Choose a movie that's appropriate for a child to watch. Movies rated "G" and "PG", have child friendly themes, animated characters, puppets, fantasy and magical settings; plots dealing with wholesome and innocent issues are safe. Watch the movie in a quiet setting so that you can concentrate on the story line.
Watch the movie and take notes; follow the plot line, the cast of characters, how the movie flows and other finer points. Note your impression of the movie including the acting style, production quality, how it relates to kids and what lessons are taught, if any.
Form your opinion of the movie. Examine your initial impression when you started watching the movie, and after you finished. Reflect on how the movie made you feel, and whether it fulfilled your needs as a moviegoer. Don't just focus on whether you like the movie or not, but be ready to give logical reasons for your opinions. Watch the movie again if you have any questions, and begin writing your review.
Explain your reasons for recommending or not recommending the movie. Your reasoning should include perspectives offered by child and parents, since the review will help them decide whether to watch the movie. Focus on elements of the movie that appeal to kids if your recommendation is positive. Concentrate on elements that will deter kids from watching it if your recommendation is negative. Decide what qualities the movie has, and whether it was boring, entertaining, believable, and had likable characters. Scholastic states that "self-reflection" and "formative assessment" will help improve your writing.
Create a synopsis of the movie's plot in the review, but don't include any spoilers or details that might ruin it for the audience. Give the reader a general idea of what the movie is about in your synopsis, so that the kids and parents can decide whether to see it or not. Remember, this is the review's primary purpose.
Discuss the actors and characters in your review. Comment on the acting quality and offer elaboration. Bring up points that are relevant to a kid's or parent's point of view. Give examples to support your opinion. Determine if the actors were believable, right for the role, and whether he or she accomplished the character's purpose. Repeat the same steps for all of the characters. Make a point to state whether you cared about the characters or not and how they affected the movie.
Address the structure of the movie for your review and if the story line is easy for kids to follow. Disclose whether the plot is interesting for kids; if the movie will entertain or bore children. State the technical aspects of the movie by rating the quality of the cinematography, settings, sets, costumes, animation and special effects. Give examples to support your statement, but avoid giving the entire story away.
Examine the movie's tone, music, and message as you begin to conclude your review. Specify what the tone is, how it fits the storyline and the kid's movie genre. State your opinion of the music and how it affects the movie. Determine what the message of the movie is and whether it is positive for kids. Conclude the review with a brief summary of your opinion.
Finish your first draft. Read your review, editing for consistency, grammar and style. Rewrite your review if the second draft has mistakes. Write your final copy and present your finished work to your editor.