movie critique vs movie review

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Reviews vs Film Criticism

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While the terms "review" and "criticism" are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them. Note how motion pictures are often referred to as "films" when discussing criticism, and "movies" when discussing reviews.

Film criticism is the study, interpretation, and evaluation of a film and its place in cinema history. Film criticism usually offers interpretation of its meaning, analysis of its structure and style, judgement of its worth by comparison with other films, and an estimation of its likely effect on viewers. Film theory (e.g. feminist, postmodernist, etc.) often informs the critical analysis of a film. Criticism may examine a particular film, or may look at a group of films in the same genre, or a director's or actor's body of work.

Film criticism differs from movie reviews in several ways: it entails both analysis and judgement; it may be published many years after a film is released; it is usually longer and more complex than a movie review. A movie review documents the critical reception of a film at its time of theatrical or dvd release. It is more "consumer-oriented," placing more emphasis on recommendation than analysis.

Reviews of feature films or mainstream films may be found in online databases, newspapers, and general interest magazines (e.g. New York Times , Village Voice , Cineaste ).

In-depth criticism and analyses of some feature films or mainstream films, foreign films, independent films, documentaries, etc. may be found in more scholarly or academic publications (e.g. Film Quarterly , Cinema Journal , Film International ).

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• Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 10:22 AM
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Finding Movie Reviews and Film Criticism

Film criticism provides evidence for Film & Digital Arts criticism assignments. This research guide distinguishes movie reviews from film criticism and pr ovides resources that will help you find criticism and reviews. See the Articles & Databases and Web Resources sections of this research guide for a list of search tools.

Movie Reviews

The purpose of a movie review is consumer in nature. The reviewer is making a judgment about the quality of the movie with the intention of telling the reader whether or not it is worth the time, effort, and money to watch. The reviewer assumes that the reader has not seen the movie and therefore is careful to reveal no spoilers. Reviews tend to be written when the movie is released into theaters, on video or DVD, or in streaming. The quality of reviews varies greatly, ranging from a simple plot summary with a thumbs up or thumbs down to an in-depth examination informed by expertise from film schools and years of film analysis and reviews. Regardless, the purpose of a review is to make a viewing recom mendation.

Examples of movie reviews of Pulp Fiction include:

• James Berardinelli
• Roger Ebert
• Andrew Wickliffe

Film Criticism

The purpose of film criticism is scholarly in nature. The film scholar is also making a judgment of the quality, but is doing so with the intention of making an argument about the meaning of the film or films by providing reasoned consideration and evidence. The scholar assumes that the reader has seen the film in order to better engage the argument – spoilers are irrelevant.

Film scholars have a distinct lens that they use in interpreting films. Their arguments might be based on filmmaker intent with an auteur lens, a formalist analysis of style and aesthetics or visual narrative, or an examination of the biographical or historical context. Their arguments might disconnect and dismantle the meaning of the film from its author’s intent by making a poststructuralist, semiotic, psychoanalytic, or literary analysis from the perspective of the viewer and of society. Their arguments might be a means to social justice intending to challenge the dominant power structures and the status quo by applying ideological Marxist, feminist, postcolonial, or queer approaches. Regardless, the purpose of criticism is to make a scholarly argument.

Examples of film criticism of Pulp Fiction include (you will need to be on campus or logged in to view):

• Davis, Todd F., and Kenneth Womack. “Shepherding the Weak: The Ethics of Redemption in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction.’” Literature Film Quarterly , vol. 26, no. 1, Jan. 1998, p. 60-66. EBSCOhost permalink .
• Jewers, Caroline. “Heroes and Heroin: From ‘True Romance’ to ‘Pulp Fiction.’” Journal of Popular Culture , vol. 33, 2000, pp. 39-61. Link
• Kimball, A.Samuel. “‘Bad-Ass Dudes’ in Pulp Fiction: Homophobia and the Counterphobic Idealization of Women.” Quarterly Review of Film & Video , vol. 16, no. 2, Sept. 1997, pp. 171-192. Link

Criticism as Evidence

As in criticism, the purpose of film assignments tends to be making your own argument about a film or films using reasoned consideration and evidence. The nature of the evidence that will best serve your needs is criticism, not reviews. This research guide shows how to find both criticism and reviews, because the simple fact is that not all films receive critical treatment, but virtually all are reviewed. In those cases where there is no criticism available, you may use reviews as a starting point, especially if they are the more in-depth examinations informed by expertise. However, you will most likely end up making your own reasoned consideration a centerpiece of the study without providing the evidence a film criticism provides.

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• Last Updated: Feb 7, 2024 6:34 PM
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A movie review is an article that is published in a newspaper, magazine, or scholarly work that describes and evaluates a movie. Reviews are typically written by journalists giving their opinion of the movie. Some reviews include score (4 out of 5 stars) or recommendations (thumbs up). Since reviews are printed in many different kinds of publications, you may need to search several sources.

A movie criticism is written by a scholar or expert in film studies to discuss the movie within a historical, social, political, or theoretical context. It differs from the opinion or recommendation that a movie review provides in terms of length, content and focus. Criticisms can be found in cinema studies journals as well as discipline-specific sources, depending on the plot or themes of the movie.

Reviews and criticisms are produced after the release of a movie, whether that is its initial release to theatres, or a release in a home video format. Knowing the initial release date(s) will help refine your search. Also note that nationwide release of movies only started in the 1980s; earlier films were released on different dates in different parts of the country. So a movie reviewed in New York City of Los Angeles may not have been reviewed for months or years later in smaller cities. The Internet Movie Database is an excellent source for release dates. Finally, movies can be remade, so you will want to be sure you are finding reviews or criticisms for the correct film; knowing the director or major stars will help refine your search results.

Many sources will only give a citation for the review or criticism. Use that citation to track down the complete text of the article.

Movie review and critique databases

General interest databases.

Reviews and criticisms can be found in general interest databases. Note the date range covered by each database and select ones that cover the time after the release of your movie. Search the title of the movie (as a phrase when possible) and include the director's last name if more than one film by that title exists.

Print indexes

Since most databases cover only more recent years, finding reviews for older movies may require using a print index. Check the catalog record for each index to see if it covers the dates required. Use the volume corresponding to the year of publication for your book and the year or two after.. (Several of these indexes have been moved to off-campus storage; you'll have to request for them to be brought back to Newman to use them.)

Freely available movie review websites

A large number of websites provide access to movie reviews, either the full text of the review, or at least a citation you can use to track down the full text.

• Last Updated: May 9, 2024 9:21 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/find/byformat

A Beginner’s Guide to Film Criticism: How to Analyze and Evaluate Movies

Film criticism is an art form that requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of film history, and an ability to communicate your thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner. Whether you’re a  student filmmaker , a casual moviegoer, or an aspiring critic, learning how to analyze and evaluate movies can greatly enhance your appreciation of cinema. In this beginner’s guide to film criticism, we’ll explore the key elements of film analysis and provide you with some tips and tricks for writing effective film reviews.

Understanding the Elements of Film Analysis

To become an effective film critic, you need to understand the basic elements of film analysis. These include:

Story and Narrative:  The plot, characters, themes, and overall structure of the commercial and  independent film.

Cinematography:  The visual aspects of the film, including camera angles, lighting, color, and composition.

Sound Design:  The use of sound in the film, including music, dialogue, and sound effects.

Editing:  The process of selecting and arranging shots to create a cohesive and engaging story.

Acting:  The performances of the actors in the film.

Tips for Writing Effective Film Reviews

Once you’ve analyzed the  independent film,  it’s time to write your review. Here are some tips for writing effective film reviews: Start with a Hook: Begin your review with a catchy opening that grabs the reader’s attention.

Be Objective

Avoid personal biases and focus on the film’s merits and flaws. Use Descriptive Language: Use vivid and descriptive language to help the reader visualize the film.

Provide Evidence:

Support your opinions with specific examples from the film. End with a Strong Conclusion: End your review with a clear and concise conclusion that summarizes your thoughts on the film.

We hope this beginner’s guide to  independent film  criticism has provided you with some valuable insights and tips for analyzing and evaluating movies. Whether you’re a seasoned film critic or a newbie, the key to writing effective film reviews is to remain objective, use descriptive language, and provide evidence to support your opinions.

If you are an independent filmmaker,  WFCN  has the perfect platform for you. Once you are done making your independent movie, you can surf through our 550+  top film festivals  and find your niche. We also have CANVAS, a platform for self-distribution. Go and check it out now!

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How do critics go about producing a film analysis?

When it comes to writing film analysis, there are several ways a critic may go about planning and writing a critique. Depending on the publication they are writing for, each critic has their own set of goals they will need to cover, and have their own writing style too. In general, though, there are several components that are considered important to include in a critique.

Before watching the film

Before a critic watches the movie there are several things they should do. All critics will have different criteria on what information they’ll want to know before watching the movie.

In general, a critic will avoid other reviews and will only carry out minimal research – assuming they are already familiar with the cast and director before this movie. If the movie is a direct sequel, they normally watch the film prior in advance if they are unfamiliar with the franchise. If the critic is unfamiliar with the cast and/or director of the movie they are writing an analysis on, they will normally undertake filmography research into their previous work.

Avoiding exposure for movies can be difficult, especially when it’s concerning a popular release that has a lot of marketing effort behind it. When possible, they’ll go into a movie blind to avoid any preconceived judgements and allow for the critic to go in with an unbiased background.

Critics debate whether to watch the film’s trailers, as it can give context to the movie, but it can sometimes also contain spoilers, so every critic will have their own process regarding this. 

In general, a critic should remain unbiased by any marketing, trailers or reviews before watching the movie they are providing analysis on to give their authentic opinion, so the review readers can trust what they’re reading is accurate.

While watching the movie

To critique a film, you only need to watch it once, but some critics prefer watching the movie a few times to ensure they get all the details they’ll need for their analysis.

It’s best to watch a movie in its entirety, with no distractions, to fully understand what the director intended to create. When you constantly pause, and replay movie scenes, you take yourself out of the movie and will lose the way the film was meant to be enjoyed. Critics also believe that this can affect how you write about the movie.

When it comes to note-taking while watching, once again, many critics have different opinions on this. For some, this is a vital part of their process, to ensure they have notes on key moments throughout the movie. Other critics will only jot down some keywords as they watch the movie to ensure they don’t miss anything important in the movie. This can help them when it comes to writing plot outlines, analysing themes and critiquing the acting and cinematography.

After watching the movie

After watching the movie is where the majority of work gets done. For those critics who don’t take notes while watching a movie, as soon as they finish viewing the film, they note down all of their thoughts and then decide what is necessary to convey to the audience.

Most critics aim to answer several questions of filmmaking when it comes to writing their reviews. This includes:

• Plot: What the movie is about? How did the setting affect the storyline? Was it believable?
• Themes: What was the goal of the movie? Was it created to entertain the audience, or bring awareness to something? Did symbolism play a strong role in the movie?
• Acting and characterisation: How were the characters portrayed? Did the actors make the characters come to life? Did the characters have complex personalities? Were there stereotypes that the characters fell into? Did the characters add to the storyline of the movie?
• Direction: Did the director pace the film well? How did the direction of this movie go in comparison to other works by the director? Was the storytelling complex? Was the conflict of the movie attention-grabbing? 
• Score: Did the music choice support the mood of the movie? Did it add value to the scene? Was the music cue timed well for the scenes they were in?
• Cinematography: How did things like colouring and lighting affect the tone of the movie? Were the shots effective in telling the story? Were sequences coherently shot? Were scenes and actors framed well?
• Production design: Did the sets feel lived in? Were the sets believable for the story and the characters? Were the costumes suitable for the characters?
• Special effects: Were the effects believable? Do they align with the era, tone, and genre of the movie? Were they well integrated into the story?
• Editing: Was the editing clean? How were the transitions in sequences?
• Dialogue: Were the conversations believable? Did they develop the plot? Did the dialogue match the tone of the movie and the characters?

Writing the review

Once a critic has noted down all their thoughts, they write the review. Like with any writer, every critic will have their own unique process for doing this. Some will prefer to just grab a cup of coffee and write everything down in one go, others will create a plan for each paragraph and go through step by step what they’re going to include.

The main aim of film analysis and critique is to do more than summarise what happened but to convey to the audience how the movie resonates with the critic. The audience should feel connected to the writer, as the writer aims to gain the trust of their audience so that they return to read other work. That’s why several critics will put their voice into their work.

Read our reviews on the latest releases

Here at Ready Steady Cut, you know that you can trust our dedicated team of reviewers and critics when it comes to picking out your next series binge or the next movie to add to your to be watched list. You can choose what streaming service you want to watch on, as well!

Article by Jonathon Wilson

Jonathon is one of the co-founders of Ready Steady Cut and has been an instrumental part of the team since its inception in 2017. Jonathon has remained involved in all aspects of the site’s operation, mainly dedicated to its content output, remaining one of its primary Entertainment writers while also functioning as our dedicated Commissioning Editor, publishing over 6,500 articles.

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How to write a movie review or a movie critique

Movie reviews and critiques follow roughly the same format as the book reviews and critiques. Outside of academia, movie reviews and critiques are very different.

For example, film reviews inform prospective consumers by providing a timely evaluation of films currently on offer. Reviews include a brief plot synopsis while avoiding “spoilers,” identify any stars associated with the project, indicate the conventions of genre and scale within which the film operates, and pronounce a clear assessment of the film. The review is directed at a general audience who has NOT seen the film and attempts to answer the question: is this film worth my time and money? (Source: Gregory Brophy, Associate Professor in the English Department)

Film critiques are informed analyses and are enriched by multiple viewings. Film analysis isolates and examines FORMAL techniques and patterns within a film in order to clarify and deepen our understanding of the film’s aesthetic and thematic concerns. Readers of film critique expect timely and relevant reflections on contemporary culture, but they’re also informed by a deeper understanding of film history, technique, and criticism, knowledge that primes them to consider and critique the writer’s position on the film and its connections to other aspects of culture and politics. (Source: Gregory Brophy, Associate Professor in the English Department)

Once again, professors typically assign film reviews as opposed to critiques but sometimes they use both review and critique interchangeably. The above information applies to non-academic reviews so it is ideal to clarify what your professors are looking for specifically. In this sense, critical analysis can find its way into reviews, which are fundamentally important to your essay.

The format should also follow the essay format, with an introduction and a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The name of the movie or documentary should be mentioned in the introduction (as well as cited accurately in the bibliography). Briefly describe the plot of the movie. There are different ways to approach a film review, but the two most used in classes are either by relating the movie themes to course material or by focusing on specific scenes that shocked you. Usually, the professor will guide you and make it clear if they are looking for specific approaches. For example, in the course HIS 242: History of Animals: Prey, Predator and Partner, the professor provides a list of films to students to choose from and was very specific to relate the film themes to material learned in class. In HIS 214: United States, 1877-1945, the professor expected students to talk about what shocked them the most about the documentary watched. Focus on specific scenes or moments rather than describing the entire linear plot.

You may wish to describe how the setting, the music, or the cinematography conveys the story. What were the directors and writers trying to achieve? Did they succeed? What was the intended audience or the message? If it’s a historical movie, is it accurate? Remember, you are writing in the context of history, not as a film critic. What did you think the movie was going to be about? Did it meet your expectations? Were you disappointed when it wasn’t what you were expecting? Did the story progress the way you wanted it to? Did you enjoy the ending? Would you recommend the movie? What score would you assign it on a scale of 1 to 10? These are just some ways to give you some ideas. The most important thing is that you reflect your thoughts candidly and clearly.

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Cinema Studies: Film Criticism

Film Criticism vs. Film Reviews

Start here for scholarly articles & film criticism.

FIAF provides coverage to more than 300 academic and popular film and television journals from 1972 to the present. 

Link your search terms using the AND connector. For example: "horror films" and japanese. On the search results screen, use the options on the left toolbar to narrow your search results. To find the fulltext of the article, click on the "Check for Full Text" button and work your way through the screens. Not all articles will be online, some may only be in print, others may not be available at the UW. Articles from journals which the UW does not own can be requested via Interlibrary loan.

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How film criticism differs from ‘reviewing’ a movie, and how relevant it is today

R balki’s latest film chup, and the tamil nadu film producers council urging reviewers to wait for three days before pushing out negative reviews of films, have put the spotlight on what exactly film criticism and movie reviews are supposed to do, and what is the need for them in the first place. we explain..

Acclaimed director R Balki’s latest film Chup (2022), which has received mixed reviews , is a commentary on the nature of art, specifically films, and the relationship art shares with its ‘criticism’.

The film revolves around a serial killer who exclusively targets film critics, and a cop who is on the killer’s trail. More than just a thriller, the film also tries to take a deeper look at the question of whether a negative review can ‘kill’ a film.

This month, the Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council (TFPC) urged film reviewers to publish negative reviews three days after the film’s release. The Council also asked theatre owners to not allow YouTubers to shoot film reviews inside their premises.

“Any film has only a three-day window to make a difference at the box office,” said Dhananjeyan, producer of films like Kaatrin Mozhi and Mr Chandramouli and member of the Council. He added, “Even Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has made a similar request before. If there is a bad film, why the urgency to release a negative review? The film will…anyway fail. Why kill it even more?”

The discussions around Chup and the TFPC’s request have brought the spotlight once again on what exactly film criticism and movie reviews are supposed to do, and what is the need for them in the first place. We explain.

What is film criticism?

Film criticism, like criticism of other art forms, is concerned with the analysis and evaluation of cinema. It involves interpretation, a deeper understanding of the context of the film, and a connection to the history of the medium itself.

In his essay “The Psychology of the Critic and Psychological Criticism” (1962), academic Philip Weissman wrote that the critic is “minimally required to be a connoisseur”, but “the step from connoisseur to critic implies the progression from knowledge to judgement.”

How is a film critique different from a review?

Shubhra Gupta, veteran film critic with The Indian Express , says that the major difference between a film critic and a reviewer is that a critic “has in his/her head an arc— he/she has watched the industry grow in a certain way, and is aware of the atmosphere around us. He/she is aware that a piece of art is not created in isolation.”

One way to understand the difference is to see reviews as more consumer-driven, where the focus is to tell the audience whether or not a film is worth watching. A proper critique leans more towards a comprehensive understanding of the film in a non-fragmentary manner, and is not concerned so much with telling the audience what to watch and what to avoid, but to place it in the proper context of the ecosystem that it has come out of.

To put simply, if someone only reviews films, they are not necessarily critics; however, critics do review films and add more analytical nuances to an audience’s understanding of a film, or even the history of films. “I expect a good critic to have knowledge of all art forms, and to be aware of socio-political developments in society,” Gupta says. She adds, “Knowledge has to be knit into the review without being patronising.”

Can critics really ‘kill’ a film?

One of the biggest complaints against film critics is that their unfavourable reviews often discourage audiences from watching the film, resulting in low box office collections and low profits. With the prevalence of social media in every sphere of life, negative reviews also translate into constant trolling and bashing on platforms like Facebook , Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, etc.

However, in a country like India, where star power is seen as a major pull even today, negative reviews alone cannot sink a film. While it is true that the superstar culture seems to be waning, there are many examples of films powering through despite receiving a bad critical response, on the strength of their leading stars alone.

Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 emerged as one of Bollywood’s biggest commercial successes this year, despite receiving unenthusiastic reviews . A lot of its success is being attributed to its leading man, Kartik Aaryan, and the fanbase that he has built for himself over the years. Similarly, the Tamil film Beast, which starred Kollywood superstar ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay, managed to do great business at the box office despite reviews criticising its storyline .

Gupta says that there are no easy answers to the question of critics and reviewers ‘killing’ a film. “If you had asked me earlier, my answer would have been an unequivocal no,” she says. “But so much has changed in the last 2-3 years… film reviewing now has a lot to do with agendas beyond the film itself. Trolling, particularly the kind that has a particular agenda, and questions of nepotism and boycotting Bollywood are now much more prominent.”

Anyone following the film industry closely would have heard many people involved in it saying that if someone knew the formula to make a successful film, every film would be a hit. What this means, essentially, is that there is no predictability about the success or failure of a particular film. “How successful a film will be is pure alchemy,” says Gupta, adding that there is no way to foresee how a film will capture the cultural zeitgeist (‘zeitgeist’ refers to the defining spirit or mood of a specific period in history) and resonate with audiences.

“With some films,” she says, “It seems like we were just waiting for them to come. One of the last examples that I can think of is Rang De Basanti (2006).”

What is the role of a professional film critic today, when the Internet provides a space for everyone to come and leave their review?

One important feature of film criticism, which differentiates it from reviewing, is that it implies a certain degree of objectivity. Of course, it is impossible to leave one’s biases completely at home while consuming art, but the very nature of analysing and contextualising a film makes a critique more objective than a review, whose thrust is to recommend or reject a film.

For example, it probably won’t matter to a good critic where the film is coming from, be it the biggest production house or a new venture.

“Critics are important for films that need a bit of a push,” says Gupta. “That’s what our job is, to cut the clutter, and bring out films that otherwise would not have too much exposure.”

She adds, “We (critics) have never been as important as we are today. We can separate the wheat from the chaff, and give the audience more knowledge and more context of what they see and want to see.”

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Arushi works with the online desk at The Indian Express. She writes on entertainment, culture, women's issues, and sometimes a mix of all three. She regularly contributes to the Explained and Opinion sections and is also responsible for curating the daily newsletter, Morning Expresso. She studied English literature at Miranda House, University of Delhi, along with a minor in Sociology. Later, she earned a post-graduate diploma in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, where she learnt the basics of print, digital and broadcast journalism. Write to her at [email protected]. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. ... Read More

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Criticism: Literature, Film & Drama: Film Criticism

• Literature Criticism

Film Criticism

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Film criticism is the comparison, analysis, interpretation, and/or evaluation of films.

There are two different types of publications that offer opinions about films:

• Academic criticism by film scholars that appears in scholarly journals
• Journalistic film reviews that appear in newspapers and other popular media.

The film critic tries to understand why film works, how it works, and what effects it has on people; while the film reviewer looks a film's production values and general enjoyability.

Dickinson Databases for Film Criticism

See also our Film and Film Criticism Databases List .

• Humanities Source This link opens in a new window Access journals, books and other published sources from around the world in all aspects of the humanities, including archaeology, area studies, art, classical studies, dance, film, gender studies, history, journalism, linguistics, literature, music, performing arts, philosophy, and religion. For citation searching: click "Cited References" at the top of the search screen. Coverage: late 1800s to present. Some full text.
• Humanities and Social Sciences Retrospective This link opens in a new window Search for articles from English-language periodicals on subjects including anthropology, archaeology, art, classical studies, criminal justice, environmental studies, ethics, gender studies, international relations, law, literature, music, performing arts, philosophy, political science, psychiatry, psychology, religion and sociology. Use the library's "Get It!" button to obtain materials with no direct full text link. Coverage: 1907-1984. Citations only.
• JSTOR This link opens in a new window Explore historical and recent journals, books and images in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with some natural science coverage. Coverage: varies - historical up to 1-5 years from current date, contains primary sources. Full text.
• Project Muse This link opens in a new window Access scholarly journals and ebooks in both the humanities and social sciences. Most journals covered are up to date. Ebooks include titles in Global Cultural Studies, Poetry, Fiction & Creative Non-Fiction. Coverage: historical and current. Full text.
• Readers' Guide Full Text This link opens in a new window Search for articles in the popular press (magazines, news magazines, general interest periodicals), on topics including art, business, computers, dance, drama, education, entertainment, fashion, film & television, food, health & medicine, history, literature, news & current events, photography, popular & classical music, politics, popular culture, religion, science, sports & fitness, transportation, and travel. Coverage: 1890-1982. Some full text.

Print Resources

• The New York Times Film Reviews Call Number: REF PN1995 .N4 Film reviews from the Times, 1913-2000.
• Film Review Index by Patricia K. Hanson; Stephen L. Hanson Call Number: REF PN1995 .F513 ISBN: 0897741536

Web Resources for Film Criticism

• American Film Institute
• The Greatest Films Reviews, synopses, and historical backgrounds of several hundred films.
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What Does a Movie Critic Do — And How to Become One

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C hances are, if you’ve shelled out money to go to the movies in the last year, you’ve done so because of a positive word-of-mouth for the movie you’re about to see, or that it’s simply deemed “critically acclaimed”. Movie critics are that “critic” that often shapes the public discourse, sometimes propelling a relatively unknown indie into a buzzworthy future Oscar winner. But what does a movie critic in this modern era actually do ? In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at these professional film reviewer’s day-to-day.

INSIDE THE MOVIE CRITIC JOB

First, let’s define movie critic.

A film critic’s job isn’t just to watch non-stop movies. Movie reviewers must approach each review from an objective, journalistic standpoint that isn’t shaped by bias. Here's a quick definition of the job.

Movie Critic DEFINITION

What is a movie critic.

A movie critic  is a writer who publishes their opinions on newly released movies (and occasionally, due to the new streaming model) straight-to-streaming films and special event programming. It’s important to note that many movie critics also review TV shows and other media. Movie critics typically review new releases with the angle of whether or not the film is worthy to see based on the genre, story, directing, acting, and more.  

Movie critic jobs in the modern age:

• Writing for a print or online publication
• Hosting or writing a movie-themed podcast
• Self-publishing reviews to a blog or personal website

THE SPECIFICS OF A MOVIE REVIEWER JOB

Film reviewing vs. film criticism.

You may be interested in becoming a movie critic and eyeing a “Film Studies” program at a local university. Though many professionals come from these programs, it’s important to note the style of writing required for a film critic job hinges on the review . 

A guide to a film critic job

A movie reviewer’s job is to deem whether or not the film is entertaining enough to be seen by a widespread audience, not whether or not the film itself was “artful.” 

Film analysis is different than what’s typically required of movie critic jobs

The day-to-day of a movie critic job, what’s a typical day for a movie critic.

Similar to many other writing-centric jobs, no two days often look the same. Movie critics are often invited to “Sneak Preview Screenings” where they’re able to watch a movie well before it premieres, or are sent an online link to stream the movie at home. 

Sometimes, they attend film festivals like Sundance and Cannes, where they’re able to review both future blockbusters and independent films. Sometimes, they can be called on as a go-to film critic “guest” on popular radio stations like NPR and KCRW.

In the modern tech age, a lot of movie critics supplement their work for major publishers with their own personal movie-centric podcasts or blogs. Amy Nicholson is a full-time critic but she also co-hosts a movie podcast with comedian Paul Scheer called Unspooled where they reexamine older films.

Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson co-host a film-themed podcast called “Unspooled”

Movie critic salary, how do movie critics get paid.

Figuring out the typical income of a professional movie critic is reliant on a number of factors: level of experience, the publication that they work for, and their geographical location. 

For example, a movie critic living in New York City or Los Angeles where attending press events in person may be pertinent to their job success may net a higher income than a movie critic living in Columbus, OH.

HOW TO BECOME A MOVIE CRITIC

So how much do movie critics make.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate for a movie critic is $26/hour, with the lowest being $7.93/hour and the highest being $47.60. 

Top earners might expect $75,000/year while the average is around $53,000/year.

HOW TO GET STARTED

How to become a movie critic.

Becoming a movie critic does not focus on one specific path. As mentioned earlier, some movie critics start their career path by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

Regardless of where you start, learning about the history of cinema and studying the nuances between film reviewing and film analysis will strengthen your chances of being successful.

What does a movie critic do and how do they write a review?

Often, recruiters for this type of job consider an applicant’s portfolio of previously written work. Gain experience and establish your voice as a movie critic by writing film reviews for publications such as school newspapers, personal blogs, or recording your own podcast. 

If eligible, seek out internships at places like media outlets or film festivals to not only get a sense of the next wave of filmmaking, but to sharpen your skills in how you discuss these works.

The History of Film, Explained

From photographic techniques to the Pre-Code era to Film Noir. What does a movie critic do? Become an encyclopedia for film history, styles, and more. Brush up on our comprehensive history of film eras below.

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Critique vs. Review

What's the difference.

Critique and review are two distinct forms of evaluation, often used in the context of analyzing a piece of work or providing feedback. While both involve assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a subject, they differ in their approach and purpose. A critique typically delves deeper into the analysis, focusing on the underlying concepts, theories, and methodologies employed in the work. It aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation, highlighting both the positive aspects and areas for improvement. On the other hand, a review tends to be more concise and opinion-based, summarizing the main points and offering a subjective judgment of the work's quality. Reviews often cater to a broader audience, providing a general overview and recommendation.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to evaluating various forms of art, literature, or any creative work, two commonly used methods are critique and review. While both critique and review involve analyzing and providing feedback on a particular piece, they differ in their approach, purpose, and level of depth. In this article, we will explore the attributes of critique and review, highlighting their similarities and differences, and understanding how they contribute to the overall understanding and improvement of creative works.

Definition and Purpose

Critique and review are both forms of evaluation, but they serve different purposes. A critique is an in-depth analysis of a creative work, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness. It aims to provide constructive feedback to the creator, helping them understand the underlying elements and potential areas for improvement. On the other hand, a review is a more general assessment of a work, often intended for a wider audience. It aims to inform and guide potential consumers or audience members, giving them an overview of the work's quality, content, and relevance.

Approach and Perspective

When it comes to the approach and perspective, critique and review also differ. A critique typically takes a more objective and analytical stance, delving into the technical aspects, thematic elements, and artistic choices of the work. It often involves a deeper understanding of the medium and its conventions, allowing the critic to provide a comprehensive analysis. On the other hand, a review tends to be more subjective, focusing on the reviewer's personal opinion and experience with the work. While it may touch upon technical aspects, it primarily aims to convey the reviewer's overall impression and whether they would recommend it to others.

Depth and Detail

One of the key distinctions between critique and review lies in the depth and detail of the analysis. A critique goes beyond surface-level observations, diving into the nuances and intricacies of the work. It explores the underlying themes, symbolism, character development, and narrative structure, among other elements. A critique often requires a deeper engagement with the work, multiple readings or viewings, and a comprehensive understanding of the creator's intentions. On the other hand, a review provides a more concise and condensed overview, focusing on the overall impression and key aspects that may interest the target audience. It may touch upon the plot, characters, writing style, or visual aesthetics, but it does not delve into the same level of detail as a critique.

Target Audience

Another aspect that sets critique and review apart is their target audience. A critique is primarily aimed at the creator or artist, providing them with valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. It assumes a certain level of knowledge and understanding of the creative process, allowing the critic to offer a more specialized analysis. On the other hand, a review is intended for a broader audience, including potential consumers, readers, or viewers. It aims to guide their decision-making process, helping them determine whether the work aligns with their preferences and interests.

Publication and Format

The publication and format of critique and review also differ. Critiques are often found in academic journals, specialized publications, or dedicated platforms that focus on critical analysis. They tend to be longer, more detailed, and written by experts or individuals with a deep understanding of the subject matter. Reviews, on the other hand, are commonly found in newspapers, magazines, online platforms, or even personal blogs. They are generally shorter, more accessible, and written by individuals who may or may not have expertise in the field but can provide an opinion that resonates with a wider audience.

Impact and Influence

Both critique and review have the potential to impact the creator and the audience, albeit in different ways. A well-executed critique can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement, helping the creator refine their work and grow as an artist. It can challenge their assumptions, highlight blind spots, and encourage experimentation. On the other hand, a review can influence the audience's perception and decision-making process. A positive review may attract more consumers or audience members, while a negative review can deter potential consumers or lead to a reevaluation of the work's quality.

In conclusion, while critique and review share the common goal of evaluating creative works, they differ in their approach, purpose, depth, and target audience. Critique provides an in-depth analysis, focusing on the creator's growth and improvement, while review offers a more general assessment, guiding the audience's decision-making process. Both forms of evaluation play a crucial role in the creative ecosystem, contributing to the understanding, development, and appreciation of various art forms.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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"Coco" is the sprightly story of a young boy who wants to be a musician and somehow finds himself communing with talking skeletons in the land of the dead. Directed by Lee Unkrich (" Toy Story 3 ") and veteran Pixar animator Adrian Molina , and drawing heavily on Mexican folklore and traditional designs, it has catchy music, a complex but comprehensible plot, and bits of domestic comedy and media satire. Most of the time the movie is a knockabout slapstick comedy with a " Back to the Future " feeling, staging grand action sequences and feeding audiences new plot information every few minutes, but of course, being a Pixar film, "Coco" is also building toward emotionally overwhelming moments, so stealthily that you may be surprised to find yourself wiping away a tear even though the studio has been using the sneak-attack playbook for decades.

The film's hero, twelve-year old Miguel Riviera (voice by Anthony Gonzalez ), lives in the small town of Santa Cecilia. He’s a goodhearted child who loves to play guitar and idolizes the greatest popular singer-songwriter of the 1920s and '30s, Ernesto de la Cruz ( Benjamin Bratt ), who was killed when a huge church bell fell on his head. But Miguel has to busk in secret because his family has banned its members from performing music ever since Miguel's great-great-grandfather left, abandoning his loved ones to selfishly pursue his dreams of stardom. At least that’s the official story passed down through the generations; it’ll be challenged as the film unfolds, not through a traditional detective story (although there’s a mystery element to “Coco”) but through an “ Alice in Wonderland ” journey to the Land of the Dead, which the hero accesses through the tomb of his ancestors. 

Family and legacy as expressed through storytelling and song: this is the deeper preoccupation of “Coco.” One of the most fascinating things about the movie is the way it builds its plot around members of Miguel’s family, living and dead, as they battle to determine the official narrative of Miguel’s great-great grandfather and what his disappearance from the narrative meant for the extended clan. The title character is the hero’s great-grandmother (Renee Victor), who was traumatized by her dad’s disappearance. In her old age, she has become a nearly silent presence, sitting in the corner and staring blankly ahead, as if hypnotized by a sweet, old film perpetually unreeling in her mind.

The machinations that get Miguel to the other side are too complicated to explain in a review, though they’re comprehensible as you watch the movie. Suffice to say that Miguel gets there, teams up with a melancholy goofball named Hector ( Gael Garcia Bernal), and has to pose as one of the dead with the aid of skeletal facepaint, but that (like Marty McFly returning to the 1950s to make sure his mom ends up with his dad in “Future”) the longer Miguel stays on the other side, the more likely he is to end up actually dead.

I’m reluctant to describe the film’s plot in too much detail because, even though every twist seems obvious in retrospect, Molina and Matthew Aldrich ’s script frames each one so that seems delightful and inevitable. Many of them are conveyed through a stolen family photograph that Miguel brings with him to the Land of the Dead. The deployment of the photo is a great example of how to tell a story through pictures, or more accurately, with a picture . Somebody’s face has been torn out; there’s a guitar that proves to be important later, and there are other ways in which visual information has been withheld from Miguel (and us) so that it can be revealed or restored when the time is right, completing and correcting an incomplete or distorted picture, and "picture.”

What’s freshest, though, is the tone and outlook of the film. “Coco” opened in Mexico a month before it opened in the USA and is already the highest grossing film of all time there. It assumes a non-American point-of-view on spirituality and culture—not in a touristy or “thought experiment” sort of way, but as if it were merely the latest product of an alternate universe Pixar Mexicano that has existed for just as long as the other one. The film’s stable of voice actors reads like a Who’s Who of Latin-American talent: the ensemble includes Edward James Olmos , Alfonso Arau , Ana Ofelia Murguia, Alanna Ubach and, in a small role, to my surprise and astonishment, playwright Octavio Solis , who was one of my teachers in high school back in Dallas. Michael Giacchino's score is unsurprisingly excellent, as are the original songs—in particular, the future Oscar winner " Remember Me ," the greatest tear-eruption mechanism to accompany a Pixar release since the " Toy Story 2 " centerpiece "When She Loved Me."

Like most Pixar productions, this one is filled with homages to film history in general and animation history in particular. I was especially fond of the references to the dancing skeletons that seemed to pop up constantly in cartoon shorts from the 1930s. There’s a touch of Japanese master Hayao Miyazaki in the film’s matter-of-fact depiction of the dead interacting with the living, as well as its portrayal of certain creatures, such as a goofy, goggle-eyed dog named Dante (modeled on Xoloitzcuintli, the national dog of Mexico) and a gigantic flying dragon-type beast with the personality of a plump old housecat.

Also notable are the film's widescreen compositions, which put lots of characters in the same frame and shoot them from the waist up or from head-to-toe, in the manner of old musicals, or Hollywood comedies from the eighties like "9 to 5" or " Tootsie ." The direction lets you appreciate how the characters interact with each other and with their environments and lets you decide what to look at. At first this approach seems counter-intuitive for a movie filled with fantastic creatures, structures and situations, but it ends up being effective for that very reason: it makes you feel as though you're seeing a record of things that are actually happening, and it makes "Coco" feel gentle and unassuming even though it's a big, brash, loud film.

I had some minor quibbles about “Coco” while I was watching it, but I can’t remember what they were. This film is a classic.

Matt Zoller Seitz

Matt Zoller Seitz is the Editor at Large of RogerEbert.com, TV critic for New York Magazine and Vulture.com, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in criticism.

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Film credits.

Coco (2017)

Rated PG for thematic elements.

109 minutes

Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel (voice)

Gael García Bernal as Hector (voice)

Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz (voice)

Renée Victor as Abuelita (voice)

Ana Ofelia Murguía as Mama Coco (voice)

Alanna Ubach as Mama Imelda (voice)

Edward James Olmos as Chicharron (voice)

Gabriel Iglesias as Head Clerk (voice)

Cheech Marin as Corrections Officer (voice)

Alfonso Aráu as Papa Julio (voice)

• Lee Unkrich

Co-Director

• Adrian Molina

Writer (original story by)

• Matthew Aldrich

Cinematographer

• Matt Aspbury
• Danielle Feinberg
• Steve Bloom
• Michael Giacchino

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Home » Language » English Language » Literature » Difference Between Critique and Review

Difference Between Critique and Review

Main difference – critique vs review.

Although the two terms critique and review are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between critique and review. The main difference between critique and review is the writer; critiques are written by experts in the relevant field whereas reviews are written by people who are interested in that particular field. Therefore, critiques are considered to be more reliable than reviews.

What is a Critique

A critique is a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory or work. A critique is usually written by a critic. A critic is an expert in a particular field, so he can comment on a particular theory or work in depth. Therefore, a critique is more reliable than a review.

A critique can look at separate components of a work as well as the overall impression of the work. A critique can be very technical since the critic has expert knowledge in the field.  It can contain information like techniques, trends in the field, etc. Sometimes, a person who doesn’t have any knowledge in that particular field may find it difficult to understand the critique properly.

What is  a Review

A review describes, analyses and evaluates a work. A review may give you the main information about a piece of work. For example, if the review is about a play, it’ll describe who created the play, who were the actors, where was the play performed, what genre is it, what is the theme of the play, etc. The reviewer will also comment on the quality of the work, overall impression, and his personal opinions. But he will not go into a deep, technical analysis.

This is mainly because a reviewer is a person who has an interest in the certain topic and had the freedom of voicing out his or her thoughts. He is not usually an expert in that particular field. For example, a book review or a film review can be written by anyone. But the review will help others to determine the quality of the said work. So, a review is mainly consumer-oriented.

Critique is written by a critic.

Review is written by a reviewer.

Knowledge of the Field

Critic is an expert in a particular field.

Reviewer is a person who has an interest in a particular topic.

Critique may contain in-depth analysis of the separate components of the work or theory.

Review may contain general information, overall impression, and personal opinion.

Reliability

Critiques can be more reliable than reviews.

Reviews may not be reliable as critiques.

Critique may analyze a work technically, scientifically or academically.

Review is more consumer-oriented.

Ease of Access

Critique may not be read and understood by everyone.

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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How to Critique a Movie: Tips + Film Critique Example

How to write a film critique essay? To answer this question, you should clearly understand what a movie critique is. It can be easily confused with a movie review. Both paper types can become your school or college assignments. However, they are different. A movie review reveals a personal impression of the viewer. A movie critique, in its turn, aims to discuss the means of film production and give advice on what could be changed to make the film better.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

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No worries, we are here to help!

This article by Custom-Writing.org experts contains useful tips on how to critique a movie and a great film critique example. Read on to learn more!

• 🎬 How to Begin
• ⚙️ Key Elements of Any Film
• 💡 Useful Phrases

🎬 How to Critique a Movie: the Basics

Writing a movie critique means offering your insight and opinion on what was good and not that good with the movie and what made it intriguing to watch. There’s always something you like about the film and something you don’t. You may consider that the plot was good, but the special effects were horrible. Think of all the possible film production stages and try to look at them critically.

How to Critique a Movie: General Guidelines

• Choose a movie
• Specify the issues you are going to discuss and analyze in your paper
• Watch the movie several times: first to get a general idea of the film; second – to pay attention to the points that come into your sphere of interest
• Take notes while watching
• During your second watch, note the details you weren’t able to notice the first time
• Be specific
• Be objective

Criticizing does not mean expressing negative emotions. Too much pessimism will kill the reader’s desire to get closely acquainted with your writing. Even though the movie could be a real failure, try to present a sophisticated evaluation.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

⚙️ Movie Critique: Key Elements of Any Film

Any film features several elements that you need to mention when you write your movie critique paper. Below in this section, you’ll find these elements’ descriptions and useful tips on analyzing them in your paper.

How to Critique a Film’s Plot

The plot is the flow of events and actions that consequently develop in a story. To discuss the film’s plot in your movie critique, you need to do the following:

• Decide whether the plot is predictable.
• Define whether some actions were unpredictable.
• If they were, express your views considering an unexpected turn of events that shocked you.
• See if the story corresponds to the characters’ motivations.

How to Critique a Film’s Structure

The movie’s structure is how the parts relate to each other or how the plot is built. Remember that the structure encompasses the following parts:

• Exposition (introducing the key characters and their circumstances)
• Rising action (mounting tension that leads to the story’s climax)
• Falling action
• Denouement (a resolution that brings the story to an end)

How to Critique the Movie’s Characters

Characterization is the description of the characters’ personalities, beliefs, motivations, etc. To discuss the film’s characterization in your movie critique, you need to do the following:

• Concentrate on specific movie characters.
• Set your priorities: some movie characters do not need any serious analysis.
• See if the characters’ dress, talk, act, or look corresponds with the impression they should create.
• Remember that the better the characters are developed, the more character-driven the story is.
• Consider that the right motivation of the characters makes the audience believe the story.

How to Criticize the Movie’s Dialogues

A dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters. To analyze the dialogues in your movie critique, do the following:

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• Remember that good dialogues should not be protracted as they are to sound natural.
• See if there is a logical development of the conversation.
• Watch the body language of the actors and decide whether their gestures correspond to their words or not.

How to Criticize the Movie’s Scenes

A scene is a self-contained episode within a larger work. To discuss the scenes in your movie critique, you should do the following:

• Determine whether the scenes were well-played by the actors and well-shot by the operator.
• Mind that they are to develop smoothly as a part of a larger dramatic unit.
• Remember that scenes should build a chain that makes up the story.
• Examine if they contain some conflict and how the characters typically react to it.
• Try to follow through each scene to make sure that it properly transitioned into the next one.

🧱 Movie Critique Outline

The general structure of a movie critique resembles the structure of an essay .

• Start with an introduction . There you are to provide necessary information about the film, make a summary of the plot, state your thesis, and give readers a clue on what your critique will be about.
• Divide the main body into several paragraphs . Explain your thesis there and examine each point separately. Do not forget to provide examples.
• End writing your movie critique with a conclusion . It should summarize everything and give answers to the questions raised in the paper.

Go over your paper to eliminate factual and spelling/grammar/punctuation mistakes. A good structure is a basis and a necessary condition of a successful paper.

💡 Top Phrases to Use while Writing a Film Critique

Now that you know all the essential elements of a movie critique structure, it’s high time to consider how to present your information in the most digestible and impressive way. A list of common phrases and set expressions in your movie critique writing will make your content more engaging, diverse, and easy to read.

Give your opinion on the topic and analyze the movie rather than just summarizing the content. Make use of persuasive words that would be helpful and appropriate to your readers.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Movie Genre

• Crime and Gangster
• Epics/Historical

Producer, Director

• Produced by…
• Directed by…
• The movie is expertly directed by…
• This movie is based on a book…

Actors, Characters

• Warm-hearted, appealing, fascinating
• The characters were very convincing because…
• Exceptional performance
• Fervently performed
• The performance of… in… is excellent

Film’s Plot

• Well-directed, amusing, exciting, boring, clichéd, confusing, entertaining, exciting, melodramatic, thrilling, unbelievable, surprising, full of tension
• The plot reaches a climax when…
• Develop a story
• Non-linear/fragmented narrative
• Full of unexpected plot twists
• One of the most unbelievable/entertaining moments in the film occurs when…

Assessment, Evaluation

• A must-see/worth seeing/not to be missed/a smash hit/an impressive debut
• An emotional movie/it brought tears to my eyes
• A truly great/skillful piece of filmmaking
• I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who likes…
• On a scale from zero to five, I’d give this film a four because…
• I strongly/highly recommend watching this film because…
• If you like…, you shouldn’t miss this movie.
• I certainly wouldn’t recommend the film, and here’s why…
• Unfortunately, this movie is a complete waste of time because…
• I was impressed/surprised by…

👀 Film Critique Examples

Below you’ll find a downloadable movie critique example. Other samples can be found here:

• Selma: Historical Drama Film by Ava DuVernay
• Christian Symbolism and Imagery in “The Matrix” Film
• “The Morning Guy” Film Analysis
• “Night of the Living Dead” a Film by George Romero
• “Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope” by George Lucas

Movie Critique Example: Hitchcock’s North by Northwest

North by Northwest , directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is considered one of the most prominent films in cinematography. This spy thriller combines darkness and light typical for Hitchcock movies: witty humor, love story, suspense, and mortal danger harmoniously merge in this thriller (Longacre 75). Starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, North by Northwest contains memorable acting performances, accentuating the director’s dexterity in creating suspense. North by Northwest is representative of Hitchcock’s entertaining talent, as it allows readers to escape into a world of international espionage thriving during the Cold War Era.

Movie Critique Essay Topics

• Review of the film The Corporation .
• Philosophical questions in Through a Glass Darkly by Ingmar Bergman.
• Discuss the symbolism in the film Hacksaw Ridge .
• Analyze the impersonation of Elizabeth Bennet by Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice (2005) .
• Evaluate the meaning of the setting in the movie Mean Girls by Mark Walters .
• Explore the similarities and differences of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter movies.
• Describe the characters of Duke Bill’s Not Easily Broken .
• Analyze the rhetoric of the film Salt by Phillip Noyce .
• The importance of the teacher’s role in the movie Freedom Writers.
• Analyze the characters of the film The Green Mile .
• Social mobility and racial biases in Paul Haggis’s film Crash .
• Compare the semantic message of the movies West Side Story (1961) and Romeo + Juliet (1996).
• The role of sound and costume choice in the film Inception by Christopher Nolan .
• Examine the depiction of disproportionate female objectification in the documentary Miss Representation .
• Discuss the techniques Fellini uses to depict the paradoxes and contradictions of the real world in his film La Dolce Vita .
• The problem of selfhood and identity in the movie The Boy in The Striped Pajamas by Mark Herman.
• The core theme of Werner Fassbinder’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant .
• Analyze the film Erin Brockovich.
• The serious messages in the comedies Educating Rita and Small-Time Crooks .
• Describe the characters of The Wizard of Oz (1939).
• Discuss the similarities and differences of the events in the film The Crucible and the real history of Salem.
• Analyze the depiction of ethical dilemmas and emotional conflicts in the movie Juno .
• The peculiarities of Martin Scorsese’s film The Aviator .
• Allegory in Robert Redford’s film Lions for Lambs .
• Critique of the film Secret Window .
• The sociological significance of the Lone Survivor by Peter Berg .
• Describe the filmmaking techniques used in the documentary film The Interrupters .
• Analyze the significance of the opening scene of the Citizen Kane .
• Examine the main woman character of David Fincher’s film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .
• Discuss the setting of Sleepy Hollow by Tim Burton .
• The main concepts of Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar .
• Analytical critique of the movie Signs .
• Discuss the theme of the film Love, Simon by Greg Berlanti .
• Explore the major theme and objectives of Blood Diamond by Edward Zwick.
• The problem of choice in Gone Baby Gone by Ben Affleck .
• Describe the filmmaking techniques used to portray a historical period in The Patriot .
• Analyze the rhetorical strategies in Laurence Olivier’s film Henry V .  
• Discuss the philosophy of the film Les Intouchables .
• The leading theme of Catch Me If You Can by Steven Spielberg .
• Analyze the movie Rear Window .
• Analyze the message of the film Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
• The role of visuals in the movie My Family/ Mi Familia .
• Examine the rhetorical techniques used in Jordan Peele’s horror film Us .
• Split : movie critique.
• The importance of geography and landscapes in The Sound of Music by Robert Wise .

Now you can confidently claim that you know how to write a movie critique and even have a whole list of helpful vocabulary you can include. We hope that these tips were helpful and that your next critical paper about a movie will be a success. Be sure to check out our blog for more useful articles!

✏️ Movie Critique FAQ

A film critique is an extended opinion about a movie. It is typically made in the form of a paper, article, or essay. Such papers are usually highly rated when written by respected professionals in the field.

If you are writing any paper, it is always a good idea to begin with an outline. If you are writing an essay for college, make sure that you have a clear structure. A typical structure includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

When criticizing any visual artwork, follow these 4 steps:

• Description,
• Interpretation,

Identify a few aspects you want to focus on. It could be actors, music and sound, visual effects, plot peculiarities, etc.). Then, describe each point according to the four steps.

If you are focusing on an actor’s performance in a particular film, make sure that your judgments are based not on the appearance or personal prejudice. Try to make a relatively objective assessment.

🔗 References

• Merriam-Webster “Critique” Definition
• Structuring a Premise for Stronger Stories
• Merriam-Webster “Original” Definition
• Merriam-Webster “Motif” Definition
• Duke Writing Studio’s Film Review Guide
• Tips for Writing a Film Review
• How to Analyze a Movie: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Tips for Writing a Review
• Summary: Using it Wisely
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6 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or an avid buff, our reviewers think these films are worth knowing about.

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By The New York Times

CRITIC’S PICK

Going ape for another ‘Apes’ movie.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

The latest in this sci-fi series follows a group of rebels as they face off against an authoritarian ruler who has twisted the peaceful teachings of a previous leader.

From our review:

There’s a knowing sense that all this has happened before, and all this will happen again. That’s what makes “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” powerful, in the end. It probes how the act of co-opting idealisms and converting them to dogmas has occurred many times over. What’s more, it points directly at the immense danger of romanticizing the past, imagining that if we could only reclaim and reframe and resurrect history, our present problems would be solved.

In theaters. Read the full review .

A thermal thriller that’s hot and cold.

‘aggro dr1ft’.

This hallucinatory romp directed by Harmony Korine conveys the journey of an assassin entirely through thermal imaging with added digital effects.

Whether it’s the thermal imaging or the augmentation, the visual style renders eyes practically invisible, leaving the actors without an important means of communication. … That absence might account for why “Aggro Dr1ft” is so unengaging on a narrative level, but the monotony might also have to have something to do with the protagonist, a hit man extraordinaire who is also (gasp) a family man. The world’s greatest assassin has been saddled with the world’s most sophomoric internal monologue. “I am a solitary hero. I am alone. I am a solitary hero. Alone,” he mumbles.

Think ‘On the Road,’ but for Gen-Z.

‘gasoline rainbow’.

Five teenagers embark on a road trip to a “party at the end of the world” and encounter many fellow misfits along the way in the latest from filmmakers Bill and Turner Ross.

There’s an uncommon sweetness to this film, which is less about running away from something and more about discovering the road of life is littered with goodness, if you know where to look. There’s a loose, languorous quality to “Gasoline Rainbow,” which the Rosses shot using a mostly improvised format, a collaboration between actors and filmmakers. It feels like a home movie, or a documentary — a capture of a slice of life in which there’s no plot other than whatever happens on the road ahead.

A destination wedding that goes nowhere.

‘mother of the bride’.

At a surprise last-minute wedding, the mother of the bride (Lana, played by Brooke Shields) gets another surprise when she discovers that her daughter is engaged to the son of her ex-beau, Will (Benjamin Bratt).

“Mother of the Bride” is directed by Mark Waters (“Mean Girls”) with an apparent allergy to verisimilitude. Early on, we are told that the opulent Thai ceremony will be bankrolled by Emma’s company (she’s an intern) and livestreamed to “millions of eyes.” These fantasies of pomp and circumstance often serve to make Lana and Will’s budding romance feel like a B-story to the action — although that may be a blessing when the best screwball gag this movie can muster is a pickleball shot to the groin.

Watch on Netflix . Read the full review .

Chris Pine goes off the deep end.

In Chris Pine’s directorial debut, he plays a pool cleaner who is enlisted to help uncover a mysterious water heist.

The sure-why-not plot, modeled on the California water grab in “Chinatown,” is less interesting than the charismatic cast that rambles along with Pine on his excellent adventure. Pine’s yarn was savaged when it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, but the sour response is a bit like getting mad at a golden retriever for rolling around in the grass.

Small drama, big stars.

Seeking asylum, a young Nigerian woman (Letitia Wright of “Black Panther”) navigates the complications of applying for permanent residency in Ireland in this drama from writer-director Frank Berry. Josh O’Connor of “Challengers” also stars.

At the beauty salon where she works, Aisha’s rightly cagey as she listens to her customers. But at the shelter, she turns warm, when she gives makeovers to fellow immigrants. As he did for his award-winning prison film, “Michael Inside,” Berry used nonprofessional actors with intimate experience of the system — here, Ireland’s International Protection Office, which processes asylum applications — he wanted to depict. It’s a gesture that keeps the film from lapsing into melodrama.

Bonus review: A rural throuple

It’s not immediately apparent how courtly intrigue figures in “A Prince” (in theaters) , Pierre Creton’s spellbinding French pastoral drama, though sex, death and domination hang palpably in the film’s crisp, Normandy air.

Creton looks to the divine powers and chivalric codes that fuel swords-and-shields epics like “Game of Thrones,” but whittles these elements down to a mysterious essence. Eventually, the film shifts into explicitly sexual and mythological terrain with a B.D.S.M. edge.

The story is slippery by design, loosely tracking the gay coming-of-age of an apprentice gardener, Pierre-Joseph. Throughout the film, a series of wordless and seductively austere tableaux, he forms bonds with various individuals in his rural community. Multiple narrators speak in retrospect, as if looking back from the afterlife at the characters onscreen.

Pierre-Joseph eventually comes to form a throuple with Alberto and Adrien, his mentors. The naked bodies of these much older gentleman appear suggestively weathered next to their younger lover’s sprightly form. Yet there is no mention of taboo. That passion could bloom in such spontaneous and unexpected forms is part of this enigmatic film’s potency.

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help.a.

Andy Serkis, the star of the earlier “Planet of the Apes” movies, and Owen Teague, the new lead, discuss the latest film in the franchise , “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”

The HBO series “The Sympathizer” is not just a good story, it’s a sharp piece of criticism on Vietnam war movies, our critic writes .

In “Dark Matter,” the new Apple TV+ techno-thriller, a portal to parallel realities allows people to visit new worlds and revisit their own past decisions .

The tennis movie “Challengers” comes to an abrupt stop midmatch, so we don’t know who won. Does that matter? Our critics have thoughts .

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter  to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.

Screen Rant

The iron claw is a reminder to watch this movie with 98% on rotten tomatoes from 16 years ago.

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Where To Watch The Iron Claw

The iron claw fact check: 13 biggest true story changes & inaccuracies, why maxwell jacob friedman's role as lance von erich was so small in the iron claw.

• The Iron Claw received incredible reviews and box office success, solidifying its status as a modern classic wrestling movie.
• The Wrestler pays homage to the industry by highlighting the harsh realities and addictive nature of professional wrestling.
• Both The Iron Claw and The Wrestler have strong individual accolades, making it difficult to determine which is truly the better wrestling movie.

The Iron Claw became a monumental hit after its debut, receiving incredible reviews and a strong box office, and it is also the perfect reminder to watch a classic wrestling movie. Despite its scattered release, The Iron Claw made nearly three times its budget, and more importantly, became a modern classic thanks to its stellar response. The high praise even suggested Zac Efron may have been in contention for the 2024 Oscar. Although he wasn't nominated, his performance alongside The Iron Claw 's talented cast cemented its status as one of the best wrestling films ever made.

Given its positive critical reception, The Iron Claw puts pressure on the rumored Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan biopics, proving just how well it performed. With The Iron Claw making wrestling movies fashionable once again, it provides the perfect reason to watch a 16-year-old hit. Despite The Iron Claw 's Rotten Tomatoes reviews being hard to beat, one other industry-focused film managed to exceed this, earning an impressive 98% score. With it containing many similar strengths to The Iron Claw while providing a different story, this classic has become a must-watch for those interested in high-quality wrestling movies.

Why You Should Watch The Wrestler After The Iron Claw

The wrestler appreciates the industry just as much as the iron claw.

While it can be difficult to find great wrestling movies, The Wrestler is the most similar to The Iron Claw in terms of quality and emotion. They both go beyond simply providing entertainment, by paying respect to the industry while also showing the harsh realities of professional wrestling. Just like The Iron Claw , The Wrestler doesn't try to trivialize wrestling and instead displays both its hardships and euphoric moments. The movie shows how much of a toll the sport can take on athletes while simultaneously presenting the seemingly addictive nature of getting in the ring.

The love and admiration from the crowd have often pushed real wrestlers out of retirement to chase that rush, and The Wrestler does a fantastic job of portraying this. It also highlights how this life can affect relationships outside the industry and how difficult maintaining them can be. While the in-ring action and dramatic nature of the movie help it flourish, its appreciation of professional wrestling and acknowledgment of its hardships are what make The Wrestler truly memorable . Despite The Wrestler 's controversial ending , it matches some of The Iron Claw 's biggest qualities and paved the way for future wrestling movies.

The Wrestler

*Availability in US

Not available

Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler is a 2008 drama that centers around Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a pro wrestler who tries to get his life together while reliving his glory days on the ring. Marisa Tomei co-stars as stripper Cassidy with Evan Rachel Wood as Randy's estranged daughter Stephanie.

The Iron Claw vs. The Wrestler: Which Movie Is Better?

Both movies have a case for being the best wrestling movies ever made.

The Iron Claw and The Wrestler both have cases for being the best wrestling movie ever, and they both have strong, individual accolades. Critically, The Wrestler edges The Iron Claw with a higher IMDb rating as well as a better Tomatometer score. On the flip side, The Iron Claw has slightly more love from viewers by boasting a higher audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving reviews alone fail to really split the movies . When it comes to the Oscars though, The Wrestler does claim the wrestling movie crown, with Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei both picking up nominations.

With an exclusive theatrical release and upcoming streaming debut, where to watch The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron, depends on a few factors.

Although The Wrestler never won an Oscar, its two nominations beat The Iron Claw , which failed to receive any. This was arguably down to tougher competition, but regardless of accolades, both movies had incredibly impressive acting. The Iron Claw 's in-ring action was stronger and the story hits harder emotionally, but ultimately, which movie is better comes down to personal preference. The Wrestler is the more critically favorable movie with a great dramatic story, but The Iron Claw is rawer and caters more towards a general audience, proving it is almost impossible to pick one over the other.

The Wrestler and The Iron Claw are both available on digital.

The Iron Claw (2023)

The Iron Claw portrays the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty in professional wrestling. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film explores the family members' personal struggles and tragic fates and the lasting impact they left on the sport.

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Timbers vs Sounders live stream: Can you watch for free?

The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers meet for another edition of what is arguably the league’s fiercest rivalry tonight. Both sides have struggled to start the season, each tallying just 10 points through 11 matches, but most context can usually be tossed out the window when the Cascadia rivals meet. It’s always an entertaining battle, and this one should be no different.

Is There a Free Timbers vs Sounders Live Stream?

How to watch the timbers vs sounders live stream from abroad.

The fierce rivalry match is just about to start, at 4:45 p.m. ET, and will be televised on Fox. But if you don’t have cable and you’re looking to watch MLS games online, there are a handful of different ways you can watch the Timbers vs Sounders live stream for free.

While there are a number of different live-TV streaming services that include Fox, three of them also come with a free trial, allowing you to watch the Timbers vs Sounders without actually having to pay anything: Fubo (“Pro” channel package), YouTube TV (“Base Plan”) and DirecTV Stream (“Entertainment” channel package).

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Note that with all of these streaming services, Fox is available live in most–but not all–markets. Fubo has Fox available in the most markets overall, but all three have Fox in Seattle (KCPQ-13), Portland (KPTV-12) and the surrounding areas.

If you’ve already used your free trials, or you happen to live in one of the few markets that doesn’t have Fox available, you can also watch the match for free on Apple TV. While every MLS match is available on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV, there are a few games every week offered up for free. And with just how big this rivalry match is, it’s not surprising that it is one of the free ones.

To watch the Timbers vs Sounders on Apple TV, all you need to do is head to the website or app and sign in with an Apple ID, which is free. Again, no MLS Season Pass subscription is required.

If you’re trying to watch the Timbers vs Sounders from somewhere outside of the United States, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to access one of the aforementioned streaming services from abroad. All of those streaming services are US-only, but a VPN can hide your location/IP address and bypass those geo-locks, allowing you to watch Fubo, YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream from nearly anywhere in the world.

NordVPN is perfect for this purpose. It’s safe, it doesn’t limit your bandwidth speeds (important for streaming live sports) and it’s easy to use. And while it doesn’t come with a free trial, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try it out risk-free.

If you want some alternatives, you can take a gander at our rundown of the best VPN services and the best VPN deals .

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The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place this weekend, as Fierceness, Sierra Leone and the top three-year-old thoroughbreds will compete in the most anticipated race of the year.

The 2024 Kentucky Derby starts today at 6:57 p.m. ET, and will be televised on NBC. The undercard races are about to start, at 12:00 p.m. ET on USA Network and then moving to NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The 2024 Kentucky Oaks is set to run today at Churchill Downs. Though it may not be quite as popular as Saturday's main event, the Oaks is a Grade-1 race and undoubtedly one of the biggest races of the year for the top three-year-old fillies.

You're just in time, as coverage of all the Oaks Day races is about to start, at 1:00 p.m. ET, and in the United States it will be televised on USA Network. The Kentucky Oaks is set to post at 5:51 p.m. ET.

Both fighting to claim a spot for European play next season, fifth-place Tottenham heads to Stamford Bridge for an important London Derby against ninth-place Chelsea today. It's been a disappointing season for the Blues, but they've lost just one time in their last 33 home league games against Spurs, so they likely still feel confident in this critical matchup.

The match is just about to start, at 2:30 p.m. ET. In the United States it will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock, but we've found a way you can watch a live stream of the match for free. Is There a Free Chelsea vs Tottenham Live Stream?