Movie theaters have sprouted up everywhere you look! It has become a common sight to see one building housing anywhere from four to twelve (or more) theaters. With so many people going to see movies, it stands to reason that newspapers, magazines, and other publications are looking for good reviews.
If you are considering writing movie reviews, then contact your local newspapers to see if they might be interested. You may have to query, but talk to the editor and find out what they require. Look for organizations, clubs, etc. in your area that put out newsletters and find out if they are be open to submissions or articles of this nature.
The reviewer must adhere to a few rules of thumb. First, you must attempt to see the movie if it is previewed ahead of the scheduled opening date, or at the very least, the day of opening. This is to assure your review is written and published in a timely manner. It won't help if the movie has been out for a while. The point of a review is to give your readers some clues as to the movie's merit BEFORE they see it.
The review should be concise and to the point. Don't pull any punches. If you felt the movie wasn't worth the money, tell them why. If you felt an actor wasn't convincing, explain that too. Be sure to let them know what's right about the movie as well. Perhaps the special effects were technologically breathtaking. Maybe the actress who is the main character pulled off an
Oscar-winning performance.
Leave out flowery details. Those are best enjoyed by the audience when they see the movie. Your job will be to let them know what they are getting for their money.
Make a checklist of some things to look for when watching the movie:
Storyline - Is it believable?
Did you find yourself lost in it as if you were there?
Screenplay - Was the dialogue forced? Was it believable?
Acting - Which actors/actresses stand out and which don't?
Why, in either case?
Special effects - Are they realistic?
Do they blow you away, or are they only mildly effective?
Music - Was it overpowering/distracting? Did it evoke emotion?
Editing - Was the movie's pace slow? Was it over-edited?
Once you have made a few key notes, the review should be written as though you were talking directly to someone thinking of going to see the film. Talk to them, tell them what you thought, give them the details. Most importantly, keep it short, tight and specific.
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2001
The contents of this article may not be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, or with intent to republish, without written permission from the author,
Sharzi Avins.
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