What is a Film Review — Definition Examples & Top Critics Featured

What is a Film Review — Definition, Examples & Top Critics

I n cinema, film reviews hold a significant place, serving as a bridge between the film industry and viewers. They provide an analytical perspective that helps audiences decide what to watch and understand the nuances of a film. In this article, we will delve into the definition of a film review, its critical components, and shed light on some iconic film review writers who have significantly shaped the field.

Watch: Christopher Nolan's Best Films Ranked

Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.

What is Film Review in Cinema?

First, let’s define film review.

Film reviews hold a unique place in cinema acting as both promotional tools and critical analysis pieces. With the rise of platforms like Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes, they are becoming more relevant in the cinematic landscape.

FILM REVIEW DEFINITION

What is a film review.

A film review is a type of critique that provides an evaluation of a film, encompassing various aspects such as the plot, themes, direction, script, and performances. Originating in the early 20th century with the advent of cinema, film reviews have evolved from mere opinion pieces in newspapers to a significant form of journalistic writing. The primary purpose of a film review is to inform the reader about the film and offer an informed opinion about its various elements. It serves as a guide for viewers, helping them decide whether the film is worth their time and money.

Criteria for Movie Review:

Overview of the film, analysis of the plot and themes, evaluation of the script, direction, and acting, personal opinion and rating, movie review format, components of a good film review.

Film reviews are a blend of various vital components, each contributing to a comprehensive analysis. From evaluating performances and storytelling to dissecting technical aspects, a well-rounded review provides a holistic perspective. By examining these elements of a movie review format we can gain a deeper understanding of the film's impact and appreciate its artistic merit.

This includes a brief synopsis that sets the context without revealing any spoilers . The overview should pique the reader's interest and give them a sense of the film's storyline. Here is one of the greatest film critics, Roger Ebert, on what a film review should do. 

Roger Ebert What A Movie Review Should Do

This involves a deeper look into the narrative and the underlying themes of the film. It should explore the storyline's complexity, originality, and coherence.

This component assesses the technical aspects of the film, such as the screenplay , cinematography , direction, music, and performances. It also includes an assessment of how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the film. 

This is much more popular with the rise of film criticism on YouTube in which film critics can simultaneously play and dissect a scene for an audience. In this video by Nerdwriter1, Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood is dissected visually in a way that would be difficult or at least less effective without a video component.

One Way To Deconstruct There Will Be Blood

This is where the reviewer shares their personal view and overall impression of the film. It often includes a rating system, which can help readers quickly gauge the reviewer's opinion.

A good film review strikes a balance between objective analysis and personal perspective. It is also important that the review uses engaging language and style to hold the reader's attention.

What is Film Review Important For?

Influence of film reviews.

Film reviews have a significant impact on public opinion and can greatly influence the success of a film.  A positive review from a reputable critic can attract more viewers and increase the film's box office revenue. On the other hand, a negative review can dissuade audiences from watching the film.

Attracting Viewers

Positive reviews can generate buzz and attract a larger audience to the theaters. They serve as a powerful tool in building anticipation and interest among moviegoers. Take Rotten Tomatoes for example.

Many film goers opt to check the Rotten Tomatoes reviews of a film before they decide to watch or see it in cinema. 

While this can work well for some movies in attracting viewers, it can negatively impact other films. This is especially true with the way Rotten Tomatoes rating system works. For a great insight on to how the platform works and the possible problems with its ratings, check out the video below. 

The Problem With Rotten Tomatoes

Box office success.

Positive reviews often contribute to a film's box office success. When critics praise a movie, it can lead to increased ticket sales and financial profitability for the filmmakers.

Influence on Perception

Reviews shape how people perceive a film. Positive reviews create a positive perception, making viewers more likely to give the movie a chance. On the other hand, negative reviews can deter potential viewers and impact the film's overall reception.

Critical Acclaim

When a film receives critical acclaim from respected reviewers and publications, it can achieve iconic status. This recognition elevates the film's reputation and can lead to long-lasting popularity and cultural significance.

What is a Film Review Parasite’s Historic Oscar Wins in StudioBinder

Parasite’s Historic Oscar Wins in 2020

Film reviews hold considerable sway in the film industry. They not only impact the number of viewers but also shape how a film is perceived and remembered.

Related Posts

  • What is Cinematography? →
  • Understanding Story Structure →
  • How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work? →

Movie Review Example and Writers

Iconic film review writers.

The field of film criticism has been significantly influenced by several notable writers who have left a lasting impact on the industry. These writers, through their insightful analyses and thought-provoking perspectives, have shaped the way we perceive and appreciate films.

Their contributions have not only elevated the art of film criticism but have also enriched our understanding of cinema as a whole. 

Roger Ebert

Known for his acerbic wit and insightful commentaries, Ebert was one of the most influential film critics. His reviews, published in the Chicago Sun-Times for over four decades, were known for their accessible writing style and keen observations.

Pauline Kael

Writing for The New Yorker, Kael was known for her passionate and provocative reviews. She championed many underappreciated films and filmmakers, influencing public opinion and the course of American cinema.

Pauline Kael on Criticism

Andrew sarris.

A leading proponent of the auteur theory in America, Sarris's writings in The Village Voice and The New York Observer have had a profound impact on the way films are analyzed and appreciated.

Leonard Maltin

Renowned for his annual publication, "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide," Maltin's reviews are known for their succinctness and precision. His work has guided generations of moviegoers.

What is a Film Review Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide StudioBinder

Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide

These critics, with their unique perspectives and styles, have made enduring contributions to film criticism, influencing not just audiences but filmmakers as well.

Film reviews, like the movies themselves, are a form of art. They capture the essence of a film, dissect it, and present it to the audience in a refined form. With their insightful analysis, they help us, the viewers, to better understand and appreciate cinema. 

Remember, a review is not meant to replace or reflect your own judgment of a film but to complement and deepen your viewing pleasure. So, read, watch, and form your own judgment — because nothing compares to your own cinematic experience.

How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work?

As we delve deeper into the world of film reviews and their unique influence, let's turn our attention to a specific and influential platform. In the next article, we explore the intricacies of the Rotten Tomatoes ratings system.

Up Next: Rotten Tomatoes Explained →

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards..

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.

Learn More ➜

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Pricing & Plans
  • Product Updates
  • Featured On
  • StudioBinder Partners
  • Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets
  • How to Break Down a Script (with FREE Script Breakdown Sheet)
  • The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
  • Managing Your Film Budget Cashflow & PO Log (Free Template)
  • A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet
  • Best Storyboard Softwares (with free Storyboard Templates)
  • Movie Magic Scheduling
  • Gorilla Software
  • Storyboard That

A visual medium requires visual methods. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques.

We’re in a golden age of TV writing and development. More and more people are flocking to the small screen to find daily entertainment. So how can you break put from the pack and get your idea onto the small screen? We’re here to help.

  • Making It: From Pre-Production to Screen
  • How to Make a Production Call Sheet From Start to Finish
  • What is Call Time in Production & Why It Matters
  • How to Make a Call Sheet in StudioBinder — Step by Step
  • What is a Frame Narrative — Stories Inside Stories
  • What is Catharsis — Definition & Examples for Storytellers
  • 0 Pinterest

Letterboxd — Your life in film

Forgotten username or password ?

  • Start a new list…
  • Add all films to a list…
  • Add all films to watchlist

Add to your films…

Press Tab to complete, Enter to create

A moderator has locked this field.

Add to lists

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Track films you’ve watched. Save those you want to see. Tell your friends what’s good.

The social network for film lovers. Also available on iOS, Apple TV and Android

Alien: Romulus

Letterboxd lets you…

Keep track of every film you’ve ever watched (or just start from the day you join)

Show some love for your favorite films, lists and reviews with a “like”

Write and share reviews, and follow friends and other members to read theirs

Rate each film on a five-star scale (with halves) to record and share your reaction

Keep a diary of your film watching (and upgrade to Pro  for comprehensive stats)

Compile and share lists of films on any topic and keep a watchlist of films to see

MIFF 2024—Bright Horizons

Flow

Add the Bright Horizons lineup to your watchlist, screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival from August 8–25, 2024.

Just Reviewed…

2,057,889,785 films watched

Blue Collar

Write and share reviews. Compile your own lists. Share your life in film.

Below are some popular reviews and lists from this week. Sign up to create your own.

Popular reviews this week

Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus 2024

Louis Peitzman

Louis Peitzman ★★★★ 36

I'm starting to feel like the Weyland-Yutani Corporation does not have our best interests at heart.

mariano

mariano ★★★★ 38

every time they bullied andy i wanted to punch a hole thru the fucking screen

Marianna Neal

Marianna Neal ★★★★ 127

I can just feel the people who are getting ready to complain about "fan service", but I'm a fan and I was fucking SERVICED !

It Ends with Us

It Ends with Us 2024

carley thorne

carley thorne ★ 26

got the most explosive diarrhea of my life during this colleen hoover you will be hearing from my lawyers

B E R T

B E R T ★★★★ 5

Priscilla Presley goes to space, only this time, the Xenomorphs are so much meaner than Elvis.

Sydney🚀

Sydney🚀 ★★★ 72

Uncanny CGI recreation of the dead is arguably  scarier than any xenomorph 

Recent Stories

movie review que es

High On Films

The 40 Best A24 Movies Worth Your Time

A24, celebrated for its distinctive storytelling and artistic finesse, offers a curated selection of unmissable films. "Hereditary" envelops audiences in a chilling exploration of family secrets and horror, a true psychological masterpiece. "Lady Bird" beautifully navigates the trials of adolescence and maternal relationships with poignant authenticity. "Moonlight" captures hearts with its profound exploration of identity and self-discovery, earning well-deserved Oscars. "The Florida Project" immerses viewers in the harsh realities of childhood, evoking empathy and reflection. "A Ghost Story" takes an…

movie review que es

Movie Night Extravaganza

Episode 231: the Great Dictator with Ron Purtee

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone."

movie review que es

Sabrina Carpenter 🤝 Referências Cinematográficas

Por Rebecca Monteiro

movie review que es

The Extra Credits

'Alien: Romulus' Analysis (a very critical one)

Alien: Romulus Sanitizes the Alien Franchise

movie review que es

The Prince Charles Cinema

Pulp Fiction returns on 35mm!

We're over halfway through 2024, and you've probably been sitting there thinking, "It's been 30 years since the release of Quentin Tarantino's PULP FICTION, why hasn't it screened at The Prince Charles Cinema yet?".

movie review que es

LG OLED MOVIE CLUB

All About TWISTERS

🌪This summer, director Lee Issac Chung returns with Twisters, a film that has swept the hearts of global movie fans like a tornado. Everything he has to say about Twisters is captured in this video. Director Um Tae-hwa, who presented a new paradigm in Korean disaster films with Concrete Utopia also participated in this episode to make the conversation for dynamic. Now, let’s begin the screening!

movie review que es

Picturehouse

Sing Sing | Fresh Takes

Fresh Takes is a space for the latest generation of film lovers to share their views and opinions on some of the great films we are showing at Picturehouse cinemas. 

movie review que es

New films at DCA from Friday 23 August

A Belfast trio rap to save the Irish language in Kneecap, arriving at DCA this week. Starring the real-life members of the rap group Kneecap along with Michael Fassbender, this anarchic comedy-drama channels Trainspotting with its inventive cinematography and candid take on partying and politics.

movie review que es

Director of the month: Diane Kurys

Diane Kurys, French filmmaker, was born in 1948 in Lyon.

movie review que es

Kit Zauhar | MUBI Picks at Posteritati

Now that Kit Zauhar’s sophomore feature, THIS CLOSENESS, is streaming on MUBI, we invited the writer-director-actress to discuss the movies (and movie posters) that have proved most formative to her taste and style. From celebrating another multi-hyphenate auteur (fellow Philly native Elaine May) to re-claiming Michel Gondry and Sofia Coppola from Tumblr-ification, this is the next episode of MUBI Picks at Posteritati.

movie review que es

World Premiere of “MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS” to Open AFI FEST presented by Canva 2024

AFI is thrilled to announce that the World Premiere of the documentary film MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS from Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries and Imagine Documentaries, a comprehensive look at the prolific life and career of legendary composer John Williams, will open the 38th edition of AFI FEST presented by Canva on Wednesday, October 23.

movie review que es

Syndicated Bar • Theater • Kitchen

LATE NITE: MANDY (2018)

In the Freaky Nic Cage Universe, MANDY (2018) is quintessential. Catch a double feature with LONGLEGS 8/23-24. Tickets here

Recent Showdowns

movie review que es

Dog Day Afternoon

Sweatiest films.

movie review que es

Best taut thrillers

movie review que es

The Idea of You

Best films about fandom, recent news.

movie review que es

Love from Locarno

Five filmmakers in Locarno share their great cinephile loves with Letterboxd.

movie review que es

Best of BlackStar 2024

A round-up of the best of the Philly-based BlackStar fest.

movie review que es

Love is a Stream

Celebrating eight of the Letterboxd community’s favorite Gena Rowlands performances.

Select your preferred backdrop

Select your preferred poster, upgrade to remove ads.

Letterboxd is an independent service created by a small team, and we rely mostly on the support of our members to maintain our site and apps. Please consider upgrading to a Pro account —for less than a couple bucks a month, you’ll get cool additional features like all-time and annual stats pages ( example ), the ability to select (and filter by) your favorite streaming services, and no ads!

movie review que es

  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews

Jeffrey Combs, Tim Reid, Bob Adrian, Terry Alexander, Danielle Harris, Mark Holton, Terry Kiser, Bobby C. King, Damian Maffei, Charles Edwin Powell, Daniel Roebuck, Felissa Rose, Dave Sheridan, Tony Todd, Dee Wallace, Sydney Malakeh, Wesley Holloway, Sam Gonzalez, Tara Fitzgerald, Caroline Anderson, Thomas Rickman, Jennifer C. Johnson, Damien Leone, Jadon Cal, Kimberley Crossman, Marcus Slabine, Paul Wiley, Gilbrando Acevedo, Steven Della Salla, Michael Leavy, Jason Leavy, Liana Pirraglia, Andrew Rogers, Robert Privitera, Phuong Kubacki, David Howard Thornton, Becky Boggs, Allison Pittel, Isla Cervelli, and Mark Haynes in Stream (2024)

The Keenan family's simple weekend getaway truly turns into a vacation to die for, as four deranged killers playing a sadistic game lock down their hotel and compete for the most creative mu... Read all The Keenan family's simple weekend getaway truly turns into a vacation to die for, as four deranged killers playing a sadistic game lock down their hotel and compete for the most creative murders of all the guests. The Keenan family's simple weekend getaway truly turns into a vacation to die for, as four deranged killers playing a sadistic game lock down their hotel and compete for the most creative murders of all the guests.

  • Michael Leavy
  • Steven Della Salla
  • Jason Leavy
  • Danielle Harris
  • Jeffrey Combs
  • 57 User reviews
  • 9 Critic reviews

Stream (2024)

Top cast 59

Tim Curry

  • Elaine Keenan

Jeffrey Combs

  • Mr. Lockwood

Dee Wallace

  • Linda Spring

Tony Todd

  • Dave Burnham

Felissa Rose

  • Oswald Hansen

Kimberley Crossman

  • Brad 'The Maintenance Man'

Damian Maffei

  • Mr. Fred Flemmich
  • All cast & crew
  • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Strange Darling

User reviews 57

  • grandslam_2
  • Aug 20, 2024
  • When was Stream released? Powered by Alexa
  • August 21, 2024 (United States)
  • United States
  • Official Instagram
  • Official Website
  • Fuzz on the Lens Productions
  • See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

  • Runtime 2 hours 3 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

Jeffrey Combs, Tim Reid, Bob Adrian, Terry Alexander, Danielle Harris, Mark Holton, Terry Kiser, Bobby C. King, Damian Maffei, Charles Edwin Powell, Daniel Roebuck, Felissa Rose, Dave Sheridan, Tony Todd, Dee Wallace, Sydney Malakeh, Wesley Holloway, Sam Gonzalez, Tara Fitzgerald, Caroline Anderson, Thomas Rickman, Jennifer C. Johnson, Damien Leone, Jadon Cal, Kimberley Crossman, Marcus Slabine, Paul Wiley, Gilbrando Acevedo, Steven Della Salla, Michael Leavy, Jason Leavy, Liana Pirraglia, Andrew Rogers, Robert Privitera, Phuong Kubacki, David Howard Thornton, Becky Boggs, Allison Pittel, Isla Cervelli, and Mark Haynes in Stream (2024)

  • See more gaps
  • Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

movie review que es

'The Crow' Review: Bill Skarsgård Leads the Emo Gen Z Melodrama of My Dreams

4

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The Big Picture

  • The Crow 2024 remake diverges from the original 1994 aesthetic, focusing more on romance and modern visuals.
  • The reboot removes the rape scene, giving Shelly more depth, and provides new supernatural elements.
  • Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs shine as leads in this Gen Z successor, offering a blend of drama, action, and romance.

Inside of me, there are two wolves. Well, in this case, there are two crows. One grew up being fed on a steady diet of Gothic horror action films like Underworld , Hellboy , Blade , and Queen of the Damned . That little crow loves black eyeliner and plastic jelly bracelets, suffered fishnet stockings for the aesthetic, and only wore black for a decade. That little emo corvid would have been obsessed with The Crow . But, then there is the other crow. This crow has seen a few more birthdays, watched a lot more movies, and experienced a whole lot more of life. That bird is far less impressed by this new reboot of a cult classic.

What I'm saying is that after I left the theater having seen this new version of The Crow , I found myself genuinely conflicted about what I thought of it. On one hand, this movie is essentially the bread and butter my teenage self survived off of. It's dramatic, violent, obsessively romantic, and at the heart of it is a pair of doomed lovers . But just because it made me feel that way, did that mean it was actually good? It's not an easy question to answer, at least not for me.

The Crow (2024)

A modern re-imagining of the beloved character, The Crow, based on the original graphic novel by James O'Barr.

What 'The Crow' Improves On and What It Lacks Compared to the 1994 Original

The original film starring Brandon Lee was released 30 years ago, and watching the two Crow movies, you'd have a difficult time discerning that one is based on the other. While the 1994 film blankets a fictional Detroit in a moody, rainy atmosphere, completely indulging in the gothic style that stood out so starkly against other films of that year, the 2024 film backs away from this. Though the elements are there to make it more of a direct reboot, the 2024 film diverges sharply from The Crow 's original aesthetic . In many ways, lightening the dark gothic look of the 2024 film grounds Shelly ( FKA Twigs ) and Eric's story. Their romance feels genuine and tangible, whereas the original film doesn't hammer home the romantic element as well. But while the original film looked wholly unique, embracing Alex Proyas ' dark vision, visually there's nothing truly unique about The Crow of 2024. You'd never catch Lee's Eric Draven in what seems to be Versace boxers, but Skarsgård's Eric has no qualms about donning a silky pair of expensive underwear. It might ruin the vision some have of Eric Draven, but it only serves to humanize him before tragedy strikes this couple.

In this movie, Eric and Shelly are both damaged individuals, broken people who fall head over heels in love with each other and tumble into a whirlwind romance. This film embraces youthful degeneracy. Shelly and Eric are tattooed from head to toe, each inking a representative symbol of a part of their lives. They do uppers, they drink champagne, they have copious amounts of sex, and they do it all in bright technicolor. There are no depressing greys and blacks. The world isn't shrouded in rain and gloom until after Shelly meets her untimely end . While the original film focused almost exclusively on Eric's journey and his desire for revenge, 2024's The Crow gives us more time with our couple so we can watch their romance blossom. While this means that the mood of the film must shift dramatically after Shelly's death, this is actually a point in the reboot's favor. Although the 1994 Crow unabashedly leaned into its gothic identity, from the costuming to the score to the cinematography, there were no half measures; it came at the sacrifice of character development.

We never really know Sofia Shinas ' Shelly. She's the classic fridged woman, killed so that the male protagonist can go on his journey of vengeance, and her rape at the hands of a group of criminals is played as something Eric must suffer through, not Shelly. This is where this new film excels. Shelly is not only given a personality but sits at the center of the conflict. Her issues with Danny Huston 's Vincent Roeg are a mini mystery within the story — not only that, but the reboot thankfully rids this story of any sexual violence. Shelly's rape, which is even more gruesome in the comic by James O'Barr , has never sat well with me. When it comes to sexual assault, female characters are subjected to rape to give the male lead something to feel righteous indignation over. It wasn't about her survival of the attack or the trauma that she's left with; it's about the man's pain. In this, Shelly's story takes center stage , while Eric is merely the symbol of vengeance. There's not a lot that 2024's The Crow does far better than the original film, but giving Shelly more to do and removing any elements of rape is a massive step up.

'The Crow' Doesn't Know What Type of Movie It Wants To Be

Bill Skarsgard as Eric Draven staring at himself in a 3-way mirror in The Crow reboot.

The Crow pivots toward the supernatural after Shelly's death. It makes the plot less about Eric taking on a small gang of local thugs, like in the 1994 movie, and more about him solving a larger mystery and conspiracy. While gang violence was a big concern during the '90s, here, Huston's Roeg embodies a more contemporary boogieman, living in opulence and wielding a massive amount of power as a rich man. He preys on innocent souls and is manipulative and even seductive at times, firmly rooted in the supernatural corner of this film. Huston is perfectly devious, though there's not much he has to do other than look menacing while ordering people like his right-hand woman Marian ( Laura Birn ) around. What director Rupert Sanders struggles with is that he's introduced new elements of the supernatural and forced himself to fill in the gaps with shoddy world-building and lore that make little sense . One of The Crow 's biggest flaws is that it doesn't seem to realize that it can't just spackle over narrative plot holes and gaps with larger spectacle scenes or dramatic conversations.

So many moments, upon closer inspection, don't make much sense or pose questions we never get the answers to. At one point, Eric enters into a sort of limbo space between life and death and meets a mysterious man named Kronos ( Sami Bouajila ), and we're treated to multiple infodumps whenever we end up there. This movie is trying to do too much , and where it fails is when it tries to jam both a tragic romance and a supernatural action film into one piece. The only way to explain to the audience how Eric gets his powers, which is left ambiguous in the original, is by downloading the info via a long conversation. Rather than flow naturally into this next part, here the film is telling us overtly, "We are moving to the next chapter, get ready." This transition is by no means smooth, and while some of the action sequences are fun, with one slaughter-fest being particularly gory, it's disappointing to leave the love story, which has so much more narrative weight behind it. Struggling through an identity crisis, The Crow doesn't do enough to serve its core narrative.

The-Crow

How 'The Crow' Was Completed After Brandon Lee's Death

'The Crow' found a way to honor Brandon Lee without disrespecting his legacy.

There's Still Something To Love in 'The Crow,' and It's the Leads

Bill Skarsgard and FKA Twigs as Eric and Shelly kissing at their wedding in The Crow reboot.

That all being said, this is not an irredeemable movie. In fact, once I got the signal that the story was shifting gears, it wasn't as hard to enjoy the second part of the film as much as the first. What powers the first half is Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs . While the dialogue is abysmal at points, Skarsgård and Twigs make up for it with ample amounts of chemistry on screen with each other. Yes, these two are really attractive people, but that's not all they are. If anyone can match Eric Draven's freak, it seems to be Shelly Webster. Both have dark pasts that are unfortunately unexplored, both have a bit of dramatic emo energy to them, and both seem eager to dive into their co-dependent relationship. It's by no means the portrait of a healthy romance, but that's not what we came here for.

From beginning to bitter end, Shelly and Eric are deeply in love. There's no denying that they have found their "person" in the world, and they are almost blissfully happy. Where we are meant to come to that conclusion in the original 1994 film on our own, the 2024 movie shows us their love story . It gives weight to Eric's motivations because we know how lonely he was before Shelly, and how complete he felt with her. When they're not telling each other awful jokes or reading Rimbaud in a literal meadow, they're wrapped up in each other's arms and attached at the hip. Skarsgård is especially convincing as a romantic lead, managing to embrace not only Eric's brooding awkwardness but also a charisma that comes naturally when he's on-screen with Twigs. Meanwhile, Twigs has the added burden of playing out some of the more dramatic scenes, and though they aren't always perfect, there's a sort of performative melodrama to her Shelly that is flawed but impossible to look away from.

When it comes time for Eric to get his powers, Skarsgård transforms from a relatively soft-spoken, gentle giant into a one-man killing machine. The bloodiest scenes in this movie might actually be too much for some viewers. At one point, there is so much blood everywhere I'm shocked there aren't stories of actors slipping all over the corn syrup during these scenes. Eric's transformation into John Wick's very tall, very emo son is gradual. If you don't know, Eric's "power" is that he is essentially invincible. As a sort of ghost of vengeance, he can't be killed . But this new movie's reasoning is different from the original's. So, at the beginning, he is basically a punching bag against the bad guys who are sent his way. He's shot multiple times, run over, beaten, stabbed. Each time we watch his body knit back together in scenes that almost feel Cronenbergian .

But as he levels up, so to speak, Eric achieves full Wick status, and his final action sequences are admittedly very fun to watch. One minute a jaw is ripped off, another minute Eric is skewering multiple people like they're on a shishkabob. It oftentimes borders on comedy with how vicious he can be, but, hey, these are bad guys! We aren't really meant to feel bad for any of these people who have no qualms with killing innocents, right? The Crow loses a lot of its complexity at this point (if it ever had much to begin with), and bonks us over the head with the true message and takeaway of the story so we don't miss it. It's about as subtle as a 6'4" invincible Swedish man who walks around shirtless and is covered in tattoos that you would not want to grow old into.

'The Crow' Is More of a Spiritual Successor

I know, it sounds like I hated this movie, or at the very least, it sounds like I'm having too much fun making fun of this movie. But what is true is that, spiritually, this film is a perfect Gen Z successor to the original film . I checked into this movie fully expecting a bit of cheese, some clunky dialogue, and a story that operates purely on vibes. That's what I got. This film was trapped in development hell for so long, with a bevy of names linked to Eric's character, from Tom Hiddleston to Jason Momoa to Mark Wahlberg . And when I think of what those movies could have been, I will happily embrace Skarsgård and Twigs with both arms. For those who likely rolled their eyes at the laundry list of movies I first listed at the top of this review... well, let's be real. You were never going to watch this movie anyway. But, if you enjoy these types of movies, if you too had an emo phase at 13, if you spent too much time writing awful poetry and discussing surrealism, this is a throwback to a unique point in our cinematic memory, and that alone is worth the price of admission.

The Crow 2024 Film Poster

The Crow is a flawed love story that stumbles but embraces its gothic and emo roots.

  • Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs have great romantic chemistry and Skarsgård is a convincing romantic lead.
  • The dialogue is often clunky, relying more on the performance of the actors than the written lines.
  • The film struggles between being a romantic tragedy and a bloody revenge film.
  • The reboot includes new elements of lore and worldbuilding that bog the story down rather than uplift it.

The Crow comes to theaters in the U.S. starting August 23. Click below for showtimes near you.

GET TICKETS

  • Movie Reviews
  • The Crow Remake
  • Bill Skarsgard

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Rotten Tomatoes Newsletter

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

  • Upcoming Movies and TV shows
  • Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
  • Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

  • About Rotten Tomatoes®
  • Login/signup

movie review que es

Movies in theaters

  • Opening this week
  • Top box office
  • Coming soon to theaters
  • Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

  • Fandango at Home
  • Prime Video
  • Most Popular Streaming Movies
  • Certified Fresh Movies
  • What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

  • 79% Blink Twice Link to Blink Twice
  • 96% Strange Darling Link to Strange Darling
  • 86% Between the Temples Link to Between the Temples

New TV Tonight

  • 93% Chimp Crazy: Season 1
  • 100% Pachinko: Season 2
  • -- That '90s Show: Season 3
  • -- OceanXplorers: Season 1
  • -- Classified: Season 1
  • -- Reasonable Doubt: Season 2
  • -- The Anonymous: Season 1
  • -- Face to Face With Scott Peterson: Season 1
  • -- Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

  • 92% Bad Monkey: Season 1
  • 100% Dark Winds: Season 2
  • 78% Star Wars: The Acolyte: Season 1
  • 96% Industry: Season 3
  • 55% The Umbrella Academy: Season 4
  • 86% Average Joe: Season 1
  • Best TV Shows
  • Most Popular TV
  • TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

  • 100% Pachinko: Season 2 Link to Pachinko: Season 2
  • All-Time Lists
  • Binge Guide
  • Comics on TV
  • Five Favorite Films
  • Video Interviews
  • Weekend Box Office
  • Weekly Ketchup
  • What to Watch

The Crow Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer

The Crow Movies In Order

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Poll: Vote for Your Most Anticipated TV or Streaming Show of September

Poll: Vote for Your Most Anticipated Movie of September

  • Trending on RT
  • Verified Hot Movies
  • Renewed and Cancelled TV
  • Emmy Nominees
  • Popular Movies

Where to Watch

Watch Fresh with a subscription on Hulu.

What to Know

As gripping as it is upsetting, Fresh makes a provocative meal out of the horror of modern dating.

It'll be tough for some viewers to swallow, but if you're in the mood for some smart, creative gore, Fresh satisfies.

Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Sebastian Stan

Jonica T. Gibbs

Andrea Bang

Dayo Okeniyi

More Like This

Related movie news.

an image, when javascript is unavailable

TV & Movies Reviews

'the crow' redo could use some flying lessons.

The good news is that Bill Skarsgård is a solid poster boy for Hot Mall-Goth Summer. The bad news is: everything else about this DOA retread

  • MOVIE REVIEW
  • By David Fear

‘Blink Twice’ Gives Tech Bros the Full ‘Get Out’ Treatment

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut finds Mr. Nice Guy Billionaire Channing Tatum hosting a party at his private island resort. Then things take a social-thriller turn

  • Movie Review

'Daughters' Captures a Father-Daughter Dance in Prison. There Will Be Tears

Netflix doc on a program helping incarcerated men bond with their kids is moving, heartbreaking — and a reminder that our penal system is broken

The digital daily newsletter

‘alien: romulus’ is an amusement-park ride based on a movie.

This latest addition to the enduring horror/sci-fi franchise uses the 1979 classic as a back-to-basics touchstone — and ends up coming off more like an overly reverent tribute

'Bad Monkey': Vince Vaughn's Comedy Is Extremely Florida (in a Good Way)

Apple TV+'s adaptation of Carl Hiassen's novel nails the author's gallows humor and sunburnt-noir voice — and gives the 'Wedding Crashers' star a prime charm showcase

  • By Alan Sepinwall

'Good One' Is Pure Brooklyn Sad-Dad Catnip — and a Great Movie

Writer-director India Donaldson's debut drops a young woman in the middle of a middle-aged male malaise-fest, and immediately stakes a claim as one of the best movies of the year

'Cuckoo' Is Hunter Schafer's New Horror Movie. 'Batshit' Would Be a Better Title

The 'Euphoria' star finds herself staying at German resort full of strange noises, odd time-loops and a mysterious stalker. Then things get really weird

'Borderlands' Is an Insult to Gamers, Movie Lovers and Carbon-Based Life Forms

We'd say it's the worst video game movie ever — but that's way too limiting

'It Ends With Us': Blake Lively's Tearjerker Is the Starbucks Latte of Movies

Her adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestseller is the sort of middle-of-the-road melodrama that's generic enough to hit the spot

  • By Esther Zuckerman

10 Things We Learned From Anti-Brat Serial-Killer Thriller 'Trap'

You can totally catch a mass murderer at an 'Eras Tour'-like concert, M. Night Shyamalan is the world's greatest dad, and a few other takeaways from instantly camp classic

Most Popular

Channing tatum says gambit accent was supposed to be 'unintelligible' at times and he was 'too scared to ask' marvel for the costume to bring home, rob schneider says people "yelling," walking out of his comedy shows means he's "doing it right", 15 things to know about actress & rfk jr's daughter kick kennedy, ashanti shares sentimental reason behind her son's name, admits it was nelly's idea, you might also like, eric carmen, raspberries frontman and ‘all by myself’ singer, dies at 74, betty halbreich, bergdorf’s legendary personal shopper, dies at 96, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, ‘terminator one’ red band trailer: a gory anime franchise makeover gets a new spin in japan, most valuable nfl teams 2024: cowboys first to top $10 billion.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

an image, when javascript is unavailable

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

‘f9’: film review.

Director Justin Lin returns to the fold for the latest, COVID-delayed installment in the ‘Fast & Furious’ saga.

By John DeFore

John DeFore

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share to Flipboard
  • Send an Email
  • Show additional share options
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Whats App
  • Print the Article
  • Post a Comment

F9: Michelle Rodriguez, Vin Diesel

Is it too far-fetched to hope that the Fast & Furious movies could go back to being about hot cars, burning rubber and the bonding that occurs somewhere around the intersection of cops and robbers? This is a series that began with a crew of not-so-bad crooks stealing shipments of DVD players; now, in Justin Lin’s F9 , they’re literally shooting cars into space. Unless FasTen involves time travel, it’s hard to see how this franchise could top itself, and based on the often dull, always bloated results here, it seems foolish to try.

At their best, these later, save-the-world Fast flicks have allowed viewers to thrill to stunts even as they guffawed at their absurdity. But in F9 ’s would-be showstoppers, the thrills are mostly AWOL or the feats are simply too idiotic to embrace, even guiltily.

Related Stories

John cena on why 'trainwreck' sex scene with amy schumer was "real embarrassing", rihanna is the new queen that dior has been promising.

See, for instance, the sequence in which our heroes are being pursued across a minefield — they don’t get killed because they’re just too damned fast for exploding mines to injure them — toward a rickety rope bridge. One side of the bridge breaks when the first car has just started to cross it, but the car gets to the other side by following the same laws of physics that govern Coyote/Roadrunner cartoons. Then Vin Diesel ’s Dom, seeing that a single suspension strand remains of what used to be a bridge, somehow jumps his car onto the post holding that strand, knocks it free from the ground, and Tarzans across the chasm to land on the other side. For a series with a main character (Ludacris’ Tej) who routinely urges his buddies to trust in math and physics because Numbers Don’t Lie, Fast really insults any viewer who feels the same way.

Fans may remember, in the last film, the EMP weapon that could knock out every bit of electronics in a high-security military facility while somehow not interfering with the video monitor sitting right next to it. This time around, our heroes head into a chase with arrays of electromagnets in their trunks that are powerful enough to pull heavy trucks across lanes of traffic, or even flip an armored truck the size of a train car end-over-end. But somehow, those magnets have no effect on the axles, gearshifts and made-in-the-’70s steel frames of the muscle cars carrying them.

This probably sounds like more fun than it is. As in Lin’s last feature, the disappointing Star Trek Beyond , the director/co-writer takes a quantity-over-quality approach, throwing more action, subplots and characters into the mix than any movie needs while still leaving one with the sense that something’s missing. The maximalist strategy makes even less sense considering the simple idea at this episode’s heart: Dom has a brother his pals don’t know about; a tragedy in their youth separated them; and now he’s a bad guy.

Why that brother, Jacob ( John Cena ), has to be a Bond-level villain is anybody’s guess. Producer-star Diesel’s heart is clearly with the themes of family that run through FF from episode one. The series’ soap-opera tendencies can lend themselves to fun crime-picture tropes, as when heroes turn against their loved ones for mysterious reasons, only to prove their loyalty in the end. But this new Dom/Jacob crisis is sufficient in itself, and does not require the introduction of a device that can take over every other electronic device on the planet.

Jacob, we’ll learn, was their father’s second-favorite son. Both boys worked on their dad’s racing crew, and we watch multiple flashbacks to the day he died, in a wreck seemingly caused by an aggressive competitor. That death cast a long shadow, the details of which needn’t be revealed here; but Jacob vanished not long afterward, and seems eventually to have turned his hurt feelings into a desire for world domination. (Though the film makes Cena a supervillain, it doesn’t let him upstage Diesel as Cena’s fellow ex-wrassler Dwayne Johnson, absent here, did in previous outings. The charm Cena showed in Blockers and Trainwreck does not blip on the radar here, lest it interfere with Diesel’s signature, leaden acting style.)

Jacob’s arrival as a threat to world peace requires Dom and new wife Letty ( Michelle Rodriguez ) to leave the farm they’ve retired to. They reunite with Tej, Roman (Tyrese Gibson) and the implausibly gifted hacker Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) when a distress message from Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) leads to a wrecked plane containing half of a device that could be used to rule the world.

Soon Dom’s sister Mia (Jordana Brewster) has joined the action. On the evil side of the ledger, Jacob and his Eurotrash partner Otto (Thue Ersted Rasmussen) have captured the previous film’s criminal mastermind Cipher ( Charlize Theron ), putting her in a plexiglass-walled cell so she can taunt them with her superior intellect. Other players from earlier films will appear, some more meaningfully than others, but why ruin the surprise?

The script — not penned by series regular Chris Morgan, but sporting dialogue just as flat as usual — takes us to more exotic locations than we’d expect from a Mission: Impossible film, sometimes barely staying in one spot much longer than it takes to ask, “Remind me what country Montequinto is in?” It sets Dom’s crew in a race to find the other half of that world-controlling weapon before Thanos — I mean, Jacob — does, and, when they fail, it asks them to stop Jacob before he can power it up. That’s where the space travel comes in, and really, the less said about that, the better. Suffice it to say that the car jumping from skyscraper to skyscraper to skyscraper in Furious 7 was a lot more fun.

And, not that anyone cares, but it was more believable as well.

Full credits

Production companies: Original Film, One Race Films, Perfect Storm Distributor: Universal Pictures Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, Charlize Theron Director: Justin Lin Screenwriters: Daniel Casey, Justin Lin Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeffrey Kirschenbaum, Joe Roth, Clayton Townsend, Samantha Vincent Director of photography: Stephen F. Windon Production designer: Jan Roelfs Costume designer: Sanja Milkovic Hays Editors: Dylan Highsmith, Kelly Matsumoto, Greg D’Auria Composer: Brian Tyler Casting director: Rachel Tenner

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

‘mission: impossible,’ ‘oppenheimer,’ ‘fallout,’ ‘fargo,’ ‘ripley’ win 2024 location managers guild awards, box office: ‘deadpool & wolverine’ back on top as ‘blink twice’ struggles and ‘the crow’ collapses, ryan reynolds on why rob mcelhenney’s ‘deadpool & wolverine’ cameo got cut: “sometimes have to kill your darlings”, how to watch the ‘halloween’ movies in order, denzel washington says “there are very few films left for me to make that i’m interested in”, jason momoa, dave bautista action comedy ‘the wrecking crew’ adds temuera morrison, jacob batalon (exclusive).

Quantcast

movie review que es

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

  • For Parents
  • For Educators
  • Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

Movie reviews.

  • Best Movie Lists
  • Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

movie review que es

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

movie review que es

  • Best TV Lists
  • Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
  • Common Sense Selections for TV
  • Video Reviews of TV Shows

movie review que es

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

movie review que es

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Common Sense Selections for Books

movie review que es

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

movie review que es

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

  • Game Reviews
  • Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

  • Video Reviews of Games

movie review que es

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

movie review que es

  • Podcast Reviews
  • Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

movie review que es

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

movie review que es

  • App Reviews
  • Best App Lists

movie review que es

Social Networking for Teens

movie review que es

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

movie review que es

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

  • YouTube Channel Reviews
  • YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

movie review que es

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

movie review que es

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

  • Preschoolers (2-4)
  • Little Kids (5-7)
  • Big Kids (8-9)
  • Pre-Teens (10-12)
  • Teens (13+)
  • Screen Time
  • Social Media
  • Online Safety
  • Identity and Community

movie review que es

How to Help Kids Build Character Strengths with Quality Media

  • Family Tech Planners
  • Digital Skills
  • All Articles
  • Latino Culture
  • Black Voices
  • Asian Stories
  • Native Narratives
  • LGBTQ+ Pride
  • Best of Diverse Representation List

movie review que es

Multicultural Books

movie review que es

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

movie review que es

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

Parents and caregivers, find movies by age.

How old is your kid?

You can add another kid later.

What streaming service(s) do you have?

0 selected. Click on logos to select.

Set content limits for your kid

If a media pick exceeds the content limits you've set for your kid, you'll see this flag. Learn more

Violence & Scariness

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What's your kid's name?

We value your privacy and will not share this publicly.

New Streaming Movies

Place of Bones Movie Poster: Against a background of red and flame, a fierce-looking Pandora (Heather Graham) grips her gun

Place of Bones

The Killer movie poster: Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy strike a pose.

The Killer (2024)

Longlegs Movie Poster: Facing sideways, Lee Harker clasps a hand over her mouth and clutches her gun with the other hand

Secret Lives of Orangutans

The Clean Up Crew Movie Poster: Antonio Banderas glares behind Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Melissa Leo, in red jump suits

The Clean Up Crew

Oddity Movie Poster: A woman sits in a trance, her hands outstretched; below, her mirror image is a monster

Inside Out 2

Dance First movie poster: Gabriel Byrne as Samuel Beckett stands with a green-blue background behind him.

Dance First

The Duel movie poster: Callan McAuliffe and Dylan Sprouse stand back to back in vintage suits, holding red cups

Backyard Wilderness

They Shot the Piano Player Movie Poster: Animated people play instruments

They Shot the Piano Player

Daughters movie poster: A girl on a fence.

The Fabulous Four

Twisters Movie Poster: Three people look at a large tornado in the distance

Fly Me to the Moon

Watchmen: Chapter I movie poster: Superheroes in trench coat, costumes, and glowing blue stand in the street at night

Watchmen: Chapter I

The Instigators movie poster: Matt Damon and Casey Affleck face the camera.

The Instigators

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba movie poster: Vikrant Massey and Taapsee Pannu under an umbrella with Sunny Kaushal to the side

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba

Inside the Mind of a Dog movie poster: Dogs surrounding the edges

Inside the Mind of a Dog

One Fast Move movie poster: Motorcyclists in leather jackets.

One Fast Move

New in theaters, great watch-together picks, popular with parents, family laughs.

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, chaz's journal, great movies, contributors, scary movie.

Now streaming on:

I recently published a book about movies I hated, and people have been asking me which reviews are harder to write--those about great movies, or those about terrible ones. The answer is neither. The most unreviewable movies are those belonging to the spoof genre--movies like " Airplane! " and " The Naked Gun " and all the countless spin-offs and retreads of the same basic idea.

"Scary Movie" is a film in that tradition: A raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies, teenage horror movies and " The Matrix ." I saw the movie, I laughed, I took notes, and now I am at a loss to write the review. All of the usual critical categories and strategies collapse in the face of a film like this.

Shall I discuss the plot? There is none, really--only a flimsy clothesline to link some of the gags. The characters? They are all types or targets, not people. The dialogue? You can't review the dialogue in the original movies (like " I Know What You Did Last Summer ") because it is mindlessly functional, serving only to advance the plot. How can you discuss the satire, except to observe it is more mindless? (Some of the dialogue, indeed, seems lifted bodily from the earlier films and rotated slightly in the direction of satire.) Faced with a dilemma like this, the experienced critic falls back on a reliable ploy. He gives away some of the best jokes and punch lines. He's like a buddy who has just walked out of a movie and tells you the funny stuff before you walk in.

I am tempted. I fight the impulse to tell you that when a character is asked for the name of a favorite scary movie, the answer is " Kazaam ." That some of the scenes take place at B. A. Corpse High School. That the teenagers in the movie are played mostly by actors in their late 20s and 30s--and that the movie comments on this. That the movie's virgin has a certificate to prove it. That the invaluable Carmen Electra plays a character not coincidentally named Drew.

The movie takes a shotgun approach to horror and slasher movies, but if it has a single target, that would be Kevin Williamson , screenwriter of " Scream " and co-inventor of the self-aware slasher subgenre. There is a sense in which "Scary Movie" is doing the same sort of self-referential humor as "Scream," since it is not only directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans , co-written by Shawn and Marlon Wayans (among others), and starring several Wayanses, but makes fun of various Wayans trademarks, especially the obligatory homophobic jokes. (There's a scene involving a closeted jock who can make love to his girlfriend only when she's wearing football shoulderpads.) The movie also features the wild exaggeration of stereotypical African-American behavior, which is another Wayans specialty. Consider the scene where Regina Hall plays a black woman at " Shakespeare in Love ," who shouts "That ain't no man!" when Gwyneth Paltrow is on the screen, videotapes the movie from her seat and carries on a cell phone conversation. Funny, though; now that I've written about it, I realize this is not intended to be a satire of African-American behavior, but an attack on the behavior of countless moviegoers, and Wayans has simply used Regina Hall as an example of non-traditional casting. Or maybe not.

The bottom line in reviewing a movie like this is, does it work? Is it funny? Yes, it is. Not funny with the shocking impact of "Airplane!," which had the advantage of breaking new ground. But also not a tired wheeze like some of the lesser and later Leslie Nielsen films. To get your money's worth, you need to be familiar with the various teenage horror franchises, and if you are, "Scary Movie" delivers the goods.

Note: The original title of "Scary Movie" was "Scream If You Know What I Did Last Halloween." The original title of "Scream" was "Scary Movie." Still available: "I Still Know What You Did the Summer Before Last."

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Now playing

movie review que es

Customs Frontline

Simon abrams.

movie review que es

The Fabulous Four

movie review que es

The Becomers

Matt zoller seitz.

movie review que es

Rebel Moon: Director's Cuts

movie review que es

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut

Peter sobczynski.

movie review que es

Tomris Laffly

Film credits.

Scary Movie movie poster

Scary Movie (2000)

Rated R For Strong Crude Sexual Humor, Language, Drug Use and Violence

Keenen Ivory Wayans as Masked Killer

Carmen Electra as Drew

Cheri Oteri as Gail Hailstorm

Frank B. Moore as Not Drew's Boyfriend

Dave Sheridan as Doofy

  • Aaron Seltzer
  • Phil Beauman
  • Marlon Wayans
  • Shawn Wayans
  • Buddy Johnson
  • Jason Friedberg

Directed by

  • Keenen Ivory Wayans

Latest blog posts

movie review que es

13 Films Illuminate Locarno Film Festival's Columbia Pictures Retrospective

movie review que es

Apple TV+'s Pachinko Expands Its Narrative Palate For An Emotional Season Two

movie review que es

Tina Mabry and Edward Kelsey Moore on the Joy and Uplift of The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

movie review que es

The Adams Family Gets Goopy in Hell Hole

IMAGES

  1. How To Write A Movie Review? The Complete Guide

    movie review que es

  2. How To Write A Movie Review? The Complete Guide

    movie review que es

  3. How To Write A Movie Review? The Complete Guide

    movie review que es

  4. How to Write a Movie Review: Top Recommendations and Instructions

    movie review que es

  5. Guide on Movie Review with Free Samples and Tips

    movie review que es

  6. How to Write a Movie Review: Outline and Format with Examples

    movie review que es

COMMENTS

  1. Rotten Tomatoes: Movies

    Rotten Tomatoes, home of the Tomatometer, is the most trusted measurement of quality for Movies & TV. The definitive site for Reviews, Trailers, Showtimes, and Tickets

  2. What is a Film Review

    A film review is a type of critique that provides an evaluation of a film, encompassing various aspects such as the plot, themes, direction, script, and performances. Originating in the early 20th century with the advent of cinema, film reviews have evolved from mere opinion pieces in newspapers to a significant form of journalistic writing.

  3. About

    The team constantly collects movie and TV reviews from Tomatometer-approved critics and publications generating Tomatometer scores. Our curation process considers these reviews, noting if they are ...

  4. Letterboxd • Social film discovery

    Letterboxd is a social platform for sharing your taste in film. Use it as a diary to record your opinion about films as you watch them, or just to keep track of films you've seen in the past. Rate, review and tag films as you add them. Find and follow your friends to see what they're enjoying. Keep a watchlist of films you'd like to see, and create lists/collections on any topic.

  5. 'The Killer' Review: John Woo With a French Twist

    When he started a run of contemporary action movies in the early 1980s, the Hong Kong director John Woo forged a personal mode influenced by the stylized violence of American directors like Sam ...

  6. Movie Reviews

    Action, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Thriller. Directed by Rupert Sanders. Hoping to skate by off moody vibes, this revamp of "The Crow" comic book series seems derived from a flattened ...

  7. 'Incoming' Review: Not Another Teen Movie

    Freshman engage in some fairly predictable debauchery in this routine high school gross-out comedy streaming on Netflix. By Calum Marsh When you purchase a ticket for an independently reviewed ...

  8. IMDb: Ratings, Reviews, and Where to Watch the Best Movies & TV Shows

    IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers.

  9. Movie Reviews, TV Reviews, Game Reviews, and Music Reviews

    We rank every live-action film adapted from a video game—dating from 1993's Super Mario Bros. to this month's new Borderlands—from worst to best according to their Metascores. movie. Metacritic aggregates music, game, tv, and movie reviews from the leading critics. Only Metacritic.com uses METASCORES, which let you know at a glance how each ...

  10. Wildwood (película de 2025)

    Wildwood es una próxima película animada estadounidense de aventura de fantasía oscura y realizada en stop-motion, dirigida por Travis Knight y escrita por Chris Butler, basada en la novela del mismo nombre de 2011 de Colin Meloy e ilustrada por Carson Ellis. Está producida por Laika, haciendo su sexta película de animación en stop-motion.Está protagonizada por Peyton Elizabeth Lee ...

  11. Stream (2024)

    Stream: Directed by Michael Leavy. With Tim Curry, Danielle Harris, Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace. The Keenan family's simple weekend getaway truly turns into a vacation to die for, as four deranged killers playing a sadistic game lock down their hotel and compete for the most creative murders of all the guests.

  12. 'The Crow' Review

    Please verify your email address. You've reached your account maximum for followed topics. Inside of me, there are two wolves. Well, in this case, there are two crows. One grew up being fed on a ...

  13. 'Joker' Review

    Joaquin Phoenix boldly reinvents Batman's cackling archnemesis in 'Joker,' Todd Phillips' dark new vision of the supervillain origin story, also starring Robert De Niro.

  14. Elecciones en Venezuela: 3 escenarios que se abren ahora y por qué la

    La previsible sentencia del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia convalidando la victoria de Nicolás Maduro no resuelve la crisis en Venezuela. Te explicamos las líneas generales de lo que puede venir.

  15. Fresh (2022)

    FRESH follows Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who meets the alluring Steve (Sebastian Stan) at a grocery store and -- given her frustration with dating apps -- takes a chance and gives him her number.

  16. TV & Movies Reviews

    'The Instigators': Movie Stars Plus Boston, Divided by Gunshots and Laughs Doug Liman's heist-gone-wrong movie is one part Beantown noir, one part cracked buddy comedy, and a total flashback to a ...

  17. Wall-E movie review & film summary (2008)

    It is 700 years in the future. A city of skyscrapers rises up from the land. A closer view reveals that the skyscrapers are all constructed out of garbage, neatly compacted into squares or bales and piled on top of one another. In all the land, only one creature stirs. This is WALL-E, the last of the functioning solar-powered robots.

  18. 'Dune' Review: A Hero in the Making, on Shifting Sands

    Villeneuve has made a serious, stately opus, and while he doesn't have a pop bone in his body, he knows how to put on a show as he fans a timely argument about who gets to play the hero now ...

  19. 'F9': Film Review

    This is a series that began with a crew of not-so-bad crooks stealing shipments of DVD players; now, in Justin Lin's F9, they're literally shooting cars into space. Unless FasTen involves time ...

  20. Browse Reviews

    Family Laughs. Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Common Sense Media improves the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media.

  21. The Shack movie review & film summary (2017)

    Mack Phillips ( Sam Worthington) has managed to overcome a rough childhood marked by the cruelties of a drunken and abusive father (Derek Hamilton). He now has a happy life with wife Nan ( Radha Mitchell) and three kids, teenagers Kate ( Megan Charpentier) and Josh ( Gage Munroe ), and adorable moppet Missy (Amelie Eve).

  22. Flipped movie review & film summary (2010)

    Andrew Scheinman. Advertisement. There are moments in adolescence when your feelings about romance turn on a dime. Maybe it's hormonal. The girl you thought was a pest becomes the object of your dreams. The boy you've had a crush on for years begins to seem like a jerk. The timing is off.

  23. 'Moonlight': Is This the Year's Best Movie?

    NYT Critic's Pick. Directed by Barry Jenkins. Drama. R. 1h 51m. By A.O. Scott. Oct. 20, 2016. To describe "Moonlight," Barry Jenkins's second feature, as a movie about growing up poor ...

  24. Hidalgo movie review & film summary (2004)

    "Hidalgo" is the kind of movie Hollywood has almost become too jaundiced to make anymore. Bold, exuberant and swashbuckling, it has the purity and simplicity of something Douglas Fairbanks or Errol Flynn might have bounded through. Modern movies that attempt the adventure genre usually feel they have to tart it up, so in "Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl," which once ...

  25. 'Old' Review: They Say Sun Can Age You, but This Is Ridiculous

    July 22, 2021. Old. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Drama, Mystery, Thriller. PG-13. 1h 48m. Find Tickets. When you purchase a ticket for an independently reviewed film through our site, we earn ...

  26. Gandhi movie review & film summary (1982)

    Gandhi (1982) In the middle of this epic film there is a quiet, small scene that helps explain why "Gandhi" is such a remarkable experience. Mahatma Gandhi, at the height of his power and his fame, stands by the side of a lake with his wife of many years. Together, for the benefit of a visitor from the West, they reenact their marriage vows.

  27. Scary Movie movie review & film summary (2000)

    The answer is neither. The most unreviewable movies are those belonging to the spoof genre--movies like "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun" and all the countless spin-offs and retreads of the same basic idea. "Scary Movie" is a film in that tradition: A raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies, teenage horror movies and " The Matrix ."