended message or engaging the audience emotionally. Support your opinions with specific examples or scenes from the film.

D. Conclusion

The conclusion serves as a summary of your overall assessment of the film. Reiterate the key points discussed in the analysis and evaluation section, highlighting the film’s strengths and weaknesses. Offer your final verdict or recommendation, based on whether you believe the film is worth watching.

V. Tips for writing an Effective Film Review

To enhance your film review writing skills, consider the following tips:

A. Watch the Film Multiple Times

Deep understanding of a film requires multiple viewings. Pay attention to details you might have missed initially and analyze the film from different perspectives.

B. Take Notes and Analyze the Film

While watching the film, take notes on significant scenes, character development, and any thoughts or emotions IT evokes. Use these notes to guide your analysis and evaluation later.

C. Consider the Target Audience

Identify the target audience of the film and consider if IT effectively appeals to them. Explore whether the film successfully fulfills its genre conventions or intended purpose.

D. Use Proper Film Terminology

Utilize film-specific terminology such as mise-en-scène, cinematography, or narrative structure to showcase your understanding of film analysis. However, make sure to define and explain these terms concisely for readers who may not have a film background.

E. Ensure a Balanced Review

While IT is essential to express your personal opinions, maintain a balanced perspective by incorporating objective analysis. Be fair and back up your claims with evidence from the film.

VI. Common Mistakes to Avoid

When writing a film review, be mindful of the following common mistakes:

A. Spoiling the Plot

Avoid revealing essential plot points or twists that may spoil the viewing experience for potential readers. Focus on providing a general overview without disclosing critical surprises.

B. Biased Opinions

While personal opinions hold value in a film review, ensure that IT does not overshadow the objective analysis of the film’s various elements. Give fair consideration to both positive and negative aspects.

C. Lack of Supporting Evidence

When critiquing the film, always support your opinions with evidence. Refer to specific scenes, dialogue, or techniques to justify your evaluation.

D. Grammatical and Spelling Errors

Proofread your review for grammatical and spelling errors. These errors can negatively impact the credibility of your analysis and distract readers’ attention from your main points.

VII. Conclusion

writing a film review provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills while expressing their thoughts and opinions. By adhering to the suggested structure and format, and following the tips mentioned, students can effectively craft well-rounded film reviews that help inform others’ film choices.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long should a film review be? A1. Film reviews can vary in length, but aim for a word count between 400-800 words, depending on the requirements set by your instructor or publication.

Q2. Can I include spoilers in a film review? A2. IT is advisable to avoid spoilers in film reviews to maintain the viewers’ enjoyment and surprise factor. Focus on providing a general overview without revealing key plot points.

Q3. Are film reviews subjective? A3. While film reviews often include subjective opinions, they should also incorporate objective analysis of various elements like acting, cinematography, and storytelling.

Q4. Can a negative film review be beneficial? A4. Yes, negative film reviews convey honest assessments and constructive criticism. However, ensure that your critique is fair and backed by proper analysis and evidence.

Q5. Is IT necessary to watch the film multiple times? A5. Watching the film multiple times allows for a more comprehensive analysis, as IT helps identify subtle details, thematic cues, and character development that may have been missed initially.

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How to Write a Movie Review

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 179 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,561,696 times. Learn more...

Whether a movie is a rotten tomato or a brilliant work of art, if people are watching it, it's worth critiquing. A decent movie review should entertain, persuade and inform, providing an original opinion without giving away too much of the plot. A great movie review can be a work of art in its own right. Read on to learn how to analyze a movie like a professional film critic, come up with an interesting thesis, and write a review as entertaining as your source material.

Sample Movie Reviews

Writing an Intro for a Movie Review

• Comparison to Relevant Event or Movie: "Every day, our leaders, politicians, and pundits call for "revenge"– against terrorist groups, against international rivals, against other political parties. But few of them understand the cold, destructive, and ultimately hollow thrill of revenge as well as the characters of Blue Ruin. "
• Review in a nutshell: "Despite a compelling lead performance by Tom Hanks and a great soundtrack, Forrest Gump never gets out of the shadow of its weak plot and questionable premise."
• Context or Background Information: " Boyhood might be the first movie made where knowing how it was produced–slowly, over 12 years, with the same actors–is just as crucial as the movie itself."

• Using stars, a score out of 10 or 100, or the simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down is a quick way to give your thoughts. You then write about why you chose that rating.
• Great Movie: ABC is the rare movie that succeeds on almost every level, where each character, scene, costume, and joke firing on all cylinders to make a film worth repeated viewings."
• Bad Movie: "It doesn't matter how much you enjoy kung-fu and karate films: with 47 Ronin, you're better off saving your money, your popcorn, and time."
• Okay Movie: "I loved the wildly uneven Interstellar far more than I should have, but that doesn't mean it is perfect. Ultimately, the utter awe and spectacle of space swept me through the admittedly heavy-handed plotting and dialogue."

• Great: "Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer's chemistry would carry Fruitvale Station even if the script wasn't as good. The mid-movie prison scene in particular, where the camera never leaves their faces, shows how much they can convey with nothing but their eyelids, the flashing tension of neck muscles, and a barely cracking voice."
• Bad: " Jurassic World's biggest flaw, a complete lack of relatable female characters, is only further underscored by a laughably unrealistic shot of our heroine running away from a dinosaur – in heels."
• Okay: "At the end of the day, Snowpiercer can't decide what kind of movie it wants to be. The attention to detail in fight scenes, where every weapon, lightbulb, and slick patch of ground is accounted for, doesn't translate to an ending that seems powerful but ultimately says little of substance."

• Does the film reflect on a current event or contemporary issue? It could be the director's way of engaging in a bigger conversation. Look for ways to relate the content of the film to the "real" world.
• Does the film seem to have a message, or does it attempt to elicit a specific response or emotion from the audience? You could discuss whether or not it achieves its own goals.
• Does the film connect with you on a personal level? You could write a review stemming from your own feelings and weave in some personal stories to make it interesting for your readers.

Composing Your Review

• When you name characters in your plot summary, list the actors' names directly afterward in parenthesis.
• Find a place to mention the director's name and the full movie title.
• If you feel you must discuss information that might "spoil" things for readers, warn them first.

• Cinematography: " Her is a world drenched in color, using bright, soft reds and oranges alongside calming whites and grays that both build, and slowly strip away, the feelings of love between the protagonists. Every frame feels like a painting worth sitting in."
• Tone: "Despite the insane loneliness and high stakes of being stuck alone on Mars, The Martian's witty script keeps humor and excitement alive in every scene. Space may be dangerous and scary, but the joy of scientific discovery is intoxicating."
• Music and Sound: " No Country For Old Men's bold decision to skip music entirely pays off in spades. The eerie silence of the desert, punctuated by the brief spells of violent, up-close-and-personal sound effects of hunter and hunted, keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat."
• Acting: "While he's fantastic whenever he's on the move, using his cool stoicism to counteract the rampaging bus, Keanu Reeves can't quite match his costar in the quiet moments of Speed, which falter under his expressionless gaze."

• Keep your writing clear and easy to understand. Don't use too much technical filmmaking jargon, and make your language crisp and accessible.
• Present both the facts and your opinion. For example, you might state something such as, "The Baroque background music was a jarring contrast to the 20th century setting." This is a lot more informative then simply saying, "The music was a strange choice for the movie."

• Great: "In the end, even the characters of Blue Ruin know how pointless their feud is. But revenge, much like every taut minute of this thriller, is far too addictive to give up until the bitter end.""
• Bad: "Much like the oft-mentioned "box of chocolates", Forest Gump has a couple of good little morsels. But most of the scenes, too sweet by half, should have been in the trash long before this movie was put out."
• Okay: "Without the novel, even revolutionary concept, Boyhood may not be a great movie. It might not even be "good.” But the power the film finds in the beauty of passing time and little, inconsequential moments – moments that could only be captured over 12 years of shooting – make Linklater's latest an essential film for anyone interested in the art of film."

Polishing Your Piece

• Ask yourself whether your review stayed true to your thesis. Did your conclusion tie back in with the initial ideas you proposed?
• Decide whether your review contains enough details about the movie. You may need to go back and add more description here and there to give readers a better sense of what the movie's about.
• Decide whether your review is interesting enough as a stand-alone piece of writing. Did you contribute something original to this discussion? What will readers gain from reading your review that they couldn't from simply watching the movie?

Studying Your Source Material

• The title of the film, and the year it came out.
• The director's name.
• The names of the lead actors.

• Make a note every time something sticks out to you, whether it's good or bad. This could be costuming, makeup, set design, music, etc. Think about how this detail relates to the rest of the movie and what it means in the context of your review.
• Take note of patterns you begin to notice as the movie unfolds.
• Use the pause button frequently so you make sure not to miss anything, and rewind as necessary.

• Direction: Consider the director and how he or she choose to portray/explain the events in the story. If the movie was slow, or didn't include things you thought were necessary, you can attribute this to the director. If you've seen other movies directed by the same person, compare them and determine which you like the most.
• Cinematography: What techniques were used to film the movie? What setting and background elements helped to create a certain tone?
• Writing: Evaluate the script, including dialogue and characterization. Did you feel like the plot was inventive and unpredictable or boring and weak? Did the characters' words seem credible to you?
• Editing: Was the movie choppy or did it flow smoothly from scene to scene? Did they incorporate a montage to help build the story? And was this obstructive to the narrative or did it help it? Did they use long cuts to help accentuate an actor's acting ability or many reaction shots to show a group's reaction to an event or dialogue? If visual effects were used were the plates well-chosen and were the composited effects part of a seamless experience? (Whether the effects looked realistic or not is not the jurisdiction of an editor, however, they do choose the footage to be sent off to the compositors, so this could still affect the film.)
• Costume design: Did the clothing choices fit the style of the movie? Did they contribute to the overall tone, rather than digressing from it?
• Set design: Consider how the setting of the film influenced its other elements. Did it add or subtract from the experience for you? If the movie was filmed in a real place, was this location well-chosen?
• Score or soundtrack: Did it work with the scenes? Was it over/under-used? Was it suspenseful? Amusing? Irritating? A soundtrack can make or break a movie, especially if the songs have a particular message or meaning to them.

Community Q&A

• If you don't like the movie, don't be abusive and mean. If possible, avoid watching the movies that you would surely hate. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• Understand that just because the movie isn't to your taste, that doesn't mean you should give it a bad review. A good reviewer helps people find movie's they will like. Since you don't have the same taste in movies as everyone else, you need to be able to tell people if they will enjoy the movie, even if you didn't. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Structure is very important; try categorizing the different parts of the film and commenting on each of those individually. Deciding how good each thing is will help you come to a more accurate conclusion. For example, things like acting, special effects, cinematography, think about how good each of those are. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/terminology_and_starting_prompts.html
• ↑ https://www.spiritofbaraka.com/how-write-a-movie-review
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/9-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/top-tips-for-writing-a-review
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/summary-using-it-wisely/
• ↑ https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/film-review-1.original.pdf
• ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/film_writing_sample_analysis.html
• ↑ https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/onnyx.bei/dual-credit/movie-review-writing-guide
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-movie-review/
• ↑ https://gustavus.edu/writingcenter/handoutdocs/editing_proofreading.php
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://edusson.com/blog/how-to-write-movie-review

About This Article

To write a movie review, start with a compelling fact or opinion to hook your readers, like "Despite a great performance by Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump never overcomes its weak plot." Then, elaborate on your opinion of the movie right off the bat so readers know where you stand. Once your opinion is clear, provide examples from the movie that prove your point, like specific scenes, dialogue, songs, or camera shots. To learn how to study a film closely before you write a review, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing a Movie Review: Teaching Tips and Lesson Ideas

To me, there’s nothing more enjoyable as a middle school teacher than blending films into English language arts classes. I’m a real movie lover, and I find that a good film-based activity is the perfect way to engage students in work on essential ELA skills in the last few weeks of school.

Thanks to Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services, our students have more access to films than people at any other time in history! But I’ve noticed that even with so much exposure to movies, students need quite a lot of guidance to view films critically and with intention. 

This is why I find an end-of-year film review project to be so useful in the ELA classroom. Most students are natural movie reviewers already. They always come in on Monday mornings buzzing about the movies they saw over the weekend!

With this in mind, I like to tap into their natural instincts to share what they love, and help them learn the step-by-step organizational skills for writing a film review in the process. Here’s how this looks in the classroom:

1. Show Students Film Review Examples

To begin, I like to lead a brief whole-class discussion where we chat about the difference between getting a recommendation from a friend and reading a professional movie review . During this discussion, I point out that there are some specific things that a movie reviewer considers, including cinematography, actors, lighting, and sound.

Once students have the basic idea, I like to show them several examples of film reviews in different formats. If your school receives a newspaper subscription, you could collect and save film reviews to share with your class. Or, you may prefer a more modern approach and search online! Written film reviews tend to follow a similar structure and provide students with a good understanding of what they need to include.

Because most students also enjoy video content, we spend time looking at YouTube reviews as well. I might be dating myself, but I like to show old clips of Siskel and Ebert, the famous “two thumbs up” reviewers from the ‘80s and ‘90s! What I especially enjoy about their style is that they don’t always agree, but their reviews are still effective and engaging.

2. Know Your Audience

As we wrap up this lesson, I ask students to consider the audience of each review. For example, is the review aimed at children, adults, or even a teen magazine? The target audience affects not only tone and style, but also impacts the focus of the review. For example, a teen magazine review might focus on the famous actors of the film. By contrast, a special effects magazine might provide insight into a particular element of the filmmaking process.

3. Teach How to Watch the Film

The next step is to teach students how to watch a film with purpose, rather than simply for pleasure! In an ideal situation, I recommend watching a film twice. The first time is to get an overall understanding of the plot, and then to consider the choices the director and actors made in creating the film.

In the classroom, I like to pause the film frequently and let my students jot down notes. While they are watching, I remind them to consider each scene with an observant eye. I ask:

• What does the director choose to show (or not show)?
• How do the actors convey emotion, depth, and intention through their movements, as well as their words? 

4. Provide Common Vocabulary

As part of a film study, it’s important for students to be able to speak the “language” of movie making. After viewing the movie, I like to take some time to outline some key terms to help students write their reviews.

Words like blockbuster, avant-garde, disjointed, or uninspired can help elevate movie reviews in ELA from “friendly recommendations” to “review quality.” I find a printable list of useful writing terms is especially helpful. This is especially true if you want to avoid the “It was a good movie,” trap! 

5. Provide An Organizational Framework

When it comes to actually writing the review, I like to be quite specific in my instructions, breaking down the review into specific paragraphs .

For example, introductory paragraphs should start by engaging the reader with a strong opinion, thought-provoking statement, or even a quote to act as a “hook.” I like to remind students that the purpose of this paragraph is also to share some basic information about the film. This should include title, director, genre, and setting, as well as a brief plot overview. No spoilers, please!

Next, I have students plot out their paragraph about the main characters of the movie. I like to begin this process by having them reflect on the portrayal of the characters, and whether the actors are well-suited for their roles. As they evaluate the performances, middle school ELA students can support their opinions using evidence and examples from the film.

Because film techniques can vary so much from movie to movie, I like to give quite a lot of freedom in the next paragraph. I ask students to consider the following film techniques and choose one to focus on in detail:

• Camera work
• Sound effects

After they have evaluated film techniques, it’s time for students to flex their ELA muscles and reflect on the overall theme of the movie. In their fourth paragraph, I ask them to consider how the director uses filming techniques, set design, characters, conflict, or other elements to express or develop this theme. I like to guide this paragraph by asking questions like:

• Has the theme been developed effectively?
• Does it have an impact on the viewer, a specific community, or the world?

Finally, it’s time to wrap up the review! In this final paragraph, students need to give the film a rating in whatever “system” they choose. Popular choices in my classroom include thumbs up, stars, or even popcorn kernels on a scale of one to five! As they justify their rating and provide their personal opinions, I also encourage the class to consider what type of person would enjoy the movie.

6. Give Prompting Questions

In my experience, prompting questions help students focus on key things to include in their ELA movie review. I like to remind my students that graphic organizers are a tool for working through their ideas. They don’t need to be filled out in complete sentences, but they provide a useful framework for structuring their review. 

7. Make time For Peer Feedback & Editing

While students always resist the peer feedback and editing stage of the writing process, it really makes a difference in their overall quality of work.

Before they finalize their review, I have students work with a peer for a closer look at the grammatical and structural elements of their movie review. One way to do this is to follow the “three stars and a wish” format. In this activity, each student has to identify three positive things about the writing and one “wish” – an area of improvement.

Alternatively, if you have an established peer editing process in your classroom, this is a great opportunity to use it!

8. Provide Options for Presentation

Now for the fun part – the presentation of the movie review! I believe that students do their best work when they can express choice and voice in their finished product. 

Movie reviews can be shared in a lot of different ways (in the ELA classroom and in real life!). First, I have students select whether they want to share their completed review as a newspaper article, blog post, podcast, pre-recorded video, or even a live presentation in class.

If you’re tight on time, one trick I love is to put students in small groups (I find four works well) and present their reviews to each other. This alternative to whole-class presentations frees me up to circulate among the different groups. You’d be surprised at how much you can see and hear while doing this! At the end of each presentation, I like to have students grade each other using a common rubric. The presenters can self-assess their work as well!

There you have it! I hope you have a blast bringing a movie review assignment into your middle school ELA classroom. Three cheers to the end of the year!

Looking to integrate more videos into your ELA classroom? Check out my suggestions for 7 Ways to Bring Videos Into Secondary ELA .

Wrapping up your year? My 9 Creative Ideas for Student Awards celebrate every student in your class!

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How to write a movie review [Updated 2023]

Writing a movie review is a great way to practice critical analysis skills. In this post, we explore what a movie review is, how to start a film review, and steps for writing and revising it.

What is a movie review?

A movie review is a concise evaluation of a film’s content and formal elements (cinematography, sound, lighting, etc.). Also known as a film review, a movie review considers not just what a film means, but how it means. Essentially, when you write a film review, you are conducting a critical analysis or close reading of a movie.

How to write a movie review

To write a successful review about a movie, you need to evaluate a film’s content, as well as its form. In this section, we break down these two components.

A film’s content includes its plot (what it’s about), characters, and setting. You’ll need to determine the main plot points of the film and how the film’s story works overall.

Are there parts that don’t make sense? Are certain characters more important than others? What is the relationship between the movie’s plot and its setting? A discussion of a film’s content provides good context for an analysis of its form.

Form refers to all of the aesthetic and/or formal elements that make a story into a movie. You can break down form into several categories:

• Cinematography : This element comprises all aspects of the movie that derive from the way a camera moves and works. You’ll need to pay attention to elements like camera angles, distances between the camera and the subject, and types of shots (i.e. close-up, aerial, etc.).
• Lighting : Films use lighting in various ways to communicate certain effects. For instance, noir films tend to utilize chiaroscuro lighting (deep contrasts between light and dark) to express a sense of secrecy or foreboding.
• Sound : The way a film uses sound can vary considerably. Most movies have a soundtrack, sometimes with music composed specifically for the film. Some films play around with ambient sounds or use silence at key points to signify important moments. What is the relation of sound to the image in specific scenes or sequences? Do sounds link images? Does it ever become more important than the image?
• Editing : The movies we watch online or in theaters have been heavily edited in order to achieve a particular flow. When you are preparing to write a movie review, pay close attention to elements like the length of shots, transitions between scenes, or any other items that were finalized after filming.
• Costumes, Props, and Sets : Are the costumes and props believable in relation to the film’s content and setting? Are costumes particularly elaborate or understated?

The important thing to remember when you are analyzing the formal elements of a movie is that every image, sound, movement, and object has meaning and has been planned. Your review needs to take into consideration how these elements work together with the film’s storyline to create a whole experience.

Once you’ve considered both the content and form of the movie that you’re reviewing, you can begin to evaluate the film as a whole. Is it a successful movie? Would you recommend it? Why or why not?

Step-by-step review writing tips

1. watch the movie.

The first time that you watch the movie, look for overarching themes or patterns, and establish what the film is primarily about. Take note of the main characters, as well as the setting.

2. Watch the movie again and take notes

Next, watch the movie again and take notes as you are doing so, keeping in mind the formal aspects discussed above. Write down anything that seems significant.

3. Evaluate the film’s form and content

Using the categories described above, and any handouts or guides provided by your instructor, evaluate the film’s formal elements along with its content. Are there elements of the movie that strike you as unfamiliar or perplexing? Are there elements that are repeated to emphasize a point or perception?

4. Write your review

A good movie review will contain:

• an introductory paragraph that tells the reader what movie you’re reviewing
• a paragraph that summarizes the movie
• several body paragraphs that explore significant formal elements and how they relate to the content
• a concluding paragraph that discusses your overall reaction to the film and whether or not you would recommend it to others

5. Create citations

You’ll need cite the film and any secondary sources that you consulted while writing. Use BibGuru’s citation generator to instantly create accurate citations for movies, as well as articles, books, and websites.

You may also want to consult a guide on how to cite a film in MLA or another major citation style .

6. Revise and proofread

Once you’ve written your review, you should set aside some time to revise and proofread it before you turn it in.

Movie review checklist

You can use this checklist to ensure that you’ve considered all of the formal elements, as well as the content, of the film that you’re reviewing:

🔲 Cinematography (camera moves and types of shots)

🔲 Lighting (natural vs. artificial light, contrasts between light and dark)

🔲 Sound (soundtrack, sound vs. silence, loud vs. soft sounds)

🔲 Editing (length of shots, transitions between scenes)

🔲 Costumes, props, and sets (believable vs. staged)

🔲 Content (plot, characters, setting)

Frequently Asked Questions about how to write a review about a movie

A movie review should contain a brief summary of the film, several paragraphs of analysis that focus on form and content, and a concluding paragraph that sums up your reaction.

Before you write anything, you need to watch the film at least once. Take notes as you’re watching and pay attention to formal elements and patterns. Then, write your review. The final step is to revise your work before you turn it in.

The tone for a movie review should be critical, yet objective. The goal of most reviews is to persuade a reader to either see a film or not.

The best film reviews balance plot summary with critical analysis of significant formal elements. A reader should be able to decide if she wants to see the film after reading the review.

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How to Write a Movie Review: 10 Essential Tips

As long as there have been films, there have been film critics. Starting with the early days of cinema, where reviews appeared in newspapers and magazines as brief, descriptive pieces, as filmmaking evolved as an art form, so did the role of the critic. James Agee, André Bazin, and Pauline Kael shaped the discourse around cinema, and today, famous film critics like the iconic Roger Ebert , The New York Times’s A.O. Scott , and The New York Times’s Manohla Dargis continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

With the rise of the internet, film criticism now encompasses a wide range of voices and perspectives from around the globe. Sites like Letterboxd make it possible for anyone to write short-form reviews on film. Even stars like The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri have accounts and share opinions on the latest box-office hits.

How to Write a Movie Review

Today, contemporary YouTube and TikTok critics such as Red Letter Media , deepfocuslens , and DoMo Draper don’t just write film reviews, they shoot videos and skits. Through their creative formats, they offer refreshing and unique perspectives while building communities of diehard film and television enthusiasts. Whether you choose to write reviews for your own blog, other websites, or social media channels, by learning how to write a movie review, any aspiring filmmaker can start to watch films intentionally. 

@domodraperr Replying to @xsindeviltriggerx I’ll get right on that, Sir!🫡 #comments #movies #film #satire #fyp #mulan #disney ♬ I’ll Make a Man Out of You (feat. Black Gryph0n) – Cover – Samuel Kim

TikTok film critic “DoMo Draper” provides commentary on new and old films, often calling out racism, social injustice, misogyny, and prejudice.

While there’s no perfect approach to writing a review, there are best practices that every aspiring reviewer should consider.

Here are ten tips on writing a compelling piece.

1. Watch the film at least once.

For new reviewers, it’s impossible to capture everything after one viewing. Watching the film first, then watching to take notes, is an easy way to improve the quality of your final review. This will also make it easy to recall in-the-moment thoughts and reactions.

Take a review by Christian Blauvelt of Charlie Chaplin’s silent film The Circus , for example. Since the film does not have sound, properly critiquing the film requires close attention. Viewers have to pay attention to the various nuances in Chaplin’s performance, follow the story, and take in the cinematography. Regarding The Circus , Blauvelt writes, “The film lacks a conventional plot, but is rather a pearl necklace of strung-together episodes. ” The statement isn’t a criticism, but a keen observation likely gleaned from more than one viewing. 

So while every film reviewer has their own approach, many choose to watch a film more than once to deliver the best possible review. Image The Criterion Collection.

2. Express your opinions and support your criticism.

Professional reviewers do not shy away from sharing whether they thought a movie was good, bad, or indifferent. In a review for the film Mother!, reviewer Candice Frederick describes the film as “uncomfortable,” and “controversial,” helping viewers understand the tone of the movie. While Frederick seemed to enjoy the film, her honesty about how it would make audiences feel was vital in writing the review.

Be sure to back up these thoughts with specifics–a disappointing performance, beautiful cinematography, difficult material that leaves you thinking, and so on. Professional reviewers should express why and how they came to their criticism.

3. Consider your audience.

Are you writing for a fan site or a news outlet? Who will read your pieces, and what are their interests? Knowing who your readers are and where the review will be published can help you decide what elements of the movie to highlight. For example, take these two very different reviews for the film ‘Synecdoche, New York’.  

The first review was written by Alonso Duralde for The Today Show , and clocks in at around 500 words. The film focuses on the bullet points: characters, plot, and a concise review. The second review is over 3,000 words and published on the Critical Critics blog . This review goes into massive depth (and yes, includes spoilers) about the film, providing an incredible amount of analysis. The first review is tailored for the casual filmgoer, while the second is for cinephiles. Each review serves a different purpose.

It’s also a good idea to adjust your writing style to fit the target audience. For example, Alonso Duralde is a talented film reviewer and likely wrote the review to fit the tone of The Today Show site. Image via Director’s Library.

4. Talk about the acting.

When reviewing a film, it’s important to take space to discuss the performances. Does the film feature a seasoned actor in a new kind of role or a brilliant performance from a rising star? How was the acting? In a review by Brett Milam for the award-winning film Whiplash , he goes into rich detail about performances by both breakthrough actor Miles Teller and seasoned professional JK Simmons.

Regarding Teller, Milam writes, “This is a performance. This is art,” and about Simmons, “I found him fascinating to just look at.” Those are just small examples of the analysis he provides regarding their acting. As the film mostly focuses on the relationship between their two characters, Miles as the protagonist and JK as the antagonist, the review of the performances lends well to the plot of the film: student and teacher going head to head in an intense and determined showdown. 

Feedback about how well the actors handled the script, the dynamics in an ensemble, and so much more can help describe how the actors did in any given film.

5. Call out directors, cinematographers, and special effects.

Reviews that include highlights or missteps of directors, cinematographers, and costume designers can help provide support to your critiques. By providing specific examples of what worked, what surprised you, and what fell short of expectations, reviewers can write a well-thought-out review that goes beyond whether or not you liked it.

In a review for A Wrinkle in Time , Monique Jones artfully crafts a piece that diplomatically cites the missteps of the film. From analyzing the quality of the CGI to the camera techniques to inconsistencies in the rules of the fantasy universe, Jones fairly offers a critique that guides the filmmakers and crew on future endeavors. To write this type of review, it helps to have some knowledge of the filmmaking process so you can properly assess the screenwriting, cinematography, special effects, acting, and more. Image via Disney.

6. No spoilers!

The point of writing a movie review is to get people interested in seeing a movie. That’s why it’s absolutely best practice to not reveal spoilers in a film review. Film reviewer Robert Daniels approaches this creatively. In his review of Annihilation , he provides commentary on what would be considered spoilers. However, he places that part of the review at the bottom of the article under a bold header/image that warns the reader he’s about to spoil the film. For reviewers who want to dissect the entire film, this is a good way to both tease the film for anyone who hasn’t seen it and cater to people who want to know what the ending is.

Remember: the goal of any film review is to discuss the plot without revealing any twists or the ending of the film. 

7. Study the professionals.

As with all writing endeavors, the more you read, the better. However, with the modern landscape of film reviewing, which can go beyond writing and extend to content creation for social media platforms, there are a ton of reviewers to take notes from. First, determine what kind of reviewer you want to be, and what kind of medium you plan to deliver your reviews on. If you plan to post to Medium, for example, studying the reviewers already established on the site can be a great starting point.

Then, read film reviews for some of your favorite films. Determine which style of review you like and don’t like. Question why, and use your critical eye to consider why one reviewer has a hundred thousand followers and another only has two. If you’re looking to be featured on a website or a magazine, read the publications where you’d like your writing to appear as a template for your reviews, and don’t forget to read the submission guidelines. A few examples of film review professionals include Rotten Tomatoes , Roger Ebert , and Film Comment. 

8. Reread, rewrite, and edit.

While writing film critique is based on opinion, and follows the style of the reviewer, it’s still important to edit work. Writers should check for spelling, grammar, and readability. No matter how good a writer’s opinions are, they will not be taken seriously if the director’s name isn’t spelled correctly. Tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can be great for correcting and finding areas that need improvement. 

9. Find your voice.

The best reviewers have a distinct personality that comes across in their writing. Los Angeles Times film reviewer Carlos Aguilar wrote an impassioned piece about the film Beatriz at Dinner , going into a lot of detail about his experiences working in the film industry and his Mexican heritage. By sharing anecdotes about casual racism he’s experienced and connecting it to the film’s protagonist, and what she goes through, the review feels personal and relatable.

“If at a film festival – to which I’ve gotten access to because I’m a published writer – in a progressive city like Los Angeles, I must keep my guard up when people question my right to be there, then how are the voiceless supposed to feel safe, respected, or hopeful?” Aguilar writes. 

For new reviewers, developing this type of unique voice does not happen overnight, so take every opportunity to write as an opportunity to develop your style. Image via BBC.

10. Know your taste.

As a film reviewer, it can be helpful to identify your taste in film. By knowing specific preferences, strengths, and biases, reviewers can offer nuanced critiques that resonate with audiences and provide valuable guidance on which films they might enjoy. Additionally, it helps to maintain credibility and integrity as a reviewer by ensuring that assessments are authentic and reflective of personal cinematic sensibilities.

Try to explore various genres, directors, and themes to understand what resonates emotionally, intellectually, and aesthetically. Pay attention to the types of stories that engage you, which can help define your preferences.

Learn More About Filmmaking at NYFA

Film students with writing experience actually make great reviewers, as many of them are required to study a range of topics relating to film that can include cinematography, screenwriting, producing, and much more. Ready to build even more skills in filmmaking? Request more information about New York Film Academy’s filmmaking programs and workshops today!

Quick Guide on How to Write a Movie Review Essay

What Is a Movie Review

The internet has revolutionized the realm of film criticism. No matter a movie's level of quality, it is always worth analyzing. Despite the growing number of individuals attempting to write about movies, few are successful. Most people do not provide insightful analysis, instead simply state how much they liked or disliked the film.

A movie criticism, usually composed by a professional in film studies, takes a comprehensive look at the film from a historical, social, political, or theoretical standpoint. This is unlike the opinion or suggestion given in a movie review, which is shorter and more concise.

A remarkable aspect of a good film review is that it doesn't just rate the movie but provides explicit views that form the critique's basis. This form of writing, like crafting essays, research papers, and term papers, should be insightful and draw the reader in quickly. It's important to discuss the reputation of the lead actors and directors and to write about what you expected and if they were met. The reviewer must explain a story's development without recalling major plot points and endings. The review must be concise, engaging, and should involve metaphors, specific words, analogies, etc.

Movie Review Purpose

Most film reviews are intended to guide readers in deciding whether to view, rent, or purchase the film. They should provide the necessary information to aid readers in deciding without divulging any fundamental details, such as the storyline or any surprises. This paper is common in schools because the lecturer wants to evaluate the student's ability to think critically and report the event easily for others to understand.

Movie reviews typically present a brief summary of the film's storyline. They provide readers with an overview of the characters, relationships, and scenarios but do not convey the complete narrative. Perusing the review should be different from seeing the movie. Nonetheless, feel free to highlight the essential moments or pivotal points that make the film worthwhile viewing.

Our college essay writing service has put together some advice on composing a movie review essay like a real critic, so let's explore the article further!

How to Write a Movie Review: Movie Review Outline

The structure is key when it comes to the quality of your paper. Don't neglect the power of a good outline, no matter what paper you're writing. Outlines help you stay on track and make sure your paper flows well.

Taking the time to arrange your ideas before starting to write is an effective way to save time further down the line. With a well-structured plan already in place, you won't have to worry about other elements. This will also make the writing process less stressful. Here is a guide on how to organize your movie review outline:

How Do You Start a Movie Review Essay: Introduction

The introductory paragraph is the first obvious step in crafting a movie review essay outline. Here, you want to quickly captivate the reader. Deliver your viewpoint instantly and make it unambiguous. Don't leave the audience wondering whether you enjoyed the film. Tell them right off the bat so you have time to justify your assessment throughout the remainder of the process.

In the introduction movie review should also describe your thesis. Develop the main concept for your essay that you can support using your perceptions of the movie's various aspects. The reader should be able to tell from this statement if you thought the film was fantastic, awful, or simply alright. By including a thesis statement, you may move your analysis beyond the plot synopsis phase into the movie critique category, which is considered a separate creative process.

Crafting Your Essay Movie Review Analysis

According to our research paper service , film analysis is similar to building a case. You're attempting to influence the reader to follow your recommendation to watch or disregard the film. So, you must ensure your essay movie review will be convincing. Giving instances that demonstrate the validity of your personal opinion is the only method to do this. If you find any dialogue in the movie that you think best exemplifies whether the work is strong or not, utilize quotes. This also applies to all of the movie's artistic decisions. But, just because a movie's narrative isn't strong or engaging doesn't indicate the rest of the film is worthless. Carefully highlight how some factors might undermine the movie in your explanation.

The movie's plot is only one component and shouldn't dominate the overall piece. The following are the important aspects to include in your movie review structure:

Cinematography - Cinematography covers much more than simply camera angles. It includes how the picture is lit, how it moves, appears, and what lenses are used. Here you can try the following analysis: 'Warm, gentle colors are used throughout the film, combined with soothing whites and grays, to simultaneously create and gradually tear away the characters' romantic sentiments for one another. There is a painting-like quality to each image.'

Editing - The editing is arguably the absolute star of what creates a good movie review example. It affects both the duration and the flow of a movie. Without effective editing, there would be uncomfortable gaps between pictures and many errors.

Costuming - The clothing the characters wear is called a costume, but there are a number of things to consider while evaluating movie costumes. You should be able to decide if the outfits suit the characters and the movie's atmosphere.

Casting and Acting - Finding the ideal performers to bring characters to life is the goal of casting. This sometimes entails seeing performers portray both familiar personas and figures who are entirely at odds with who they are. Casting, therefore, involves more than just finding talented performers. You can assess the acting in the following way: 'Even though he excels while on the go, his stoic behaviorism causes him to fall short of his co-star during calm scenes where he keeps a blank look on his face.'

Once you have finished analyzing the acting, directing, cinematography, setting, etc., wrap up with concise, stimulating wording to sustain readers' attention. Don't forget to provide a few examples to support your statements about the film.

Concluding Your Essay Movie Review

Finalize your review by coming full circle. Close the review by returning to your introductory fact or thesis. Give your readers a refresher on the movie's most intriguing aspects. It's important to remember that before choosing a movie, viewers check reviews. Finish with a statement indicating whether it is worthwhile for them to view. Be specific about who this movie will be more fascinating to and why in your suggestions. Remember that your ending is your last shot at influencing your audience, so use it wisely.

No matter the kind of movie review you have to complete, our professional specialists are willing to help you. Directly forward your needs to our research paper service and get it done quickly.

Need Help With MOVIE REVIEW WRITING?

No matter what type of movie review you want, our qualified specialists are ready to assist you.

Short Movie Review Form

If you are currently working on a new or old movie review, reading our suggestions should be sufficient to help you earn an A. So what if you'll be writing many reviews in the future? In this situation, we advise you to develop a uniform movie review template, which will enable you to save time and complete your upcoming projects successfully.

So, how to write a movie review template, you may ask? Well, our essay helper prepared a simple yet great movie review template you may use as a foundation for your own writing if you need some help getting started:

Example Papers

Once you know how to review a movie and learn the most valuable tips to handle this assignment, it is time to look at some movie review examples to get you on the right track.

Check out the following pieces to see which of these movie review essay examples you might want to keep at hand when working on your own assignment:

Helpful Tips on Writing Movie Reviews

Here are some extra helpful tips to keep in mind when unsure how to write a movie review essay:

• Add Your Own Personal Feel to Your Movie Critique - You might not have much spare time for your pastime of reviewing. You won't be able to write a movie review, though, if you just wing it without reading what others have said. Make a note of the things that intrigued you, alarmed you, made you uncomfortable, or caused you to pause and consider something, and then use that list as the basis for your research.
• Develop a Distinctive Writing Style - Have an idol—it's good for you. You must be careful not to just paraphrase and duplicate what they say without adding your own original viewpoint. Instead, in order to stand out from the throng, you must discover your own voice. When writing movie reviews, you should also have a distinct writing style.
• Include Extensive Information -Mention the film's photographer, special effects designer, and director. Your review might be significantly impacted by this. Then you may list all the memorable movie moments that also stuck with you.
• Voice Your Views and Back Up Your Criticism - Give your own assessment of the film. Make sure you have evidence to support your criticisms. Use the movie's details that most shocked or humiliated you. Review genuine information rather than merely expressing your opinions without supporting details.

Final Thoughts

Composing a good movie review essay sample is easy if you follow this article's main steps and techniques. Furthermore, we strongly believe that this guide will assist you in achieving remarkable outcomes and ease your writing process. The staff at EssayPro is always available to provide a helping hand if you need a little additional push with movie review examples or even if it's simply coming up with a catchy essay title .

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FAQs on Writing an Essay Movie Review

Here are the most frequently asked questions on how to write a movie review. We provided extra details on movie analysis to simplify writing film reviews.

What are the 6 Important Things to Include in a Film Review?

How long should a movie review be, what are the 5 c's in film, related articles.

10 Movie Review Examples That Will Help You Write Better Reviews

Studying movie review examples is a great place to start if you’re looking for inspiration for your own movie reviews. 

This article has gathered different kinds of movie review examples that will help you write better and more insightful reviews in whatever style you choose.

There is an overwhelming library of movie reviews to sift through, but having studied many reviews by Pulitzer Prize-winning film critics along with your average movie review articles published online, I’ve been able to find a few movie reviews which provide a great template for crafting a review of your own.

10 Detailed Movie Review Examples

The Classic Movie Review

A classic movie review example has a neat structure that clearly communicates the author’s sentiment toward the film in a clean, straightforward manner.

Roger Ebert’s review of North is the perfect example of that.

1. “North” by Roger Ebert

This review starts off with a catchy hook, making readers curious for Ebert to elaborate on his statements.

“I have no idea why Rob Reiner, or anyone else, wanted to make this story into a movie, and close examination of the film itself is no help.”

The opening sentence of this movie review example makes it clear to the audience that Ebert did not enjoy the film in question and if they would like to know why, they are encouraged to continue reading.

The whole first paragraph is chock full of strong adjectives setting the tone for the scathing critique this film is about to get.

Moving on to the next paragraph of this movie review example, Ebert gives a quick synopsis of what this film is about, filling the audience in on the story in case they’re unaware.

“He [Elijah Wood] plays a kid with inattentive parents, who decides to go into court, free himself of them, and go on a worldwide search for nicer parents.”

Following the paragraph summarizing the main plot of the film, the movie review dives straight into the critique explaining why this film garnered the strong adjectives it received in the opening paragraph:

“This idea is deeply flawed. Children do not lightly separate from their parents – and certainly not on the evidence provided here, where the great parental sin is not paying attention to their kid at the dinner table.”

In this movie review example, Ebert dives deep into the oddities of the narrative in what makes it so unbelievable.

He questions the director’s decisions and the plot’s direction as well in these middle paragraphs:

“What is the point of the scenes with the auditioning parents?… They are not funny. They are not touching. There is no truth in them.”

Ebert uses the middle paragraphs to dissect what does not work in the film.

In the final paragraphs of this movie review example, Ebert closes out by reiterating his sentiments towards the film, giving readers a good idea of whether the movie would be something he would recommend others watch.

“I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie. Hated it. Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it.”

“‘North’ is a bad film – one of the worst movies ever made.”

After reading Ebert’s movie review example there is no question of whether he liked the movie or not. I don’t know, he might’ve even mentioned hating it at one point…

And he makes it clear what plot and artistic choices played into his final assessment of the film.

Would you whip out your cash to experience the movie North after reading a review like this?

With this straightforward, informative, evidence-supported review, there is no confusion about the perceived quality of this film.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF NORTH BY ROGER EBERT

Try this movie review generator to create your own classic movie review in no time!

The Real World Parallel Review

A movie review that can parallel the events occurring within the movie with events occurring outside of the movie shows a deeper level of critical thinking.

This is one of the movie review examples that truly exemplifies a deep critical thinker.

2. “The Flash” by Justin Chang

This movie review example starts off right away with a brief overview synopsis of what the movie, The Flash, is about.

“‘The Flash’ is a time-travel story and a cautionary tale, a warning of how dangerous it can be to change the past or mess around with alternate realities.”

Same as with the classic movie review, this reviewer also hints at his overall sentiments towards the film.

“…this initially enjoyable, increasingly sloppy megabucks mess…”

This review, unlike the classic movie review, spends more time following the plot of the story through a biased lens, further walking readers through the details of the story.

“He gets stuck in the past and… winds up unwisely joining forces with a teenage version of himself (also Miller, with floppier hair), who’s had a much happier childhood but doesn’t (yet) have the Flash’s superheroic powers.”

After indirectly criticizing the CGI and praising the main actor’s performance, Chang gets into his main criticism of the review: the popular trend of reintroducing old versions of superheroes into new superhero movies.

“Really, though, is nostalgia that satisfying anymore?”

And it’s really this last sentence of the movie review example that ties this compelling thought together, not only concluding the movie but drawing a parallel to how the movie creators are perpetrators of the same mistake that the movie’s main character made.

“Lost in an endless game of IP-reshuffling musical chairs, Barry realizes, possibly too late, the futility of dwelling on the past — a fatuous lesson from a movie that can’t stop doing the same.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF THE FLASH BY JUSTIN CHANG

3. “Bonnie and Clyde” by Roger Ebert

Another great movie review example, using a movie as a sense of societal self-reflection, is Roger Ebert’s review of Bonnie and Clyde . The final sentences of the review saying:

“‘Bonnie and Clyde’ will be seen as the definitive film of the 1960s, showing with sadness, humor, and unforgiving detail what one society had come to… it was made now and it’s about us.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Bonnie and Clyde BY Roger Ebert

4. “Black Panther” by Soraya Nadia McDonald

Yet another movie review example is this Black Panther review by Soraya Nadia McDonald.

The whole review deep dives into the cultural context of the movie and its timeliness or lack thereof.

“Honestly, the worst thing about Black Panther is that it had to be released in 2018 and not during the term of America’s first black president.”

This movie review example walks through the narrative praising the film’s actors, director, and cinematographer before ending on the note of its cultural relevance.

“Perhaps it’s even capable, just as The Birth of a Nation once was, of helping to steer an entire national conversation.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Black Panther BY Soraya Nadia McDonald

The Storytelling Movie Review

If you have a story of your own that you can parallel with the movie’s story, then connecting the movie’s narrative with your own is a particularly entertaining way to craft your review.

Instead of comparing the film to society as a whole, the following storytelling movie review examples compare the movie to specific stories they pull from their personal life.

5. “The Help” by Wesley Morris

One of my favorite reviews by Pulitzer prize-winning Wesley Morris is written in this style, drawing readers in with his own personal story:

“Three summers ago, I went to visit a friend in West Texas.”

“What happened in Texas?”, readers wonder as we curiously continue reading.

After 3 engaging paragraphs narrating a strange, racial encounter in Texas, Morris introduces the movie, The Help.

“This pretty much captures the cognitive dissonance of watching “The Help’’: One woman’s mammy is another’s man’s mother.”

The following paragraph gives a synopsis of the film and introduces the audience to the main characters:

“Meanwhile, the heart of the film itself belongs to Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer), the two very different maids and best friends at the center of the story.”

The center of this movie review example narrates the happenings of the movie from a biased point of view before presenting some debate points about the movie’s approach to race relations.

“‘The Help’ joins everything from “To Kill a Mockingbird’’ to “The Blind Side’’ as another Hollywood movie that sees racial progress as the province of white do-gooderism.”

Morris then praises the actors’ performances in this very character-based film but is unable to shake the social weight of the casting that this film requires:

“And yet here’s the question you ask as you watch a black actor in 2011 play a white lady’s maid, decades and decades after that was the only job a black woman in Hollywood could get. What went through the minds of Davis, Spencer, and Aunjanue Ellis, who plays Hilly’s maid, as they put on those uniforms and went to work?”

Morris finishes off the review sure to reference the personal story that he introduced in the beginning before leaving the reader with something to ponder on.

“These are strong figures, as that restaurant owner might sincerely say, but couldn’t they be strong doing something else?”

Morris’s final statements in this movie review example make it clear his assessment of the film’s quality is good but its messaging is questionable, allowing the audience to make a judgment on whether they’d like to see the film for themselves.

“On one hand, it’s juicy, heartwarming, well-meant entertainment. On the other, it’s an owner’s manual.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF THE HELP BY WESLEY MORRIS

6. “Me Without You” by Stephen Hunter

This movie review example also tells a story although it’s not personal.

Instead of starting by talking about the movie or talking about himself, Hunter begins the review like a novel. With an untethered phrase that needs further explanation.

“Friendship isn’t rocket science. It’s much harder.”

He then lists out all of the complexities of trying to maintain a friendship, painting a picture to support his point.

“Oh, yeah, it’s easy to say just be loyal and true and that makes you a good friend. But suppose the other person does something that really irks you, like chew gum or vote Democratic?”

Hunter doesn’t leave you hanging for too long before segueing into how this thought point relates to the film.

“And that thorniness, that dark underbelly of it, is the gist of the acerbic British import ‘Me Without You…'”

As usual, a sign of good storytelling, he finishes this movie review example with his full-circle concluding statement on friendship.

“But the truth is, of course, that friendship matters to those of us who still claim membership in the human race…”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF ME WITHOUT YOU BY STEPHEN HUNTER (Under the title: ‘Me’: Friendship as Relationship)

The Unconventional Movie Review

A less common but creative and fun way to approach a movie review is to approach it from a different angle or point of view. To write it in a way that’s unexpected.

7. “ET” by Roger Ebert

In another movie review example from Roger Ebert, instead of approaching this review traditionally, Ebert rather writes the review as a letter to his grandchildren.

Rather than addressing the readers, he addresses his grandchildren in his movie review:

“Dear Raven and Emil: Sunday we sat on the big green couch and watched “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” together with your mommy and daddy.”

After noting how his grandchildren reacted to climactic parts of the film, Ebert recounts the events of the movie, ET, continuing to include his grandchildren’s remarks and reactions.

“The camera watches Elliott moving around. And Raven, that’s when you asked me, “Is this E.T.’s vision?” And I said, yes, we were seeing everything now from E.T.’s point of view.”

Ebert uses this opportunity to make a simplified analysis of the director’s use of POV in the movie, praising the film’s direction without losing the context of a grandfather’s letter.

“Some other filmmaker who wasn’t so good might have had subtitles saying, “E.T.? Are you out there? It’s Mommy!” But that would have been dumb.”

Ebert ends this movie review example like anyone would end a letter, with good wishes and a signature.

“Well, that’s it for this letter. We had a great weekend, kids. I was proud of how brave you both were during your first pony rides. And proud of what good movie critics you are, too. Love, Grandpa Roger”

The average person has a 7-8th grade reading level, so a simple letter like this, is not only cute, creative, and endearing but it’s incredibly easy to read and understand the critic’s assessment of the movie.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF ET BY Roger Ebert

8. “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse” by IMO Flicks

Another unconventional movie review example is one that I wrote for this blog website.

Instead of writing from my point of view, I decided to write from the point of view of an out-of-touch grandma, someone who may not have the background knowledge to really understand and appreciate the film.

I approached the film this way because I was tired of reviewing Marvel Superhero films but the thought of writing it as an out-of-touch grandma made the review so much more fun and less pressure-filled, even if it’s really not the most straightforward or informational read.

The review does not include a clear synopsis and the critiques of the film waver between genuine observations and areas that the grandma misunderstood.

It was a blast to write.

The grandmother writer uses the remarks of her grandchildren as a voice of reason for the film.

“My granddaughter told me to rate this spider film [ Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ] out of 10 points. I initially wanted to give it 4 points out of 10… Apparently, my grandchildren think this rating is ridiculous. One of my grandsons almost threw a chair. He gave the film a 200/10, claiming it’s one of the best films he’s ever seen.”

This sort of review may not be as befitting for a serious homework assignment but if there’s space to think outside of the box, I say go for it.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Try this movie review generator to create your own unconventional movie review in no time!

The Self-Aware Review

Similar to the unconventional movie review, but not quite as unconventional, these movie review examples are self-aware of their influential power. It breaks the fourth wall of movie reviews so to speak.

9. “Manchester By the Sea” by Ty Burr

This movie review example of Manchester By the Sea wants to encourage you to watch the movie but doesn’t want your expectations so high that you don’t experience the same subtle unexpected magic that the movie works on viewers.

Burr explains this in the first paragraph:

“Nothing destroys an audience’s appreciation of a small good movie like advance praise.”

Careful to not ruin the audience’s expectations, Burr goes on to begin every following paragraph with a phrase that denies all of the critiques that follow.

“So I won’t tell you that I’ve seen “Manchester by the Sea” twice now and both times felt haunted for weeks.”

“I won’t bother you with how the movie stands as a soul-satisfying comeback for its maker…”

“I could say, but I won’t, that we’ve all seen too many movies in which a lost soul comes out of his shell and rejoins the human race after he inherits a kid from a dead relative.”

The entire center of the film covers the movie in a way that says, “You didn’t see me. I was never here.” Good and well knowing that people are going to be more curious about this film and expect it to be as fantastic as Burr says.

But don’t worry, Burr accounts for this “undesired” outcome that he had been trying to avoid from the beginning with this closing paragraph.

“If I do tell you all this, forget I ever did. Just remember you heard somewhere that “Manchester by the Sea” is an experience worth having…”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF MANCHESTER BY THE SEA BY TY BURR (Under the title: A Shore Thing)

10. “Mark Kermode” by Mamma Mia

Kermode’s review of Mama Mia takes his self-awareness in a different direction where he personally loves the movie Mama Mia and is not afraid of letting the world know it.

In fact, the movie has brought something to life in him as a movie critic.

“One minute I was a miserable critic; the next, everything had gone pink and fluffy.”

Kermode continues the movie review example, touching on the actor’s performances, the director’s execution of the film, and the soundtrack before returning to how the film affected him as a critic.

“I feel duty-bound to report that I came out of the screening an utter wreck.”

Further aware that as a serious critic, he probably shouldn’t like this film as much as he did, he lets his guard down and leans into the wonder of the film.

“I have certainly mellowed, and perhaps my critical faculties have withered and died. But I simply can’t imagine how Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again could be any better than it is.”

The self-aware review speaks to the readers as a friend rather than as a removed source of movie information.

A lot of the time, this personal voice can be merged with other review styles as well.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Mamma Mia by Mark Kermode

Common Questions

How to write a movie review.

To write a movie review you would need to watch the movie and take good notes, then you would craft an attention-hooking introduction, a few center paragraphs explaining your critiques of the film, before concluding on whether you’d recommend the film or not. This article breaks down the 10 steps to writing a movie review effortlessly .

What should a good movie review include?

A good movie review should include a synopsis of the film, a clear stance on whether the film was good or not, including why or why not, and a conclusion that makes it clear whether the critic would recommend others to watch the film or not.

What is the best movie review for students?

The best movie review example for students would be the classic movie review because it’s straightforward and the easiest to follow and grade.

In Conclusion…

There are so many movie review examples to choose from but the majority can fall into one of these 5 groups: the classic movie review, the real-world parallel, the storytelling review, the unconventional review, and the self-aware review.

If you would like to view 50 more outstanding movie review examples , I’ve grouped some here in a shared Word document available for free!

I hope this article was able to provide some movie review examples to help you craft your own. Happy movie reviewing!

What’s your favorite movie review example? Let me know in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe for the latest blog updates (form in sidebar).

Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

When I'm not over-analyzing movies, I'm eating chocolate, belting my favorite songs, and binge-watching reality dating shows. Feel free to share your opinions with me and follow me through my social links!

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Film&Movie Review Examples and Samples

Reviewing films can seem fun, but it actually takes discipline to explain all the elements of a film and to express your opinion succinctly. Check out our film review samples to gain a better understanding of how to write one yourself.

How to Write a Movie Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a movie review is an engaging process that combines film criticism, analysis, and personal opinion to create an informative and thought-provoking piece. A well-crafted review not only serves as a helpful guide for potential viewers but also deepens our understanding of the cinematic experience. In this article, we will explore the essentials of review writing, focusing on crucial elements such as plot summary, thesis, opinion, characters, cinematography, and more.

Start with a Plot Summary

Begin your movie review with a brief synopsis, offering an overview of the film’s storyline. This recap should be concise and engaging, giving readers a general idea of the movie’s premise without revealing too much. For a more structured approach, consider using an AI literature review generator to help you summarize key points efficiently. Remember that your summary sets the stage for the critique and analysis that follow.

Develop a Thesis

Your thesis is the central idea or argument that you will explore in your movie review. This main point should be clear and focused, serving as the backbone of your critique. Consider what themes or aspects of the film stood out to you, and build your thesis around these observations.

Express Your Opinion

A significant aspect of writing a movie review is sharing your personal viewpoint or perspective. Offer your judgment on the film’s strengths and weaknesses, providing specific examples from the movie to support your appraisal. Be honest and thoughtful in your assessment, considering both your own preferences and the film’s intended audience.

Analyze the Characters

Discuss the film’s characters, examining their roles, personas, and the actors’ performances. Consider how the cast contributes to the overall narrative and whether their portrayals are convincing and memorable. Analyze the characters’ development throughout the movie, as well as the relationships between them.

Examine the Cinematography

Cinematography plays a crucial role in a film’s visual style and storytelling. Delve into the camera work, lighting, photography, and framing, evaluating how these elements enhance or detract from the movie’s overall impact. Consider how the cinematography supports the film’s themes and emotions.

Conduct a Thorough Analysis

A comprehensive movie review requires a detailed examination of various aspects of the film. Study the director’s choices, the music and sound design, and the technical elements such as craftsmanship and artistry. This thorough scrutiny will help you provide a well-rounded critique that captures the essence of the movie.

Discuss the Director’s Role

The director is the creative force behind a film, responsible for shaping its vision and execution. Analyze the director’s choices, considering their impact on the film’s storytelling, pacing, and overall atmosphere. Reflect on the director’s previous work, if applicable, and how this film fits into their oeuvre.

Evaluate Music and Sound

Music and sound play an essential role in creating a film’s mood and atmosphere. Examine the soundtrack, score, and audio design, considering how these elements contribute to the movie’s overall experience. Discuss the effectiveness of the composition, melody, and soundscapes in enhancing the narrative.

Assess Technical Aspects 

Review the technical aspects of the film, such as the expertise and proficiency of the crew, the quality of the special effects, and the overall production value. Analyze how these elements contribute to the film’s success or shortcomings, and whether they support the movie’s themes and narrative.

Evaluate the Acting 

Analyze the actors’ performances, considering their delivery, expression, and interpretation of their roles. Discuss whether the acting feels authentic and engaging, and how it contributes to the film’s overall impact. Pay attention to standout performances or any instances where the acting may have detracted from the movie’s overall quality.

In summary, writing a movie review involves a careful balance of plot summary, thesis development, opinion sharing, and thorough analysis of various aspects of the film, including characters, cinematography, directorial choices, music and sound, and technical elements. By considering all these factors and incorporating the appropriate keyword density and LSI keywords organically throughout your review, you can create an engaging, informative, and well-rounded critique that will appeal to readers and enhance their appreciation for the film. Remember to be honest and thoughtful in your assessment, and most importantly, enjoy the process of delving into the world of cinema.

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A movie review template is a template used by movie critics and movie-goers to share their ratings on a specific movie. A movie review template is a handy tool to collect movie suggestions and get the word out about new movie releases. By using this free Movie Review Template, you can collect movie suggestions, choose the movies your audience is most interested in, and share updates on your movie reviews.

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A client satisfaction survey is used to get to know a business’s customers or clients. With an online Client Satisfaction Survey collecting customer feedback for your business, you can see what you’re doing well and what you need to improve to better retain your customers. Just customize the form template to match your needs, embed the form in your website, or share it directly with clients using a link, and wait for responses to show up in your Jotform account. You can view or manage responses on any device, letting you and your team review submissions in real-time — even on the go with our free Jotform Mobile Forms app.No matter what industry you’re in, you can simply drag and drop to customize this Satisfaction Survey template! Add extra questions, include a file upload field to receive screenshots or documents, or change the template colors to match your branding. If you’d like to send survey results directly to other accounts too, like Google Sheets, Salesforce (also available on Salesforce AppExchange), Airtable, Trello, Slack, and more, do it automatically with 100+ free form integrations. Customer or client feedback is invaluable when figuring out how to move a business forward — so seamlessly collect and review feedback online with our free Client Satisfaction Survey. You can also get started to create your own survey from scratch!This customer satisfaction survey form has a total of 3 different form fields, such as;Input table (overall satisfaction of service)Single choice field (would you use our customer service in the future)Long text field (how can we improve our service)

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Evaluation Forms

Teacher evaluation forms.

Instructor Evaluation Form

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Teachers Assessment Form

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Parent Feedback Form

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School Evaluation Forms

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An Online Interview Questionnaire Form is a form template designed to help organizations gather important information from their interviewees.

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About Evaluation Forms

Evaluation forms are a great way to obtain valuable feedback and identify areas that need improvement. Whether you want to gather information on customer satisfaction, student progress, employee performance, or guest feedback, our free online evaluation forms will make it easier to collect and track evaluations. Just select one of the free templates below that best suits your needs, customize it with Jotform Form Builder, and embed it in your website or send the form link to customers, students, employees, event guests, and more.

Form users can enter their contact information, answer questions, respond to rating scales, and add comments with ease. You’ll instantly receive submitted evaluations in your secure Jotform account, making it easy for you and other colleagues to view them from any device or print for your records.

Customizing an evaluation form for your organization is a breeze with our drag-and-drop form builder. And there’s no coding necessary — just drag and drop as many form fields, survey questions, rating scales, and images as you see fit. You can even integrate your evaluation form with 100-plus popular apps — including Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, and Airtable — to automatically send submissions to your other online accounts. Simplify your evaluation process by taking it online with our free evaluation forms — and receive the input you need to improve the way you train employees, teach students, host events, or run your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) how can i create an effective evaluation form.

An effective evaluation form can help your organization improve its processes, protocols, products, and practices. To ensure you have an effective evaluation form, first identify the purpose of your form — what you hope to achieve with it — along with what type of rating system and evaluation criteria you plan to use. Make sure your evaluation form is clear and concise so users can fill it out quickly without confusion. Try to use a mix of question types, including open-ended questions, to get a well-rounded evaluation.

2) What are the key components to include in an evaluation form?

Your evaluation form should first include a few fields to identify the respondent, unless you want the evaluation to be anonymous. These fields will make follow-up easy if you need to contact respondents again in the future.

Next, your evaluation form should include questions to gather the kind of feedback you’re looking for. The types of questions should vary and can include Likert scale or rating scale questions, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions. You can also add a narrative section that allows users to share their thoughts and perceptions in greater detail.

Finally, make sure to have a thank-you page so that respondents know you appreciate their time and effort.

3) How often should evaluation forms be administered?

This depends on a company’s needs and goals. Be careful not to overload your audience with evaluation requests — too many may cause survey fatigue, making respondents less inclined to complete your forms over time.

Generally, you should send evaluation forms any time you launch a new product, service, or event. If you offer an ongoing service or product, establish regular intervals to send out customer satisfaction or evaluation forms, such as every three to six months. Evaluation forms for performance reviews are usually shared annually or semi-annually.

Ultimately, you’ll want to space out evaluation forms to ensure you’ve had enough time to make improvements or glean new insights from previous feedback collected. This prevents you from wasting both your customers’ time and effort and your own.

4) What is the purpose of using evaluation forms?

Evaluation forms are a fantastic tool for improving your organization because they help you collect important feedback and data to inform decision making and planning. Evaluation forms are helpful for assessing the effectiveness, satisfaction, or performance of an initiative, product, service — you name it. They’re flexible and useful across every industry.

Evaluation forms administered at regular intervals assist in monitoring progress over time and providing companies with data they can track. They also encourage respondents to share their feedback and opinions honestly and without repercussions. This can create a transparent company culture by demonstrating to employees or customers how much you value their opinions.

5) What are the subtypes of evaluation forms?

There are evaluation forms for anything and everything! You can create these forms for individual purposes (such as the evaluation of teachers, peers, employees, or clients) as well as for organizations (like schools, restaurants, businesses, etc.). You can also use them to evaluate customer satisfaction when it comes to products and services, like courses or coaching. Lastly, evaluations are great for measuring the success of an event, whether it’s a concert, conference, or retreat.

6) How can I customize an evaluation form template?

Customizing an evaluation form template is simple with Jotform’s intuitive drag-and-drop form builder. Add or rearrange form fields, drop in your logo, change fonts and colors, and much more. You can adjust the theme or background of your form and even add custom CSS code to fine-tune the design — no coding required!

7) Are evaluation forms suitable for both subjective and objective assessments?

Yes, you can design evaluation forms to suit both subjective and objective assessments. If you want to collect information that’s more subjective, you can use more open-ended questions to solicit the opinions and perspectives of your audience — like when you’re asking customers to evaluate a product. For these assessments, rating scales and open-ended questions work best.

If you want to create an assessment that gathers objective information with more easily measured criteria, you can focus more on multiple-choice questions. These require respondents to use predefined answer options that are less subject to personal interpretation.

You can construct evaluation forms as subjective or objective assessments — or a mixture of both.

8) Can evaluation forms be used for self-assessment?

Yes, you can use evaluation forms for self-assessment purposes. This approach is particularly common in employee performance reviews, when employees fill out self-assessment forms for a manager to review as part of the review process. In these evaluation forms, employees can rate their own performance, abilities, and areas for improvement. They can also monitor and track their progress with periodic self-assessment forms to help them achieve longer-term goals.

9) Are evaluation forms applicable to various industries and sectors?

You can adapt evaluation forms to every kind of industry and sector! They’re useful tools in healthcare, government, businesses, schools, and much more. Evaluation forms are particularly useful for market research and collecting individual insights, which are applicable to almost any industry.

10) What types of evaluation scales or rating systems can be used in evaluation forms?

You’ll often see several types of rating systems in evaluation forms. One of the most common is the Likert scale, in which respondents indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with a particular statement. The possible answers are arranged on a scale of three or more values — for example from “agree” to “disagree.” These questions are ideal for capturing general perceptions or attitudes about a product or service.

Another type of evaluation system is the numeric rating scale, which allows users to assign a numeric value to indicate their satisfaction with a product or service. For example, they may have the option to rate a product from 1–10, depending on how much they enjoyed it. This is an easy way to quantify customer satisfaction or product performance.

Similar to the numeric rating scale, the semantic rating scale uses words instead of numbers. Users can choose from adjectives like “poor” or “excellent” to indicate their level of satisfaction.

Other possible scales are the visual analog scale (such as identifying which image best represents an opinion) and the ranking scale.

11) How can I ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of evaluation form responses?

You can confirm the confidentiality of evaluation form responses by not requiring identifying information, making the form anonymous. Also be careful not to include any questions that may inadvertently betray a user’s identity — for instance, refrain from asking a question about which department someone works in or where their office is located.

To protect confidentiality even further, make sure that all of your data related to your form is encrypted. You should also restrict access to your data and make sure security protocols are airtight to prevent potential breaches.

12) Are there any best practices for analyzing and interpreting evaluation form data?

When analyzing and interpreting data, make sure you organize your data before you begin your analysis by adding labels and addressing gaps in form submissions. You can make this step easier by setting up an evaluation form that’s clear and organized to prevent users from submitting incomplete information.

Next, identify broad trends within your data using percentages or other statistics when possible, which can help establish overall patterns before you begin cross-tabulation and segmentation into different categories to further identify trends.

It usually helps to visualize your data in graphs or tables (such as those automatically generated by Jotform Tables and Jotform Report Builder). This step also makes your data easy to share in a presentation.

Finally, if your evaluation form includes qualitative feedback, identify key insights and trends in sentiment that represent the responses at a high level.

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Role Models in Movies: The Impact of Queen of Katwe on Students’ Educational Attainment

I thank Richard Sedlmayr for his contribution to the initial development of this study, and Edward Kisitu, Rose Kusingura, and Rachel Proefke for their assistance with logistics in Uganda, particularly recruiting schools and transportation for the students. I thank Margarita Diego for research assistance. I thank the staff of the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) in Uganda for their support recruiting schools and assistance at the movie screenings. I thank my supervisors, Climent Quintana-Domeque and Stefan Dercon, for their comments, advice, and support. I three anonymous referees for their comments and suggestions for improving the paper. I thank an anonymous donor for generous financial support of this research. The trial is registered at https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/1832/history/14361 , and the pre-analysis plan was uploaded there on February 23, 2017, before data collection had finished and analysis begun. Three amendments to the PAP were also uploaded there before any additional data collection was finished. All analysis in this paper follows these preanalysis plans unless clearly stated otherwise. Ethical approval was obtained from Oxford University on September 30, 2016, with reference ECONCIA1617-002.

A supplemental appendix is available online at https://doi.org/10.1162/rest_a_01153 .

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Emma Riley; Role Models in Movies: The Impact of Queen of Katwe on Students’ Educational Attainment. The Review of Economics and Statistics 2024; 106 (2): 334–351. doi: https://doi.org/10.1162/rest_a_01153

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This paper presents experimental evidence on the impact of a role model on secondary school students’ exam performance in Uganda. Students were individually randomized to see either a movie featuring a female role model, Queen of Katwe, or to see a placebo movie. I find that treatment with the role model immediately before an important national exam leads to students performing better on their exams, particularly in math, with effects largest for female students. Female students exposed to the role model are more likely to remain in education in subsequent years, closing the gender gap with their male peers.

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Given fafsa delays, colleges should move back their admission deadlines.

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Education Secretary Miguel Cardona participates in a roundtable discussion with students from ... [+] Dartmouth College, Jan. 10, 2024. After months of delays and technical hiccups, some colleges and universities have started to receive federal data they need to put together financial aid offers for incoming students. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The Department of Education has started sending Free Application for Federal Student Aid data to colleges but students should not expect their financial aid offers just yet. According to the FAFSA website, ED is only sending data to a small number of schools to ensure systems are working properly.

ED intends to send data out to more schools once it knows everything is working smoothly. But the department also said it will take two weeks to get colleges and universities the backlog of data for students who have already submitted their FAFSA. Once schools have the FAFSA data, they will need time to process the applications before they can send out financial aid offers to students, informing them of how much college will cost and how much aid they can expect to receive. In many cases, schools will also need to wait for their software vendors to update the programs they use to create financial aid awards in bulk.

The current timeline suggests the earliest most schools can send out financial aid offers will be the start of April. Given these delays, it is concerning that most schools have not pushed back their admission decision deadlines from May 1.

What Should Colleges Be Doing Given FAFSA Delays?

Move admission decision days back from may 1.

May 1 is usually the deadline for new students hoping to attend a four-year college to decide where they will enroll. Colleges require students to confirm attendance and generally submit a nonrefundable deposit as part of the process.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

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The National Association for College Admission Counseling, along with nine organizations representing colleges and financial aid offices, issued a statement asking their members to extend the deadlines for financial aid and admissions decisions. This would give students more time to complete the financial aid process, understand their aid packages from colleges they’ve been accepted to, and decide where to attend in the fall.

With colleges waiting until mid-March or possibly later to get financial aid information, it will be early April, or likely later, before most incoming students find out how much money they are going to get to help pay for school.

Some colleges have already started moving their deadlines to June 1, but most seem to be sticking with the status quo.

NACAC is tracking the number of schools planning to move their deadlines . So far, fewer than 350 colleges and universities (as of March 8) were listed as moving their deadlines.

There are more than 2,800 four-year colleges and universities in the country. Not all of them are NACAC members, but if only 10% of colleges and universities move their deadlines, millions of students will be in difficult situations.

What Is The FAFSA?

The FAFSA is the federal form college students use to apply for federal financial aid — including Pell Grants, the main federal grant used to pay for college. Millions of students who need grants, loans, and work-study funds to help pay for college use the form every year to apply for support.

The delays this year were due to the time it took to roll out the changes required by the FAFSA Simplification Act. The law requires ED to implement massive changes to the online form and the backend technology that supports it. These changes should make the FAFSA simpler for students and their families, and lead to more aid offers. But they have taken longer than expected to complete.

Which Students Are Most Impacted By The Delays?

The most marginalized students — those who are first-generation and from low-income families, and often students of color — are going to be most heavily impacted by financial aid problems. The National College Attainment Network is tracking FAFSA submission rates, and its data shows the declines in submission rates are greatest for students of color and low-income students.

Overall, only 29% of graduating high school students have submitted a FAFSA as of March 1 . Last year, that number was 45% on the same date.

Students who fail to apply for financial aid after high school are less likely to go to college. So, if these numbers continue to stay low, there could be a large decline in college enrollments this year.

College is one of the largest financial decisions most people make in their lives. So, forcing students to make a rapid decision about something so important is concerning. Research from New America and uAspire finds that financial aid offers are very confusing, and students need time to figure out which school makes the most sense for them financially and academically.

What Support Is The Department of Education Providing To Schools?

ED is supporting college through its FAFSA College Support Strategy . The federal initiative will deploy financial aid experts and additional resources to schools with limited capacity that need help processing financial aid offers. According to ED, it has already received requests for support from more than 100 institutions and is conducting proactive outreach to colleges that enroll large numbers of low-income students and are likely to need additional help.

Even with help from ED, colleges will send aid offers out months later than they usually do. This college application season has already been even more challenging and stressful for students. Colleges need to step up now and move decision day back to June 1 to give students more time to make their decisions.

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

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Celluloid Underground review – love letter to a lifelong passion for film and illicit treasure trove

Iranian critic Ehsan Khoshbakht’s personal essay about a man’s smizdat film print collection shows the lengths cinephiles will go to to protect the art form

T he passion of cinephilia is the subject of this absorbing personal essay movie from Iranian critic and film historian Ehsan Khoshbakht, now co-director of the Il Cinema Ritrovato festival in Bologna, Italy, who narrates the film in a style that reminded me a little of Mark Cousins and also perhaps Werner Herzog.

Khoshbakht grew up in post-revolutionary Iran where he developed a love of movies and of moving images generally, even the sternly meagre output on national TV. I laughed out loud at Khoshbakht’s entranced description of the TV’s humble colour test card: “As exciting as an MGM musical!” Khoshbakht (daringly) started a film club as a teenager, digitally projecting foreign movies videotaped from TV. He got into serious trouble for showing the Iranian classic The Cow by director Dariush Mehrjui, an anti-government protestor who was murdered last year (and sadly not included in the Oscars in memoriam section).

But even more importantly, Khoshbakht got to know an extraordinary man called Ahmad Jorghanian, a dedicated rescuer of 35mm films and posters whom this film honours as the “Iranian Henri Langlois”; that is, Iran’s unofficial equivalent of the celebrated French archivist and preservationist, hero of the 60s French New Wave . But unlike Jorghanian, Langlois was never arrested and tortured for his westernised film collection.

Jorghanian spent decades hoarding cans of film in his chaotic apartment and in cramped basements and hiding places all over Tehran, buying them from the warehouses and junk shops into which they had been dumped after being confiscated. Khoshbakht was able to project at least some of this illicit treasure trove on a samizdat basis, using borrowed projection facilities, and is ecstatic seeing these movies come to life once more.

In exile in London, Khoshbakht hears about the death of his old friend, and ponders the fate of Jorghanian’s collection: is film, like our own vulnerable human bodies, liable to decay into dusty nothingness? Historians will still protect what material they can, and protect the cinephilic language and culture that allows these films to be appreciated.

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Education Department starts sending financial aid data to colleges after months of delays

FILE - Education Secretary Miguel Cardona participates in a roundtable discussion with students from Dartmouth College, Jan. 10, 2024. After months of delays and technical hiccups, some colleges and universities have started to receive federal data they need to put together financial aid offers for incoming students. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — After months of delays and technical hiccups, some colleges and universities have started to receive federal data they need to put together financial aid offers for incoming students , the Biden administration said Monday.

The Education Department says it sent a first batch of student records to a few dozen universities on Sunday and is making final updates before expanding to more universities.

The delay has cut into the time schools usually have to assemble financial aid packages before the typical May 1 deadline for students to commit to a university. Many colleges have extended enrollment deadlines as they wait on the federal government, leaving families across the nation wondering how much financial help they will get with college tuition.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid overhaul delayed the form’s usual rollout from October to late December. The department then soft-launched the new version to address lingering bugs in the system, but many families reported difficulties accessing the form.

Congress ordered the update in 2020 to simplify the notoriously complex form and expand federal student aid to more low-income students. The new application reduces the number of questions from 108 to fewer than 50, and it uses a new and more generous formula to determine eligibility for federal student aid.

The delays have had cascading impacts across higher education. FAFSA information is used to award state and federal education grants, and schools use it to assemble financial aid packages for prospective students. In the meantime, families often have only a murky idea of how much they would need to pay, which can be a dealbreaker when choosing colleges.

Advocates fear the holdup will deter some students from pursuing higher education at all, especially those who were already on the fence.

Repeated delays have become a blemish for the Biden administration, which has blamed Congress for rejecting requests for more money to overhaul information systems and update the decades-old application process.

Republicans in Congress say the Government Accountability Office has launched an investigation into the administration’s handling of the overhaul.

Every year, about 17 million students submit the FAFSA as part of their applications for financial aid. So far, 5.5 million students have been able to fill out the new FAFSA form, according to the department.

The department updated its formula to account for inflation, which will increase the amount of aid students are eligible to receive. But the initial release didn’t include the updated inflation tool.

In a letter to the department in February, over 100 Democratic lawmakers pressed for answers on how the department planned to minimize the impact the delays have had on families.

“Any delays in financial aid processing will most impact the students that need aid most, including many students of color, students from mixed status families, students from rural backgrounds, students experiencing homelessness or in foster care, first-generation students, and students from underserved communities,” they wrote. “For institutions to support students’ ability to make informed decisions about their future, they need clear guidance and resources from the Department immediately on any and all next steps.”

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