Movie Evaluation Essay Writing Guide

Many people think writing a movie evaluation essay is easy. While this is true, there are different aspects to consider depending on your reason for writing the evaluation. For academic purposes, it is important to complete your evaluation according to guidelines and standards of your educational institution. Certain publications may have specific guidelines or formatting requirements as well if you are interested in getting your content published. The following points may be outlined in a typical writing guide for this type of written content.

• Being able to articulate movie film content is important. You are taking time to examine various elements of the project, while helping others learn what they should take from it. An evaluation essay may also contrast and compare movie content to other similar works.
• Identify the film and theme of the movie by genre. The genre, besides the title of the film, is often one of the most common ways a film is identified to the viewing audience. The film may be fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, romance, comedy, etc.
• Detail the conflict of the storyline or incidents and events. This is where you discuss weaknesses and strengths about the film. How did the events unfold and do you agree with their logic and sequence? Was the conflict resolved to your liking?
• Study the actors and their characters. Did they establish credibility in how they portrayed their character? Did you believe they were who they were cast to be? You may even want to include a scene or line of dialogue to help prove your point. Did they make you laugh, cry or angry?
• How well did the director conduct the production? Examine their role as far as how the production came together (props, lighting, costumes, music, scene transition, etc.). How well was the relationship between the characters and the storyline? Where do you feel the production aspect could be improved? What areas did you feel were the director’s strong points?
• Compare the film to other films in the same genre and/or topic. You may want to note changes the film took on if it is an adaption of a novel or stage play. Mention variations the film may have taken on or lost in order for it to become a movie.
• Remember to critique the content instead of just saying the movie was good or bad. You may want to specific in mentioning what you liked or disliked and why, instead of just giving a blunt statement.