How to write a movie or TV show review for ‘Young Post’

How you can be a part of Team YP

Note down anything that will give your review flavour (interesting details). Take notes on what sticks with you – great songs, horrible acting, emotional moments, funny moments, confusing scenes, etc

Write your opinion of the movie or show in one sentence. This will help you organise your review. It should two answer questions: Did you like it? Why?

Example: Black Widow is a great movie because it has a nice balance of emotions and humour, and because Natasha Romanoff finally gets some well-deserved screen time.

Here is a suggested structure you can use:

• Introduction: Catch the reader’s attention, and introduce the movie or show.

• Background: Is there anything people should know about the director, actors or context of the movie? Is it making history? Did it cause controversy? Is it a sequel?

• Storyline: Did the story make sense? Were you ever surprised or bored?

• Characters: Which characters were the most or least compelling? Did the main characters grow? Were there side characters who did not get as much attention as they should have? Do not forget to include the names of the actors and actresses who played each character.

• Themes: What life lessons could be learned from this show or film?

• What could have been better: What would you have wanted to see differently? If there is going to be another season or sequel, what do you hope the writers, directors or actors do differently?

• Final recommendation: Should people watch it? Even if you don’t think everyone would enjoy it, who do you think would like it?

Interested in writing a news article? Here’s how to do it

If you are writing about a sequel or the second season of a series, it’s fine to spoil previous films or seasons.

Watch the trailer. Whatever is already introduced in the trailer is fair game for your review.

Discuss the set-up and key problems the main characters face. Explain how the story gets exciting, but not how the problems are solved in the end. Avoid writing about any surprising or unexpected turns of events, such as a death, relationship or break up.

Use details. Do not just say, “The show talks about perseverance.” Instead, give more information: “In Haikyuu, Hinata acknowledges his shortcomings, from his short stature to his lack of intelligence, but he pushes himself to keep trying. In one episode, even the laid-back Tsuki is inspired by Hinata to do extra training to work on his blocks.”

Avoid writing in the first person (“I thought…”, “I enjoyed”, etc) unless you are talking about your life. For example, you could write, “This scene in The Farewell reminded me of my own family. My grandparents don’t speak English, so my parents sometimes talk in English in front of them so they cannot understand.”

Your guide to using quotes as a journalist

Use present tense to describe what happens in the movie. If you’re giving context about something that happened in the real world, then use past tense. For example, you could write, “The actors in Shang-chi were excited when they were cast for their roles, and in the film, Tony Leung Chiu -wai does a great job bringing the story to life.”

Good luck writing! We look forward to hearing from you.

Psst! Want to see what we mean? Here’s some reviews we’ve previously published:

Movies

He is All That starring TikTok sensation Addison Rae falls flat

Behind the action-packed fights, Black Widow is a touching tale about family

Characters shine in Demon Slayer Mugen Train

TV series

Never Have I Ever season 2 gives its characters depth

Danger tests friendship and family in Outer Banks season 2

Headspace: Guide to Meditation is definitely worth your time