Write down a short summary of the story after watching the movie. This summary can be as simple as a one-line description that generally answers what the movie is all about. This can also be a one-paragraph synopsis that tells how the story progresses from start to end.
Write the initial reaction you have to the movie. This is best done right after watching the film so everything is still fresh in your mind. You can use this as your paper's introduction or you may use it in other parts of your paper.
Make an outline of your critique. There are many ways to write a critique, from a one-page essay to multiple pages with scene-by-scene or even line-by-line analysis of certain parts of the movie or the entire movie. However, for a common, one- to five-page critique, don't use the scene-by-scene or line-by-line options, as they require too much time, effort and writing space.
Divide the critique according to the movie's theme and story, characters and actors, and technical elements. Either collectively discuss these technical elements together for a shorter paper or divide them into separate subheadings for a more comprehensive critique. Use subheadings like visuals, sound and special effects.
Write down in bullet format what you like and dislike about the movie. Allow your mind to remember the strengths and weaknesses of the movie, and simply write down whatever insights you have in phrases and sentences.
Read the insights you wrote down in bullet format, and use them to begin writing for each part of the outline you have. For instance, begin by writing about the movie's theme and story. If you intend to complete a paper that is about one to two pages long, keep each part one to two paragraphs in length, or no more than 10 sentences.