How to Write: A Review

There are some basic rules for writing a review, and you´d be surprised how often people make very simple mistakes.

A review is a form of article where the author gives their opinion on a book, film, stage play, music CD, TV programme or similar.

As it is an article, you will need a title.

You need to capture the readers´attention with an eye-catching title, interesting opening sentence and maintain that interest with evocative adjectives.

You will also need to break the review into paragraphs, with each paragraph having a separate theme. 

For example, paragraph 1 will introduce the subject of the review and give some very basic information. Basic information would include the title and what it is, i.e. book or play, and who wrote or performed it.

The purpose of the review is to inform, entertain, give your opinion, describe the subject of the review and quite often to promote it (unless it is a bad review!). Do not spoil the ending for the potential viewer with too much detail though ( a spoiler).

The language should be informal; too formal a register would be inappropriate. You should also use language to express opinion and justify that opinion.

Make sure it is a balanced discussion of negative and positive points; in other words NEUTRAL!

Finish with your opinion and recommendation.

Below are some useful words and phrases that could be used when writing a film review. They can easily be adapted for books, music, theatre performances; just use the ones most appropriate for the genre that you are reviewing.

Background (First paragraph)

‐ The film is set in …

‐ This fascinating film is…

‐ This film originates from a novel named …

‐ The film is directed by…

‐ The film is based on a novel / a real life story of a…

‐ This is a comedy / horror film / love story / cartoon / science fiction movie / war film / Kung Fu film /an action film/ a thriller / a spy movie /   

Main points of the plot

‐ The plot focuses on…

‐ The story begins / concerns about / is about…

‐ The plot / story has a twist in …

‐ The plot is absolutely thrilling / exciting / fascinating / touching / romantic / surprising…

General comments and opinions

‐ It is rather confusing / long / slow / boring

‐ The cast is excellent / weak / awful / unconvincing

‐ The script/ story is dull / clever / exciting

‐ It has a tragic / surprising / dramatic ending

‐ It does not come across as true / convincing   

‐ The music / sound effect is dull / rich   

‐ The theme song is powerful / weak / satisfying

‐ The colour in the photography is natural / spectacular / dull / dark and frightening

   

Useful recommendations

‐ Don’t miss it!

‐ It is well worth seeing!

‐ It will change the way you see ( e.g. young people) after watching this film.

‐ It is bound to be a box‐office hit.

‐ I highly / thoroughly / strongly recommend it.

‐ It is highly entertaining.

‐ Fans of … will no doubt be thrilled with this.

‐ It’s a must!

‐ I would not recommend this because…

‐ Wait until it comes out on video.   

Sample sentences

‐ ‘Star Wars’ has spectacular special effects.

‐ It is worth watching for the dramatic scenery / acting of … alone.

‐ Thanks to the special effects, the action is totally believable.

‐ The film has such a tragic ending that you will leave the cinema in tears.

‐ Most of the film is rather boring, but it did have an interesting twist in the end.

‐ ‘Elizabeth’ is a film based on the life of Queen Elizabeth I.

‐ The film ‘Gladiator’ has a large cast and spectacular costumes.

‐ The film is worth seeing. It will touch the hearts of many.