Film Reviews & Criticism
Differences between film reviews and criticism
Reviews and criticism are not synonymous. Many media organizations and Web sites do not make any distinction between the two terms (reviewers are often referred to as “critics”), but academic researchers do. Below are some criteria to guide you in critically evaluating film commentary to determine whether you are reading a review or criticism.
| REVIEW | CRITICISM |
|---|---|
| General plot summary | May focus on a specific aspect of a film |
| Rates or ranks films from an entertainment, cultural, or artistic perspective | Discusses films within a historical, social, political, or theoretical context |
| Usually short to medium length | Substantive length |
| Written by journalist or staff | Written by a scholar, or other expert in the field of film studies |
Use the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) to find basic information about films and television programs, including writer, director, cast, crew, plot summary, release dates, and more.
Use the resources below to find reviews. Note that some resources provide historical coverage, while others are oriented to contemporary films and reviews.
Internet Movie Database (IMDB)
New York Times Movies (get a complimentary digital NYT subscription)
Find a variety of information related to film, including scripts, director biographies, and more.
Great Directors from Senses of Cinema