What Makes a Good Film Review

What would make a review successful?

I think a successful review needs to give a basic outline of the film, but to not give much away. It needs to include opinion, but also aspects that will let the reader make their own decisions about the film.

• A star rating is useful for a review as it gives a shorthand review of how good the film is and lets the audience decide for themselves if they want to go and see the film.

• Pictures from the film will make the film review successful.


• Website

• Release date

Still Life

Director: Jon Knautz

Writer: Charles Johnson

Duration: 9 mins

Star Rating: ****

http://www.stilllifemovie.com/

Drugs, mannequins and murder; this deceptive short film sees Nathan Evans (Trevor Matthews) battle through a series of events in a town of pot people. After taking prescribed medication Evans encounters breaking down in a snowy, desolate village, inhabited with inhumane figures. The contrast of one human and a community of dummies gives a horror twist to the humorously creepy short film. You will be left with a shiver down your spine as Evans unknowingly becomes destructive and even the sympathy you feel for him comes with a feeling of horror and disgust.

This is another review, in the style of Total Film magazine. A chatty, casual tone is used to communicate with a younger audience.

This review is in the style of Sight and Sound magazine as it is more formal and informative. It gives away more of the plot, which is typical of Sight and Sound.