Rent, purchase or check out a film from your public library's collection that fits the parameters of the assignment you're required to complete: biography, adventure classic or viewer's choice. Watch the film at least twice--from government copyright warning to the last credit on the screen. During your second viewing you can stop the film to make notes or replay a scene.
Read the movie's sleeve or box to get vital stats: run time, rating, synopsis, correct spelling of cast and crew member's names and notes that provide insights or hints about a unique slant or hook. Ascertain the length of your movie review essay to avoid writing short or long. No guidance from the assignment director? Set a goal of 600 to 700 words and you'll be fine.
Boot your computer, open a word processing document and begin drafting thoughts on what you liked about the movie, what you disliked and ways in which you would change the sets, direction, pace, characters, cinematography and editing. Get these thoughts and feelings down as soon after the "The End" title left the screen so images and impressions are fresh.
Use this format to structure your movie review: 1) Film name, stars, genre and setting, 2) summary of the plot, 3) describe what you liked, 4) explain what you found lacking, 5) flesh out your opinion but never divulge the ending! Lavish your critique with descriptors like breathtaking, irresistible and hilarious. Compare the film to others and explain why. Comment on the film's quality and feel free to call out directors on clichés and bad plot twists and the actors on---well, really bad acting skills.
Run your (long) first draft past someone you can count on for honest feedback. Take what you like from the critique they offer you and then write another version of the piece that fits within your target word count.
Make sure you've spelled Brad Pitt's--and everyone else's--name correctly. Double-check punctuation. Consider chopping up long sentences so your movie review is a quick read for whomever is evaluating your essay. Allow your movie review essay to sit and percolate overnight. Pick up the piece on the following morning and read it aloud before declaring the project a wrap.