Examine the story. Plot analysis requires that you take a careful look at the storyline and its attendant twists and turns. Is the basic premise of the story believable and compelling? Does it grab the viewer's heart, mind or both? Does the tale draw the viewer in or keep her at a distance? Are there unexpected elements or a series of trite devices? Is it more novel than predictable? As you practice analyzing films, you may find yourself automatically asking these questions whenever you see a film.
Look at character development. A compelling story typically includes characters that have grown, matured or developed in some way by the time the film comes to an end. Even in animated Disney hits such as Mulan, the central character enters full of doubt but by the film's end has discovered her own strength. In a film such as Kramer vs. Kramer, the male lead undergoes a significant change in personal values from the beginning to the end of the piece. A stagnant or one-note character is typically considered a weak spot in a movie. Learn to make the distinction.
Cast an eye toward the direction. Direction varies according to style, but shots and angles that are obtrusive or interfere with the story are often considered less than stellar. Some directors favor a jostling, almost unsettling handheld technique, while others prefer to painstakingly set up shots that capture not only the immediate action but spectacular surrounding vistas or elaborately decorated sets. Some directorial styles encourage intimacy with the characters, while others keep the viewer at a self-conscious distance. Generally frowned upon are shots that do not serve the story or propel it forward. For example, a shot that lingers on a woman's face when her character is incidental to the plot is extraneous.
Listen to the dialogue. Whether realistic or stylized, what you don't want to hear are lines that are inserted only for the sake of exposition or dialogue that sounds like it could only be spoken in a theatrical setting. With the exception of satire and send-ups, many American film scripts are meant to mimic the way people actually talk. You also want to listen for flow. If dialogue seems choppy or illogical, the writing needs work. In comedy, for example, lines that seem to be written purely to showcase a lead actor's comic gifts can prove disruptive and can encourage the viewer to detach from the story and characters.