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The Substance (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

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

Just Reviewed…

2,091,651,759 films watched

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

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 2024

Sydney🚀 ★★★ 53

I get it Tim if I was dating Monica Bellucci I would also write her into my movie for no reason

MnmMan ★★★ 33

I hope this franchise goes on for way too long, overstays its welcome, and keeps the same naming scheme. Would love to see Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, the squeakquel

ram<3 ★★★★ 8

it doesn’t matter how old winona ryder is, she’ll always be that goth queen

Mike Ryan ★★★½ 16

People need to stop hiring Beetlejuice. He’s untrustworthy and, frankly, a trouble maker.

Matt Singer ★★★

Between this and Dune: Part Two , sandworms are having a moment .

Full review at ScreenCrush .

Bryan Espitia ★★★½ 9

Every time the assistant handed Willem Dafoe a coffee I fucking lost it

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How to Make a Movie Review Website

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing a product through one of these links generates a commission for us at no additional expense to you.

“Follow the plan outlined here and you can create your own website from scratch without writing any code for less than $300.”

Are your opinions different?

Is everyone missing out on the best films?

If you’ve got something unique to offer as a movie reviewer, there’s still plenty of space online for your voice.

You’ve probably posted reviews on IMDb and other sites, but building your own website will allow you to turn your reviews into a business.

With your own website, you can publish and share your reviews, and earn from advertising on your site.

The best part is that making a website is pretty easy these days. Here’s how to get started.

Get a domain

Get your site online, get to know your new website, transform your site for movie reviews, start publishing your reviews, how to create a movie review site.

Before we get into the design or anything like that, there’s one step you have to complete first.

I’m sure you’re familiar with domain names, but just to make sure we’re on the same page, a domain name is the address of a website. For example, google.com and imdb.com are both domain names.

If this is a side project and you don’t have a lot of funding then you’ll likely want to get a domain for as cheap as possible. Unregistered .com domains only cost about $10/year, but any domains for sale by flippers will cost thousands of dollars (then $10/year to keep).

The problem is that finding an unregistered domain is really tough. That’s why I put together a guide on finding available domains .

If you’re having any trouble finding a good domain name, try the techniques listed in that article and I’m sure it will help.

Once you have your domain name picked out, you’re ready to get a basic site online.

The next thing you need is hosting.

What is hosting?

When someone visits your domain, you need a server to deliver your website’s content to the visitor’s browser so the site loads.

This doesn’t mean you need to purchase a server rack and put it in your house. Only the world’s largest companies (like Google and Amazon) maintain their own servers. Everyone else rents space on a server from a hosting company. Renting the use of a server is called hosting .

How to get hosting

Signing up for hosting is just as easy as making any other online purchase.

There are thousands of hosts to choose from, but for a new WordPress user, I recommend Nexcess .

Nexcess has a great mix of affordability and reliability. If you go any cheaper with hosting, you tend to have lots of issues.

They also have services bundled with the hosting, such as automated daily backups.

Once you signup, they’ll auto-create a brand new WP website for you, so you’ll be ready to get started with the WP dashboard right away.

Your website will use the latest default theme, so initially, it will look something like this:

If you want to get familiar with WordPress and how it works, this video will give you a walkthrough of the whole dashboard.

You won’t be a master of WordPress just yet, but after watching that dashboard tour, you’ll be familiar with the interface itself.

With a live WordPress site and a basic understanding of how it works, you’re ready to turn your boring site into a gorgeous movie review website.

WordPress websites change their design primarily by using themes , and they add new functionality by adding plugins .

Depending on your site vision and goals, there are two different paths you can take. I’ll outline both and make some product recommendations.

Make a simple movie review blog

The first approach is to make a simple movie review website where your personal brand and perspective will be the focal point of the site.

To do this, I would recommend picking a free blog theme. We have 19 free themes all made for content creators.

Adding one of these themes will give your site a clean look and a design that adapts well to mobile devices. Once you’ve switched your theme, you can follow this basic customization guide to set things up the way you want.

Now your website isn’t just a blog, it’s a movie review website which means you need a way to add star ratings to your posts. For that, I recommend the Schema Pro plugin.

This plugin will add schema data to your site that lets your ratings show up on Google, which can greatly help with the search traffic your site receives.

For many people, that’s all they’ll need, but if you have something more ambitious in mind, try this next approach.

Build a movie review database

If you want to build a database and potentially have multiple reviewers on your site, the Moview theme is an incredible tool.

This theme comes with a review system and also an IMDb importer. You can import movies and celebrities from IMDb with this automated system and display their info automatically on your site.

Using these tools, you can quickly build a large website and have thousands of movies to write reviews for.

Moview is also extremely customizable. It includes a page builder plugin called Visual Composer which lets you create entirely custom page designs. It’s more work, but you get total control over layouts this way.

If you want additional alternatives to choose from, you can check out this collection of movie themes .

While not specific to movies, we also have a collection of product review themes with more excellent templates.

By following the steps above, you’ll get a WordPress website online in record time.

Regardless of the content and design, you’ll need to get a domain and hosting, and Nexcess is an excellent host to get started with.

Signup with Nexcess

If your goal is to create a simple review website where you’re the only author, that can be done entirely with free themes and plugins.

Check out our free blog themes

Creating a large movie database website is possible, too, using the Moview theme. It’s an interesting option to explore if you hadn’t even considered it.

See the Moview theme

I hope this tutorial has helped give you a clear understanding of how to create your movie review website.

If this guide helped you out, make sure to share it with someone else before you go!

Get a beautiful beginner-friendly theme

Browse our collection of free WordPress themes

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How To Create a Movie Review Site with WordPress

19 Minutes, 40 Seconds to Read

When was the last time you saw a movie and instantly desired to share your opinion of it? If you know the difference between a smash cut and a jump cut, and you can spot the difference between a wide angle lens in The Shining and telephoto lens in The Graduate , then you’re a film critic and you need a website to start posting your articles on the web. If you work hard at it, pretty soon you may find yourself contributing to the Rotten Tomatoes score. Read on to find out how to create your site, get your writing published, and work your way toward becoming a bonafide tomato-throwing film critic.

“Audiences don’t know somebody sits down and writes a picture.  They think the actors make it up as they go along.”  – Joe Gillis (William Holden), Sunset Boulevard (1950) Click To Tweet

• How do you start a movie review site?
• Is creating a movie review site expensive?
• Why use WordPress?
• Changing the look of your site
• How to measure site success
• Put your site in maintenance mode
• How to create custom post types
• Do you need a privacy policy for your page?
• How to create a masthead for your site
• How to get into a review aggregator (like Rotten Tomatoes)

Following along in this article, you will get practical information as well as some theoretical marketing tips. If you’re passionate about movies and eager to share your knowledge with Internet readers, you will want to bookmark this page and refer back as needed.

How To Start a Movie Review Site

There are a few important stages. (Don’t worry, we’ll cover every stage in detail.) Here are the basics:

• Getting a hosting package, where you will store your website and publish content live to the web
• Installing WordPress (a system that will organize all of your written content in one place)
• Promoting your site with digital marketing strategies

Once you’ve completed these steps you will have your own brand and a hub for all of your content. Let’s be clear though: this isn’t easy, but it’s not too difficult either . The whole process will involve a commitment on your part. But if you follow each step carefully, and are prepared to work, you won’t be disappointed.

Creating Your Movie Review Site

In order to setup a review site, you don’t need to make a large initial investment. Hosting is fairly inexpensive these days. For a few bucks a month, you can have a live site available to the world.

What Is Hosting?

When you’re ready to launch a website, you’re going to have to figure out hosting. Hosting basically involves a computer called a “server” where your website lives. You may be wondering, Can’t I host my own website on my own computer? Yes, you can, but unless you keep your computer running all day long there will be times of day when people won’t be able to reach your site. That’s why hosting your website with a hosting company is the best option.

Types of Hosting Accounts

• Shared – Shared hosting involves literally sharing a server (basically a computer) with other users. You’ll have your own isolated account but you will be sharing computing resources with other customers. In general, servers have gotten so fast that you may never notice any lag when sharing resources with others. But, for the possibility that your hosting could be affected by others, shared hosting is priced lower. For users just starting out shared hosting provides a good entry level option.
• Dedicated – Dedicated hosting is at the complete opposite end from shared hosting. It is basically a whole server dedicated to you. You have complete access to the full resources and computing power. But this is also the most expensive option. For a movie review site, dedicated hosting is simply too much power. That’s where VPS (below) provides a happy medium.
• VPS (Virtual Private Server) – VPS hosting gives you the freedom of dedicated hosting but in a virtual container. VPS is like shared hosting except your share of the resources cannot be affected by other users. If you get over 20,000 visitors a day on your website, then you must really consider moving over to VPS. But, for all its power, VPS comes with a lot of extra responsibilities. For example, you’ll have to go in yourself and make sure all of your server software is up to date. This is why WordPress Hosting may be an even better option for you.
• WordPress Hosting – As you’ll see in the following tutorials in this series, WordPress is the content management system (CMS) you will be using for your movie review site. It’s also the most popular CMS in the world. Because of its popularity you can now get hosting made specifically for WordPress.

WordPress Hosting comes in a few varieties based on how much traffic your site is getting. This makes it easy to figure out when it’s time to upgrade. As your site earns more readers you can simply upgrade your hosting to a WordPress VPS to accommodate your increases in traffic.

Why Use WordPress?

In the old days of the web, amateurs had to build pages by hand and upload them to a server. This becomes difficult to manage as a website grows larger and more complex. Coders started building more elaborate systems that could generate pages dynamically. Thus, content management systems were born.

Now anyone, regardless of coding experience, can benefit from this technology. After you’ve reviewed 25 to 50 movies, you’ll have at least 25 to 50 pages of content. Imagine what happens when you get to 100 or more.

WordPress lets you easily manage hundreds of pages from a single user-friendly interface. You can categorize and tag pieces of content to help keep them organized. The level of organization requires depends on your preferences, it’s totally customizable. WordPress is easy to use and it’s free, so it’s a safe bet to use it for your site.

Getting WordPress Installed

WordPress is basically an application written in the PHP programming language. When you install WordPress you are installing its source code files. You’ll also need a database where the program will store your content for retrieval.

There are two ways to install WordPress:

• Manual “5-minute” install
• Auto install with script installer

Both of these procedures are covered in our full guide on how to install WordPress .

The Basics of WordPress

You’re a WordPress user now. In order to make things easier later, take note that all of the content you add to WordPress are known as “posts.” This will make it easier for you when we create custom post types later in this tutorial series.

By default, WordPress comes with these generic post types:

These are posts that are programmed to display differently when used on your site. Don’t worry too much about it now. Just remember that everything is a post.

In order to familiarize yourself with using WordPress, you are best advised to read from the WordPress Education channel .

Below, you will be learning about creating a maintenance page, so you can work on your site without launching it to the public.

It’s Time To Design Your Site

Since you are building a movie review site, you will probably want to pick a theme (design template) that favors easily readable text.

This means an attractive font, good spacing between paragraphs and letters, and probably some white space around the text. You’ll also want to see how the theme displays media. Are you able to add big, luxurious images? What about embedding video? You have a movie review site here, so media is important.

No need to settle for a free theme that everybody else is using. Use promo code IMH2020 to get a great deal from the Elegant Marketplace .

Try to avoid themes that clutter up the layout with too many sidebars and widgets. It’s your call, but try to remember that you want the look of your site to encourage your readers to keep reading. The more time people spend on your site the better.

Tip: before you even start to sample themes, take a moment to stop and think. Make a list of websites you like and observe their content layout.

• What styles do you like?
• What do you dislike?
• How does it feel to use the site?

This sort of research will help tremendously when it comes time to pick your own theme.

How to Install a WordPress Theme

Themes are available for free (and some premium) on the WordPress theme marketplace. All you need to do is install a theme on your website and preview it or activate it. You can install and try out as many themes as you want. But you can only activate one at a time. For example, you can’t have multiple themes installed and use a different theme for each page.

Page Builder Plugins

You’ll notice as you sift through free themes that they share a lot of common features. Likewise, thousands of people will be using the same theme. This can give your WordPress site a generic quality and make it harder for you to distinguish yourself.

This is why there exists a large market for premium themes and theme builder plugins like these:

• Beaver Builder

And there are many more. These plugins come with either free and paid versions or exclusively paid features. So you will need to carefully consider your budget and options.

If you decide to use a stock theme, don’t feel as though you’re stuck. There are many highly successful blogs out there that use free WordPress themes. What distinguishes your site is the content —not the look. So you can stand out whether you choose free or paid themes. It all comes down to the quality of your content.

Custom Themes

Remember, you also have the option of building a theme yourself. There are plenty of books on the subject that will walk you through the process step by step, or you could start with online resources like the WordPress theme developer handbook .

In order to build a theme you must be familiar with these programming languages:

A solid working knowledge of those languages will help you in the building process. Remember you also have support out there. Almost every major city has a WordPress meetup where you can get advice from other users, both professionals and hobbyists.

You could also hire a developer to build a theme to your exact specifications. This is a more expensive option because you are paying someone else for their labor. But it may save you some time.

Measuring Success

Key Performance Indicators (or, KPIs) give you the insights you need with regard to how your site is performing. Are you hitting your goals? Are you getting everything you’d hoped you’d get out of your site? Having KPIs—selected properly—will tell you if you’re on track and where you need to course-correct.

Stats in Jetpack Plugin

Jetpack is a plugin that connects your self-hosted WordPress site with WordPress.com resources. This gives you all kinds of neat features such as enhanced security, faster image service, and various analytics. Want to know how many people are visiting your site every day? Jetpack gives you that information. What can you do with that information? Find out which of your pages are most popular so you can replicate that success with new content.

• Pay attention to models
• What is repeatable?
• What is measurably better?

Jetpack is the easiest tool to set up and get going, which is why it’s featured first. For many sites, this is the only tool that’s needed. But as you get more advanced in your webmaster skills, you will need more advanced tools. Read on.

Google Analytics and Search Console

These are more advanced tools, but they’re free (you only need a Google account) and give you a whole suite of data you can use to make critical decisions.

• Unique Page Views (UPV) – The number of unique page views for a page or set of pages.
• Average Time on Page – How much time people on spending on your pages (on average).
• Bounce Rate – How quickly did a user “bounce” or leave your site after viewing it.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR) – The rate at which people “click through” a search result to land on the associated page.
• Conversion Rate (CVR) – How often a visitor takes a desired action (like sign up for your email newsletter).

By measuring and analyzing this data, you will get a clear picture of how people are using your site. This data will help you develop your site as you strive to create valuable user experiences.

Some of these data may vary in relevance depending on your site. For example, some sites convert quickly, so time on page is not as important. Take your site into consideration when deciding which metrics are best for you to track.

All Kinds of Tools

There are all kinds of similar tools available for webmasters. Often, the incoming data will conflict. This is because different tools measure your data in different ways. You may discover that the tools described above give you enough information to make critical decisions for your site and meet your KPIs. That’s great. You should only use a minimal set of tools to match your goals. You could spend thousands of dollars on various tools and get lost in the weeds. Stick with the most important data and keep going.

Maintenance Mode (Building Your Site)

It’s time to put your site into “maintenance mode,” so you can work on it privately. If anyone visits your page in the meantime, they’ll see a nice page advising them that the site is under construction and they must come back later.

This not only lets you work at your own pace, but it also creates some natural anticipation for the launch of your site.

WordPress Maintenance Page Plugins

The easiest way to add a maintenance page to your site involves using a WordPress plugin .

Timing is everything in this early stage. It’s best to install your maintenance plugin and activate it before DNS fully propagates . This may mean using a hosts file to start working on your site right away.

Alternatives To Plugins

You are not required to use a plugin, but that is definitely the easiest way. Here are some alternatives you could explore:

• Maintenance redirect with .htaccess
• TEMP URL development

These are more advanced options, but with help from our support team, you could consider them for your project.

Why Use a Maintenance Page?

Your site is new. This means you haven’t built up significant traffic yet. You can use this easy time to your advantage. Build your site in the background before launching it to the public.

Also, while your maintenance page is up, your site is not being crawled by search engines. This means your site is invisible until you’re ready to launch it. If search engines start crawling your site before it’s complete, they will be saving a poor, underdeveloped version of your site. This is not good for your future rankings. You want to only release your site when you think the world is ready for it.

Custom Post Types

Earlier in this article, you read about posts, pages, and post types. This can be confusing for WordPress beginners. But basically, custom post types are a unique type of content you create and add to WordPress. This means you can generate custom page elements according to this new type of content. Read on to find out how.

How Custom Post Types Work

You may have already noticed that WordPress gives you three different places to drop new content. You have posts, pages, and media. It may surprise you to learn that, behind the scenes, WordPress considered each of these as a type of post . The difference between them depends on how they’re used. (Please see the guides linked to from this article for more information.) Basically, custom post types let you create your own unique forms of content that you can separate from others.

What Post Types Should You Use?

Since you are creating a movie review site, you need at least one custom post type: movie reviews. You are best advised to create a separate post type for movie reviews instead of using posts. This is because you may want to reserve posts for information like news or updates.

• Posts (default) – news, updates, background information
• Pages (default) – contact, about pages, and privacy policy/terms of service
• Media (default) – images, audio, and/or video
• Movie reviews (default) – used exclusively for movie review content

With a custom post type for reviews, you have successfully divided your content into discrete areas. This will help you keep your site’s admin area organized. And more, imagine you want to write different kinds of reviews down the road. You can easily create a new post type and keep everything discreetly organized.

How To Create Custom Post Types

It’s time to create your custom post type. You can easily create custom post types with plugins or with code added to your theme or to a custom plugin. Both procedures are described in the guides below:

• Create a custom post type with a plugin
• Create a custom post type without a plugin

Term, Details, and Policies

In 2018, data privacy regulations kicked into high gear with GDPR in the European Union. Similar regulations are being considered in the US and elsewhere. Basically, you should take no chances when it comes to the collection of user information.

You may be wondering, what kind of data am I collecting? WordPress stores a minimal amount of user data in order to provide some convenience features. Browser cookies store information that allow your users a quick login for your site or pre-filled comment form data. This is convenient for your users, because it speeds up their use of site without requiring them to log in each time.

In addition to helping you create a privacy policy page, WordPress also has tools that let you send a user all the data you have on them and, if requested, delete it—in order to help you comply with GDPR standards. Even if you are not intending to reach users in the EU, it’s considered a best practice to create a privacy policy.

How To Set Up Your WordPress Privacy Policy Page

In order to add your privacy policy page, just follow the steps in this complete guide:

• How to add a privacy policy in WordPress

The short answer is yes, you need to have a privacy policy page set up and ready to go. Even if no one ever reads it, it will save you trouble in the long run to go ahead and have your page ready. Think of it as an insurance policy.

The Masthead

Now it’s time to create the masthead for your site. The masthead, in your case, will be a single page that provides critical business information about your site. It’s like the official documentation about your enterprise. Read on to find out what you should print on this important page.

Creating a masthead is an important step that many bloggers and webmasters ignore. It’s a significant statement about what your site is, who you are, and what you do.

Consider Your Options

Before publishing your masthead page, take a moment to brainstorm and jot down all the information you will be sharing.

Who is the editor?

Who is the editor of your site? Who are the main contributors? Even if all of the above are just you, go ahead and put that information here. State your name and title:

Joe Example – Editor-in-chief

Will you accept submissions?

At some point, you may get requests from other bloggers or webmasters about opening content-related exchanges. Or, you might find that there are too many movies out there for you to see and you would be open to accepting submissions from others. If you are open to these kinds of deals, the masthead is a perfect place to provide specific details about how others can engage with you.

What’s your address and contact information?

What kind of contact information do you want to share? Many bloggers choose to give a P.O. box number instead of their actual home address. You may wonder why you need to give an address at all. Isn’t everything digital these days? This depends on your goals. There are still legitimate business reasons for having a physical address. For example, if your site expands and you want to create a corporation, you will need a physical address.

Who’s your host?

The masthead is a great place to let your readers know who hosts your site. Why is this relevant? If you plan on getting a lot of traffic to your site, you can consider becoming an affiliate for your host. This means if someone clicks on the link from your site to your host, and they buy hosting, you get some money. For many bloggers this can be a lucrative deal. Consider your options; this one might pay off for you.

Create The Masthead Page

This is the easy part. Now that you’ve made a big list of all the things you want to include in your masthead, it’s time to create the page and transfer all of the information.

• How to create a page in WordPress (you may already know how to do this)

Be sure to publish your masthead page before launching your site.

Getting Into a Review Aggregator (Like Rotten Tomatoes)

Getting into a review aggregator can be a long, difficult process. For movie reviews, Rotten Tomatoes is certainly the most popular, so they are a good example of the process.

Review aggregators basically “scrape” reviews from select critics and return an average score to help their users see if a movie has been favorably reviewed by most critics or universally panned. One day, if you work hard, your review may play a factor in that score. Your opinion will help influence moviegoers.

Typically, the review aggregator will have guidelines for considering new applicants . These guidelines should give you a clear idea of what kind of criteria your website must meet.

But there’s a lot of work you can do in the meantime before submitting your site for consideration.

Start Building a Community

Your community exists inside and outside of your website. Your first indicator of community may be pageviews, comments on your reviews, or followers on social media. These are decent indicators that a community is forming around your writing.

Next, you should try to extend your circle. Get involved in local events and networking groups. You could even host screenings at your local “arthouse” cinemas. Take your voice to the people and provide opportunities for engagement. The people will find you.

Consider Joining a Film Critics Group or Association

Rotten Tomatoes provides a list of film critic groups and associations . You may want to consider joining one of these groups. Please note, it’s unknown whether or not Rotten Tomatoes factors your membership in one of these groups into your overall assessment. It’s up to you if you want to make this effort.

Pump the Output

Keep publishing. Always be publishing. Try to review every movie that comes out. Eventually, you will have hundreds of articles and perhaps thousands of subscribers. Stay the course, submit your site for consideration, and it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be flinging those rotten tomatoes.

3 thoughts on “ How To Create a Movie Review Site with WordPress ”

Sir from where can I get images of movie to post on my website

You can often access press kits for a movie online. If not, consider emailing the producers or the studio press department.

• Pingback: How To Create a Movie Review Site | WP FeedBack

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How to Create a Movie Review Website

If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.

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Have you ever thought about creating a movie review website like RottenTomatoes or IMDB?  If you love movies, then this could be a lot of fun! It could always be a great way to make money, whether you want to do as a sidehustle or as a way to work fulltime from home and earn money.  If you accept other people’s reviews, then your website could constantly be updated without you having to put in the work all the time, so it could be a wonderful passive income, too.

And the great thing about it is you don’t even have to have experience coding or creating websites.  You can totally do this as a complete beginner.  This is made possible with Moview , a Movie Database & Review Joomla Template along with the SP Movie Database extension.  This means your website will already be customized to look and feel like a movie review website, and it will have a ton of awesome features, too:

• A rating and review system where registered users can rate and review movies
• An unlimited amount of entries, so you can include as many movies as you want!
• A detailed view for each movie with useful information
• The ability to add the trailers for each movie
• The ability to categorize movies by genres
• The ability to alphabetize your list of movies or order them in different ways
• An Actor/Director Profile option, where each actor, actress or director can have their own profile page with a description, image, birth date, filmography and social links
• The ability to add movies showtimes where you could list when movies are being shown in local cinemas

So you might be thinking, this sounds great, but can I really do it without any experience with websites?  Luckily, yes, because you can get SP Page Builder Pro.  SP Page Builder Pro is an amazing way for beginners to create their own websites with drop and drag features which means you don’t need any computer programming or coding experience whatsoever.  You can buy a personal account here and get access to the templates & extensions needed to build your own movie database and you can add on SP Page Builder Pro and you can do this for just $89.  You would also need to get a web host and a domain (here are some tips on choosing a domain ), but domains are often included in the price of hosting and you can find some really affordable hosting options here .

And this would be a great thing to do just for fun, but if you want to make back that initial investment, you might be wondering: how exactly do you earn money from this?  Well, there are multiple ways you can do this:

• You could charge for memberships and then only people who pay you a monthly fee could see your reviews
• You would make affiliate relationships with specific companies with relatable products.  You could then have affiliate banners on your websites that relate to movies (such as Fandango, or websites that sell movies, like Amazon and Best Buy) and then when people click on those banners and make purchases, you would make a percentage of these sales.  We go further into detail about affiliate marketing here .
• You could run ads on your websites like Google Ads or Mediavine, and then you would make money when people click on those links.  The advantages here would be you wouldn’t have to make relationships with multiple companies and you could make money even if people don’t make purchases (but you could potentially make more through affiliate marketing if someone makes a large purchase).  We go into more detail about this here .

You could also do a combination of these money making options.  With any of these options, of course, you would need people coming to your website.   Here are some ways you can do this:

• A strong Pinterest account where you could promote your website or specific movie reviews – here are some tips on how to get started marketing on Pinterest .
• A Facebook account where you could make Facebook posts about the movie reviews – here are some tips on how to get more Facebook shares so more people could find your website.
• An Instagram account so you could get more interest and increase your brand – here are some tips on how to gain Instagram followers .
• You could start an email list and then you could send out a newsletter letting people know that there are reviews for new movies to keep people coming back to your website – you can do this with email – here are some tips on how to welcome people to your email list and keep them engaged so they will continue to be visitors to your website.

But remember, this is your website so you can run it the way you see fit!  So have fun and get started, because by using Moview with SP Page Builder Pro, you’ll be able to make an incredibly professional looking movie review website that could earn you a lot of money!

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Elementor » Academy » Integrations » Advanced Custom Fields Tutorial: Create a WordPress Movie Review Website

Advanced Custom Fields Tutorial: Create a WordPress Movie Review Website

In this tutorial, we combine Elementor and ACF (Advanced Custom Fields plugin) to create a dynamic movie review website on WordPress: https://elementor.com/blog/create-mov… You’ll learn how to:

✓ Use dynamic content ✓ Create custom post types with CPT UI ✓ Create custom fields with ACF ✓ Build an archive template with Elementor ✓ Build a single template with Elementor

however I suppose from ringer calm and then back with another element or an advanced custom fix tutorial this time we’ll use the advanced custom fields plug-in to create a movie review website we will combine the advanced custom fields and custom post type UI plugins to create a movie custom post type with some really nice fields and then we will create a template display all of that beautifully using elementor’s dynamic link features let me first show you what we’re gonna build during this tutorial this is a movie review website that starts with a beautiful full width section here at the top scrolling down the page we can see a grid of movies each with an image and title all coming dynamically from our custom post type by clicking on one of them the single page for our custom post type you load up at the top of the page we have the title and trailer followed by the plot and I am liberating under that we have a code about the movie followed by the actual content of the review and under that we have a box with the movie image and some general information about movie like the country genres and writers below that we have the possibility to other comments and on the right side we have a sidebar with our latest movies from this website so we have a really cool looking template and now it’s time to jump into WordPress and Bildad alright we are now inside of the WordPress dashboard and I’ve already set up some common things to speed up this video bit I’ve already plated the header and the footer we can see them here on the front page the page is empty right now it contains just the header and the footer here at the bottom I’ve also install the plugins that we will need so let me jump back into the dashboard and I’ll click on plugins installed plugins we will be using four plugins for this tutorial element or element or pro advanced custom fields and custom post type you are right now we are using advanced custom fields version 4.4 point well what elemental officially supports advanced custom fit version 5 version 5 is in early access but is quite easy to update to so I will do that now I will hover over appearance and click on editor here we need to add this very simple line of code from the advanced cast of this website here on the right side I need to click on theme functions which is the function that PHP file I will now scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and paste in our code right here the first part is just a comment so we know what we’ve pasted it and here is the actual code which is defined advanced custom fields early access to version 5 so I will now click on update file the file was edited successfully so I will return to our plugins and now we can see we have the option to update or transpose of this version 5 so I hope you can update now and there’s one more thing left to do so I will go to the dashboard here and click on home and now advanced custom fields asks us to upgrade our database so I’ll just click on upgrade database and I will click on ok here that base upgrade was complete so I will return to my plugins and our setup is all done so now we can start creating our website we will first create a custom post type a custom taxonomy in the custom post type UI plug-in followed by some custom fields using the advanced custom fields plug-in after that we will create the archive to display all the movies as well as the single template display the movie including the custom fields using elementals pro theme builder let’s start with our custom post type I will hover here over CPT UI and click on add/edit cost times on this page we need to provide some basic information about our custom post type the first thing being the post type slug which is the internal name WordPress uses for our custom post type and the slug should contain no spaces and it should be lowercase so I will name it movie the next thing that we need to fill in is the plural and singular label so I will name the movies and movie now I will scroll down the page and here we don’t need to worry about any of those those are just some labels and the defaults are perfectly fine here in the settings we need to change some stuff the first one and it’s very important we have to change this has archived from false to true so we can build an archive for this custom post type if this is false we can build our card good now I also want here for the money I can’t paste in this which is the item for our custom post type that will display here in the left side and also I want to make sure that here the featured image is sticked on because we want to be able to provide an image for our custom post type and I will click here add post on and you can see on the left side that our custom post type movies was added and if I click on on movies this is right now empty and the next thing that I want to do is create a custom taxonomy for our movies custom post type text enemies are like tags or like categories but we would provide different name and for us is going to be movie Chandra’s so I will again hover over see ptui here and click on add/edit economist and you can see this screen is pretty similar to the one used to create a custom post type so for the taxonomy slug I will write movie genres with an underscore and with lowercase letters and for the plural labels going to be movie Chandra’s again and for the singular labor is going to be movie Shinra now we need to attach it to a post type and I will attach it to our movies custom post type here again we don’t need to worry about the labels and all the defaults are perfectly fine here and the settings are also perfectly fine soil people attacks only and now if I hover over movies here on the Left sidebar we can see we have our own fish on rice here that are currently empty so now we can go ahead and create our custom fields on the Left sidebar I will hover over custom fields and click on fill groups you can see that right now we have no existing field so I’ll click on the add new button here at the top and the first thing that we need to do is name or fill group so I will call it movie fields and we’ll now start adding our fields here target on add field button and our first field is going to be the trainer link so we can display the trailer on the front end if you take a look onto the right side of the screen you will be able to see how this will look like in the final template the being said I will label this as trailer link I will press tab to go to the field name which is this slot and you can see that it was automatically filled in by WordPress so we don’t need to worry about that now for the fluid type I will change it from text to URL here we don’t need to worry about making it required or about conditional logic so I will just click your own closed field now I can click on add field to add the next one the second one is going to be the plot which is a short description about the movie again on the right side of the screen you can see how this will look like on the front end so I will name this now plot again I’ll press tab to fill in this slug automatically and for the field type I will select text area because that’s a small paragraph and it’s better than a single line here for the rows we can change it to 4 so it’s a bit smaller and I will close this field up the next one is going to be our IMDB rating so I will click on add field and you can see how this will look like on the front end we will pair this field up with an item box widget to have a very nice visual way of displaying beyond liberated so I will name this field writing and for the field type I will change it to number here and I will select a meaning value of 0 and the maximum value of 10 and I will toast this field up now I’ll create the other fields of phosphorus we know a certain of time with them and then we’ll continue the tutorial so we now have olive oil fields in place but before publishing them we need to scroll down here and you can see for the location rules right now show this fill group if the post type is equal to post but we want to only display it on our movies so I will change it to post type is equal to movie from here now the settings down here are perfectly fine for us so I will scroll up and click on publish now if I hover over movies and click on add new you can see that our fields are down here displayed on this creating a screen but before actually creating any movies I will first go down to movie genres and I will create that first so I’ll start with the first movie genre which is going to be action so here under name and we write action and then I will click on add new movie genre to add it and you can see that the slug was filled in automatically by WordPress so we don’t need to worry about writing it down on if you want to have it different from the name the next genre is adventure so again I will just write venture and click on add new movie genre and it goes like this for all of them so I will quickly create them on phosphorus we don’t waste time with this ok so now we have a bunch of movie genres and we can continue creating our first movie so I’ll go here under movies and I’ll click on add new I’ll start by writing down the title which is gravity and also the ear puzzle third thing then I will paste in the content here we will continue with the movie fields I will placed in the trailer link I’ll paste in the plot this movie has a rating of seven point seven so I will include that I’ve also placed in the code the country is UK and USA I’ll input now the director the writers the stars and now for the words this movie 1/7 was first here let’s make this an uppercase Co abyss and for the duration it has one hour and back up and for the movie genres I will click here and search for drama sci-fi and thriller and I’ll add those in here I will also scroll back here and click on set featured image and I already have some images uploaded and I will choose the one for this movie which is this gravity and I will click on set featured image and now I can click on publish here now if I visit this movie you will be able to see that the page was created but we are not displaying any custom fields because by default our theme and WordPress does not display custom field so that’s where element or singular comes into play allowing us to have a really nice and beautiful way to display our custom fields that being said I will return back to the dashboard and I will create a bunch of other movies so we have what to work with I’ll be back in a second and we now have a bunch of movies so we can go ahead and start creating our archive so I will now hover over Elementor and click on my templates to start creating them you can see we have the header and the footer in here that I’ve already created so we don’t need to worry about those I will come here at the top and click on add new now our new template screen is up and for the type of template we want to work on I will click here and select on archive and I will also name my template so it’s easier to find in the list perfect and now I will click on create template now Elementor is loaded up and the library panel is already opened on the blocks for the archive but we don’t want to use them so I will just close them up the first thing that I want to do is open up the navigator and for that I can find your come down here and click on navigator or just right-click on the page the navigator now we have here in this tunnel and I will drag it to the right side of the screen until this blue bar comes up and I will release the mouse button to pin it in place perfect now the next thing that I want to do is set up the preview for this archive so I’ll come down here and click on the eyeball icon and click on settings and right now you can see it says preview dynamic content as recent posts we don’t want that we want to preview as our movie so I will click here and click movies archive and then I click apply and preview now I’ve already set my colors also so if I click here on the hamburger icon and click on the color picker you can see that I have this yellow and this dark blue color that I’ve already set for our design so now we can return to the widgets panel and we can start creating our design so the first thing that I want to do is add a new section here I will choose a single column section and for this section settings we want to leave this box I want it to be 600 pixels wide also for the height I want to click here and set a minimum height and I will make it style tab and here for the background type I will choose classic and then I will click here to choose an image this is the image that I want so I hope you just insert media then I will change the position from default to Center Center and I will also change the size from default to cover so we can see more of the image next I will click on the background overlay and here for the background type I will choose classic and for the color I will go with black but I will reduce a bit the opacity somewhere around here about half and then here we can also leave this opacity at 0.5 now the next thing that I want to do is drag in a search widget inside of this section so I’ll return to the widgets panel and I will search for a petite search widget we have this search form so I will drag it inside the skin is going to stay on classic this placeholder is searched for the button we want it to be icon and on the magnifying glass like it is right now I will increase the size of the icon from 50 to 60 to make it a bit bigger the I will move over to the style tab and start styling this little bit so for the text color I will do ba ba ba which is a light gray color here then for the background color I will do white for the border color I will come here and choose this darker gray which is seven a seven a seven eight I will do the border size here the button and for the text color I will choose again the 7 a 7 a 7 a 1 and for the background color I will choose our yellow color like this perfect so you can now see that our search is done I will now scroll down the page and click the plus sign to add a new section again I want it to be one column I will leave here the defaults I will just go to the style tab and make sure that our background color is white like this then I will lift the Advanced tab and for the padding I will earning these values here I will move to the percentage and I will do a 3% padding to the top and to the bottom now inside of this section I first want to add a heading so I will return to the widgets panel and I will add a heading inside and right here movies then I’ll go over to the style tab and for the text color I will choose our dark blue color like this and for typography I can leave everything as default except the size which is going to be 35 pixels so it’s a bit smaller now under this I want to add the archived posts widget so I’ll go back to the widgets panel and I’ll take this one archive post from here and drag it under also I want to close this up the previous settings because we don’t need it so I’ll take again on the eyeball icon to hide it now here you can see we have our movies but we want to change it a bit the setting so they look a bit nicer sue first the skin is going to stay on classic for the columns I’m gonna change from 3 to 4 columns the image position can stay on top we want to change the image size to medium large so the images are nice then I’ll change the image ratio to 1.52 and leave the image with at 100% well I’ll scroll down here and I want to remove the excerpt I also want to remove the date and comments from here and the read more button so we only want to see the image and the title of the movie here then I will go to the style tab here and for the Cullens gap I want it to be 55 and for the rows gap I want it to be for it good now under image spacing here I want to change it from 20 to 16 so the title is a bit closer up to the image and also I’ll go here under content and for the title for the color I will change it to our dark blue color and this is how it looks right now so all that’s left to do is to publish this template so I’ll come down here and click on publish and you can see we have our display condition screen here I will click on add condition and right now it says it wants to include all archives we don’t want that we only want include our movie archives so I will click on here because you have moved this archive and we have movies archives and movie genres we want it for the minis archive I will click here and then I will click on publish and right now our archive is lime so I can go back to the dashboard now now I can go ahead here and visit the website I’ll take your old movies and you can see that our archive template is live so we have our movies here now if I click on one of the movies this is what we currently have because we have to build our single template to display all cast of films so I will return to the dashboard now I will go here under element or my template and again I’ll click on add new this time here I will select a single template and you see we have a new input here for the post types royalty here and I will choose movie for our post type and that also name our template so it’s easier to find and I will click on create template once again the library panel is automatically open we don’t need that so I will close it up I’ll also make navigator a bit smaller here so we have a bit more space to work with and I’ll start by adding the first section so I’ll click the plus sign here and select a one column section now in the section settings I want this to be boxed I have a width of 1080 pixels I also want to change here the height to mean height and do 680 pixels like this make sure the column position is set to middle and now I can go to the style tab here for the background type I will take here on gradient and I’ll go ahead and set my first color which is going to be zero five one seven two one like this then for the second color we want to input the same hex code zero five one seven two one and then just come here and lighten it a little bit so it’s a very subtle gradient here the location and type is okay as well as the angle so this is the background now I’ll come down here to the shape divider I will click on this and for the bottom shape divider I will select tilt perfect exactly what you need also I’ll come here to the Navigator double click on this section here and name this background so we stay really nice and organized then I’ll scroll down the page click on the plus sign again and I want to add a new section this time up to columns section I’ll go to the first column here and choose the column width of 86 percent leaving the second one on to add is the post title widgets will go here on the widgets panel and I’ll drag in the post title widget here now I will go on your style here and for typography I will change this from fun community for to Tahoma I’ll make the size 40 pixels choose a line height of 1.3 and under advanced I will put a padding bottom of 25 pixels here now under this I want to drag the video widget so I’ll go back here and on search for video and I’ll drag it inside of here for the URL I will click here on the dynamic link scroll all the way down and choose a CF URL club then I will click on here and for our key I will select the trailer link and you can see now that our trailer is visible on the front end now under this I want to add a inner section widget so I’ll go to the widgets panel and take the inner section and drag it under the video widget I’ll go on a first column here and change it to select the section and go under advanced and I will link the margin values here and put a 50 pixels market top like this now in the first column I want to drag in a heading widget so I will go here Twitter’s panel and drag in the heading widget here I will click on the dynamic link scroll all the way down and choose a CF field from here then for the key I will set here the plot you can see we have our movie plot here displayed now we have to style this so I’ll go under the style tab for the text color I will choose a gray color which is 5 4 5 9 5 F like this then for typography I want the size to be 17 pixels a width of 300 the style italic the base line height of 1.6 and the letter spacing of 0.5 very nice now into the second column I want to drag in an icon box widget so I was first for it and I’ll drag it inside of here the first thing that I want to do is get rid of the description because we don’t need it so I’ll delete it then I’ll change the icon position to write like this next I’ll change the icon from this star to IMDB we can leave the view on default and then here for the title I will click on the dynamic link scroll all the way down a CF field and for the key I will choose the right thinking so we have our rating displayed now it’s time to style this so I’ll go honors to the style tab for the primary color I will change this to our dark blue color spacing is going to be 19 and we will have a size of 55 done under content here for the title color I will do again our dark blue color and under typography here I will do a line height of 1.8 like this now to the right column over here I will add our share buttons widget so I will search for that and I will drag them in we only want to display Facebook Google+ and Twitter so I’ll get rid of the LinkedIn one then I’ll change the view from icon and text to just icon the skin can stay on gradient for the shape I want to change it to a circle I’ll change here the column from auto to sure the column gap and row gap is set to 10 and the color is the official color now I want to go under advanced here and do a march on top of 100 pixels to pull them down a bit like this now I will go to this column over here and under advanced for the marching I want to do a 80 pixels margin to the left like this now I also want to close our tree here and double-click on this section and call it hero Val from these section settings I want to go under advanced and under marching here I will do a 50 pixels marching to the bottom and for the top we will do – 600 pixels so I will go to minus 6 and do 2 zeros and now you can see the tower sections are overlaid on top of each other and we can come here to the title and change the color from this blue color to white then under this I will add a new section it’s going to be a one-color section again hope for the content width we’ll leave it at box and do 1280 pixels here then I will search for the divider widget and drag it inside of this column I’ll change the style to doubt it a waste of one color black with 100% and gap 15 so that’s all we need for this section then under this I will add a new section this time again up to column section for the left column here I will change the column width to 70% so we have 70% and 30% on the other then on this section here I’ll go under advanced and under padding I will do 45 pixels to the top to have more important link here then here on the first column I will add in a heading widget again I’ll tick on the dynamic link scroll all the way down to the ACF field and for the key I will choose the code then we can style these widgets while go under style for the text color I’ll do our dark blue color and under typography I’ll change the font family to laptop set a size of 56 pixels a weight of 900 I’ll set the line height to 1.2 and I will also go under advanced and under margin I will put 30 pixels to the bottom like this under this heading widget I want to drag in the post content so I’ll go back to the widgets panel and I’ll drag in this post content widget here and you can see it returns our content for this movie the default are perfectly fine for this we don’t need to change any of those now under this I’ll drag in again a intersection I’ll make the first one 25% leaving the second one 75% then in the section settings here I will change the columns gap to no gap I will also go under advanced and I will do a 40 pixels margin to the top and the bottom and I will do a 4% padding all around lays like this now I’ll go under style and for the background type I’m gonna choose classic and set a color here which is ef ef ef which is this light gray color here then I’ll go here under border I will choose border type solid that I will I’ll link the values here because we only want to set a bottom border and here for the bottom I will put true and for the color our dark blue color now here in the first column I want to drag in the featured image widget so I’ll go back to the widgets panel and you can see we have here the featured image with it and I’ll drag it inside and we now have our movies featured image here then for the second column I’ll come here and I’ll do content position to the middle I’ll also go under advanced and I will do a 30 pixels padding to the left inside of this column I will drag in a heading widget and I’ll go over to the style tab change the color to our dark blue color for typography I will change the font family to laptop size 19 pixels a weight of 700 and 1,000 for line height now I want to have six more copies of this so I have 7 in total what I can do is either right click here and click on duplicate work just press ctrl or command D on the keyboard to duplicate them now I’ll go here to this column again and for the widget space I’ll change it to 10 pixels so we bring them a bit more together and now we can start adding the dynamic link to all these headings Europe so also that the first one here I’ll click on the dynamic link choose a CF field and for the key I will choose the country now I’ll – here under advanced and I will do before I’ll write country comment and space so we have a label for our key here then I’ll skip the second one because that’s a bit different and we’ll return to it later I will go straight to the third one here and I’ll take here on the dynamic link again choose a CF field and this time for the key I will select the director and again under advanced I’ll write director and a comma and a space now I’ll do the other four on fast-forward and then I’ll return to the second one because that’s a bit different than the others okay so now we have all of our fields in place except of the second one so I’ll click on back and I’ll take again on the dynamic link but this time instead of come to the ACF field I come here the top and click on post terms then here for the key I will change the taxonomy from tags to movie genres and you can see we have our envision dress here and I’ll change the separator a bit to space pipe space now go under advanced and I’ll write here genres before perfect now we have a very nice-looking section here displaying all of our movie information and featured image under this I want to add a possibility to add comments so I’ll go back to the widgets panel and I search for facebook comments and I’ll drag them inside of the page and you can see attract this widget above our section here and if I want to move it under I can just click here and drag to move it under there but with a new navigator here I can just connect this inner section and then take it and move it above our facebook comments to swap places that’s a really nice way of moving stuff around now all that’s left to do is fill in the right column here so I’ll scroll to the top here and I will drag in a heading widget here I’ll write latest movies I’ll go on your style change the color to our dark blue color and for typography here I will do the font family Tahoma I’ll make it 40 pixels then I’ll go under advanced and for padding I will do 10 pixels padding to the bottom now I want to select this big column here and under advanced I will do 40 pixels padding to the right like this and then for the right column here the smaller one I’ll go again under advanced and this time I’ll go to 90 pixels padding to the left so we have a bit more space here between our sections then here I will drag in a post widget so I’m gonna search for it this one posts I will drag it inside and right now you can see that it tries to bring back results from the default WordPress post we don’t want that so I’ll come here to the left side scroll down and click on query then I’ll change the source from posts to movies we can leave it here order by date descending we want to exclude the current post and we also want to tick on avoiding duplicate so I have no duplicate movies here now we can go ahead and style this I’ll go under layout here the skin can stay on classic for columns we want to change it to one column here that post per page are going to be three of them in its position top in size medium large then here for the image ratio I will do one point 50 with 100% and now here I will disable the excerpt to read more button and the date and comments so we only have the image and the title here then I’ll go here over the style tab columns gap 30 rows gap 30 again and under content I will change the title color to our dark blue color and we’re done our template is done you can see how it looks right now I will also close this up and you can see we have here at the top to title the trailer the social icons as well as the plot and I only be writing the code our latest movies the content and the movie information with the comments underneath the only thing that’s left to do is to publish this template so I’ll expand this and click here down at publish you can now see the display condition screen came up and because when we’ve created distemper’d we’ve already chose our movies custom post type the conditions are automated is set to include all movies all so all we have to do is just click on publish and our document is live so we can now go to the dashboard here and we can once again visit our website I will take here on movies and if I scroll down you can see our movie grid like before but this time if I click on one of the movies you can see that our template is like with the title at the top the trailer here social sharing buttons the plot and IMDB writing our code the post content as well as our box here with the movie image and some information the ability to add comments under that and the sidebar with our latest movies that being said this was my advanced custom fields and Elementor tutorial I really hope you enjoyed it and you learn something new out of it if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment box below thanks for watching and I’ll see you all soon

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Side Hustles

Side Hustles For All

Home Side Hustle Basics Get Paid to Review Movies

4 Ways to Get Paid to Review Movies (Plus Tips to Get Started)

November 11, 2023

Written by:

Jessica Norris

Jessica is a writer for SideHustles.com. Her side hustles include freelance academic writing and editing, which she's done for...

Startup Time

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Watching movies is a great way to unwind after a long day at work. But what if you could also make money while indulging in your film habit?

If you have strong feelings about the Ghostbusters reboot or the latest Tarantino film, your movie-related opinions could make you money. Read on to find out how to turn reviewing movies into a profitable side hustle.

01. The 4 best strategies to make money reviewing movies

We look at four ways to get paid for publishing movie reviews across different outlets and platforms

You can get a movie-reviewing side hustle going with one of these four strategies:

1. Submit movie reviews to websites

There are a lot of sites that allow freelancers to write movie reviews for them. As with most of the other ways to make money writing , you don’t need any special qualifications to do this; you just need writing talent and something to say.

To get your start, you’ll want to have a writing portfolio. If you’ve never written professionally before, whip up a couple of sample pieces to showcase. Selling your first review may be difficult, but the more you publish, the easier it will become to get gigs as you gain recognition among editors and media outlets.

You can try pitching to any of these websites, all of which work with freelancers:

Screen Rant

What it is: Screen Rant is an entertainment website that publishes reviews of movies, TV shows, video games, and more.

How to apply: You can apply on the Screen Rant site to join their ranks of freelance writers for TV and movie features (including movie reviews).

Pay: Screen Rant doesn’t specify their rate per article, but online reports cite rates of $5–$20 .

What it is: Cineaste is a quarterly magazine that’s all about the art and politics of cinema. It publishes various types of film-related content, including movie reviews and DVD and Blu-ray reviews (both of new and vintage/classic films).

How to apply: The Cineaste website gives detailed guidelines on how to write your review, along with instructions on how to submit it .

Pay: Cineaste pays $18–$45 per piece (depending on the type of review you submit).

Cultured Vultures

What it is: Cultured Vultures is a British pop culture website. It features content about movies as well as TV, gaming, and more.

How to apply: Film reviews are among the types of content writers can submit; you can find instructions on how to submit your writing on the Cultured Vultures website.

Pay: The pay starts from a base rate of £5 (approximately $6 ) per article with bonuses for every 200 views you get.

Taste of Cinema

What it is: Taste of Cinema is a website for movie lists and reviews, with a focus on world cinema and classics.

How to apply: To indicate that you’re interested in writing for Taste of Cinema, follow the instructions on the website (which tell you who to email and what information to include in your message).

Pay: Unfortunately, Taste of Cinema doesn’t specify how much it pays. You can ask for more details about their rates when you apply.

What it is: HubPages is an online platform where you can publish articles and create your own pages on various topics—including movies.

How to apply: It’s free to sign up for HubPages. You can then earn money from ads that appear in your content.

Pay: Regarding pay, HubPages says, “ You are not likely to see significant earnings from your articles for up to two years (and that’s two years spent writing high-quality articles on HubPages). When you do begin to see regular payouts, they are likely to be in a range of $50 to $100 a month .”

What it is: Bustle is an online women’s magazine. It publishes TV and movie reviews, as well as other articles on many different topics, such as books, celebrities, music, wellness, fashion, and so on.

How to apply: The Bustle website has specific guidelines on how to write a pitch for the publication. You can send movie review pitches to [email protected] .

Pay: Bustle doesn’t specify how much it pays freelancers. Anecdotal reports cite rates of $50–$200 per article .

Animation Arena

What it is: Animation Arena is a site for people who want to work in the animation, video game, and visual effects industries. The site publishes reviews of movies, video games, comic books, and animation books.

How to apply: The Animation Arena site provides detailed instructions on how to apply , including the email you can use to send them your pitch ( [email protected] ).

Pay: The pay per review is $15 (and you can only publish up to 10 reviews per month).

Cracked.com

What it is: Cracked is a website featuring funny videos, pictures, articles, and more. They have a section on movies and TV, which includes movie reviews.

How to apply: You can send a pitch to [email protected] .

Pay: Articles pay between $100 and $250 , based on length and the number of pieces you’ve written.

What it is: Medium is an open platform where anyone can publish articles, personal essays, stories, opinions, and (of course) movie reviews.

How to apply: To write for Medium, you don’t have to apply or go through a vetting process; you can just sign up and start writing.

Pay: Medium doesn’t pay per article, but has a “partner program” that pays you according to the time people spend reading your stories. Reports suggest that on average, you’ll get paid around $5 per thousand views on your articles, but this heavily depends on how much people engage with them (if they get bored quickly and hit the back button, you won’t make much at all).

2. Write for a newspaper

Instead of writing for an online publication, you can apply to be a movie reviewer for a local or regional newspaper. To land this type of work, follow these steps:

• Research newspapers: First, look for local newspapers (ideally in your city or state) that have a regular movie review section or a dedicated arts and entertainment section.
• Read existing reviews: Study the style and format of movie reviews published in the newspapers you’re interested in writing for. Pay attention to their tone, length, and content.
• Find contact information: Get the contact information for the entertainment or arts editor of the newspapers you’re interested in. This information should be available on the paper’s website or in the print edition.
• Prepare your pitch: Write a concise and compelling pitch expressing your interest in writing movie reviews for the newspaper. Mention your relevant experience and passion for cinema.
• Submit a portfolio: If you have any previous experience writing movie reviews (or other similar work), compile your pieces into a portfolio and include it with your pitch.

In theory, you can also use this approach to apply to work for national papers (like The New York Times or the Washington Post), but you’ll have a tough road ahead of you. Major newspapers usually only hire established movie reviewers with very strong portfolios. If that’s your goal, it isn’t impossible, but you’ll probably have to spend a long time working your way up.

3. Start a movie review blog

Another way to make money from your movie reviews is to start your own blog. This will give you more creative freedom than writing for another publication.

Blogging is also a good way to build your reputation as a movie reviewer. Even if you don’t actually plan to use your blog to make money, you can bulk up your portfolio substantially.

How to set up a movie review blog

It’s possible to start a blog for free, but if you want a domain name, you’ll need to spend a bit of money to get one. Many platforms provide all-in-one services, including a hosting account and domain name registration, along with website-building tools.

• Squarespace

Once you have your blog set up, you’ll have to do the following:

• Attract readers: To make money from your blog, you’ll need an audience. You can do this by using search engine optimization (SEO), which makes it easier for people to find and visit your website, by promoting your blog on social media, and by producing high-quality content.
• Monetize your posts: There are various ways to monetize your blog , such as selling advertising space (e.g., using Google Ads or Media.net ) or asking for donations, which you can set up by using a donation button or a crowdfunding platform like Patreon .

4. Start a movie review YouTube channel

As mentioned, not all movie reviews are written down. If you have a good voice or a compelling camera presence, you can always film them instead.

For inspiration, you can look at some of the many popular YouTube channels that feature movie reviews, such as:

• Jeremy Jahns
• Chris Stuckmann
• Mr Sunday Movies
• Jack’s Movie Reviews
• kermodeandmayo

You can use a YouTube channel to make money in much the same way you’d use a blog—by featuring advertisements, using affiliate links, or seeking sponsorship. These options will allow you to generate passive income from your YouTube videos.

02. How much do movie reviewers make?

Learn how much you can make as a movie reviewer and which factors might affect your earnings

As a movie reviewer or movie critic, you won’t usually be paid an hourly wage or monthly salary. You might be paid by the word or per article, per view (if you’re working with online platforms that track viewership), or per click (if you’re using affiliate marketing).

To give you a rough idea of how much you can earn, the rates paid by the online publications we listed above range from about $5 to $200 per article . They’ll usually pay at the lower end of the scale if you have little or no experience.

If you choose to work for yourself (by starting a blog or a YouTube channel), your earnings will entirely depend on how popular your content is. In the beginning, you shouldn’t expect to make any money at all, but if your site takes off, you may eventually be able to earn thousands of dollars per month.

03. Tips to help you make money reviewing movies

Find out which skills and resources you can use to make money from your movie reviews

If you’re starting your own blog or YouTube channel, you may need to use only some of these ideas. If you want to submit your movie reviews to magazines, film websites, or other publications, all of the following tips will be helpful.

Study the film industry

An understanding of the film industry and the filmmaking process will provide context and background for your movie reviews, helping you to craft more informed and thoughtful pieces.

You can learn how to analyze and rate movies by studying the industry, how movies are made, what role filmmakers play, and other aspects of the filmmaking process.

Cultivate movie-reviewing skills

As we’ve mentioned, you would once have needed great writing skills to be good at reviewing movies. However, you can now just as easily deliver your reviews in video format.

To make videos, you’ll need good verbal communication skills (and video editing skills, unless you plan on hiring someone to help you with that).

You’ll also need other soft skills to get good at reviewing movies. For example, you’ll need attention to detail to analyze all of the different aspects of a movie critically (e.g., the plot, character development, and cinematography).

The more you practice all of these skills, the better you’ll get. As you might expect, the best way to improve is to:

• Watch different types of movies
• Discuss the movies you watch with others
• Read and watch other people’s movie reviews and critiques
• Write or record your own reviews
• Stay up to date on the latest releases and trends in the film industry

Establish an online presence

If you’re planning to share your reviews mainly through your blog or YouTube channel (or if you plan on writing for Medium, which will pay you based on the popularity of your content), your online presence will be key for your income.

You can use social media platforms to amplify your online presence, share your reviews, and engage with your audience. In addition to the main social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, you can also look for more niche sites that focus specifically on film. In particular, check out Letterboxd , which is a social media platform that bills itself as being specifically for film lovers.

Build a great portfolio

As you’ve probably gathered, your portfolio is one of the most important tools you have for showcasing your talents to potential clients and employers.

Your portfolio should include a carefully curated selection of your best movie reviews, covering a diverse range of films from various genres, eras, and styles. It should also feature:

• A personal bio
• Social media and blog links
• Contact details

As we’ve mentioned, a film review blog can be a great addition to a portfolio, even if your main ambition is to write for established publications like film websites and magazines. Naturally, if you have any published work under your belt, link to that as well.

Use job sites to look for gigs

We’ve already mentioned a few publications that you can scope out for opportunities. You can also look for gigs on freelancer sites like:

You may be able to find clients on there who are looking to start film-related publications of their own and need content from writers like you.

You can also check out regular job sites like FlexJobs , Indeed , and ZipRecruiter . Keep an eye out to see if any newspapers or magazines put out a call for film reviewers.

You can often find opportunities by networking with people in the same field. When you’re starting out as a movie reviewer, look to network with:

• Established reviewers
• Movie critics
• Editors of movie-related publications
• Other people in the film industry

You can connect with these people through social media and also by attending film festivals, screenings, film clubs, or other events.

04. Other ways to get paid to watch movies

Mystery shopper sites and movie focus groups will sometimes pay you to watch movies in the theater or at home

The following opportunities won’t pay you to produce reviews per se. However, they might pay you (or offer other incentives such as free movie tickets) to watch movies and then complete questionnaires or participate in discussions about your experience.

Mystery shopper sites

Mystery shopper sites like the ones below sometimes feature opportunities to get paid for going to the theater:

• Amusement Advantage

For this type of gig, you’ll usually have to watch the movie and then complete a questionnaire on your experience, sharing your thoughts on the comfort of the theater and the customer service provided by the staff.

Movie focus groups

A movie focus group is a group of people from the general public who watch a movie in advance of the official release and provide feedback on whether they enjoyed it. These groups are usually recruited by movie studios, streaming platforms, or market research companies.

If you join a movie focus group, you may have the chance to attend in-person screenings, but you might also have to watch movies at home (online). Each screening will usually be followed by a discussion, interview, or questionnaire.

Note that movie focus groups don’t always pay. For example, the Netflix Preview Club doesn’t offer any incentives other than the opportunity to watch new Netflix content before the general public gets to. You also can’t join this group without an invitation from Netflix (which they extend to people based on their viewing behavior and other factors).

However, paid opportunities do exist. Here are some sites that sometimes post opportunities to join movie focus groups:

• Survey Junkie
• Focus Group
• FocusGroups.org

This type of side hustle isn’t mutually exclusive with an actual reviewing gig, of course. You can always use it to make a bit of extra money and see more films while waiting for a publication to hire you as a critic (or for your movie review blog to get off the ground).

Robert Jellison

Managing Editor

Robert is a writer and editor for SideHustles.com. He has 7+ years of experience in freelance writing and previously worked as the in-house editor for Compose.ly, a platform for remote and part-time writers.

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20 Best WordPress Movie Themes (Expert Picks for 2024)

Quick Summary ↪ This article lists the top WordPress movie review themes, including Newsmag, MagPlus, and Blockbuster. Find out what to look for in an ideal theme, and why we recommend Astra for its flexibility, Starter Templates and integration with page builders and other WordPress plugins.

If you’re planning to launch an online movie database like IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes, this article will help.

We’ve listed the best WordPress movie review themes to try in 2024.

These themes are designed for movie studios, bloggers, TV shows, movie reviews and film-oriented websites, but you can adapt them for almost any use.

Each showcases stunning elements, beautiful designs, and includes a user-friendly approach to help you create a unique movie review website.

So, without further delay, let us share what we think is the best movie review WordPress themes collection.

If this will be your first website, don’t forget to read our guide on making a WordPress website .

10. Leitmotif

List of best wordpress movie themes.

If you’re short on time, pick any of these best 5 movie WordPress themes from the list below.

We have scoured the internet looking for the best movie themes for WordPress. Let’s check them out.

Astra is one of the best WordPress themes around that delivers professional designs and ease of use. The theme is lightweight and has been downloaded by over 1.8 million users.

Astra is our in-house theme rated five stars based on 5,681+ genuine user reviews. It’s not just a theme but a collection of website templates. Install Astra, choose a suitable template, and import all content with a few clicks.

You will have an exceptional opportunity to use modern design with a drag and drop page builder to create a movie review website.

The theme is fully compatible with most WordPress plugins and works seamlessly with WooCommerce.

Astra theme is compatible with Elementor , Beaver Builder , and Gutenberg, the WordPress block editor .

Create an eye-catching website for any niche with Astra in no time!

Recommended Astra’s templates:

• News website templates and designs

Pros of Astra:

• Free WordPress theme comes with lots of customization options
• Responsive design and retina ready
• SEO compatibility
• 230+ readymade Starter Templates
• Compatible with Gutenberg

Cons of Astra:

• It requires a slight learning curve because it’s packed with a lot of features!

Astra Pricing

Astra is free to use with a premium version starting from $49 €45 per year.

MagPlus is a simple magazine and review theme. You can use this theme to create any kind of magazine, newspaper, or blog website, including for movies.

The theme is responsive and compatible with Elementor that gives you complete control over your site. The professionally designed templates allow you to install demos easily with a single click.

The theme is optimized for SEO and can help to rank your website in search engine results. You can also start your website quickly because MagPlus offers an extensive library of professionally designed 40+ demos.

Pros of MagPlus:

• Fully responsive
• Translation ready
• Supports WordPress Live Customizer
• WPML and RTL ready
• SEO optimized theme

Cons of MagPlus

• Lacks detailed tutorials for beginners

MagPlus Pricing

It’s a premium theme costing $59 per year.

3. Blockbuster

Blockbuster is a product review theme suitable for movies and television shows. The theme has the ability to show movie reviews along with a ratings and comments system.

Blockbuster is perfect for reviewers, commentators, movie critics, and TV fans.

The theme comprises useful movie review website features including space for banner ads, a slider section to display movie posters, a product description area, and a rating system. It has everything you need!

Pros of Blockbuster:

• Author bio and social profile uploader
• Multiple dropdown menus
• Cross browser compatibility
• Built-in SEO
• Fully WPML ready

Cons of Blockbuster:

• No trial version available

Blockbuster Pricing

Blockbuster is a premium theme costing $79 per year.

Noxe is a movie studio and filmmaker WordPress theme. The theme is designed to be lightweight and loads quickly, which is exactly the qualities we look for.

You can build a unique movie website with Noxe because it’s easily customizable thanks to page builder compatibility.

Noxe is a multipurpose and beginner-friendly WordPress theme . Users can quickly discover your content with advanced menu and navigation features. It’s also integrated with IMDb API connection, so you can automatically get the movie and TV shows IMDb ratings.

Pros of Noxe:

• Compatible with WPBakery page builder and Gutenberg
• RTL and LTR support
• 18+ homepage templates
• Slider and media integrations

Cons of Noxe:

• No free version

Noxe Pricing

Noxe is a premium theme available for $59 per year.

Extra is a colorful magazine WordPress theme that comes with Divi page builder compatibility. The theme gives you complete control over the design of your entire website.

The theme supports parallax scrolling and you can quickly adjust fonts, sizes, colors, and spacing with just a few clicks. No coding skills required!

Pros of Extra:

• Fast and easy customizable
• WooCommerce ready
• Beautiful portfolio pages
• Advanced Mega Menus
• Responsive WordPress theme

Cons of Extra:

• The theme comes in a bundle and you can’t purchase a single theme

Extra Pricing

Extra is a premium theme available for $89 per year.

MagXP is an attractive WordPress theme packed with lots of customization options. The theme has 10 different homepage layouts, 16 powerful widgets, different pagination types, parallax scrolling effects, and unlimited color options.

MagXP comes with WooCommerce support and never makes your visitors wait with its speed optimization feature. It is a fully responsive WordPress theme and AdSense optimized too.

Pros of MagXP:

• Flexible and lightweight theme
• Dozens of customization options
• Search engine optimized
• 590+ Font Awesome icons
• Translation-ready theme

Cons of MagXP:

• Limited number of templates to select from

MagXP Pricing

MagXP is a premium theme available for $49 per year.

Newsmag is a fantastic WordPress theme with a vast collection of specially designed templates for news , a personal blog, magazine, and review websites. The theme is easy to use and could be ideal for a movie website.

Using more than 100+ elements, you can build your movie content however you like.

Elements include background effects, a touch-friendly slider, an integrated translation panel, a video thumbnail downloader, footer styles and other features that help you create a beautiful website.

Pros of Newsmag:

• Smart content blocks
• Flexible layouts for each template
• Font Awesome 4 Menu plugin compatibility
• Responsive ads support
• GIF animation and translation support

Cons of Newsmag:

• No free version available

Newsmag Pricing

Newsmag is a premium theme costing $49 per year.

8. Newspaperss

Newspaperss is a great WordPress theme for review blogs, magazines, and publishers, so would work well for movies. The theme is designed with the mobile-first approach, so your website seamlessly adapts to different screen sizes.

Newspaperss is a simple and flexible theme that can turn any website into a creative website . It will take a little effort, but the results could be well worth it!

Pros of Newspaperss:

• Clean and modern design
• Custom post widget options
• Easy to customize
• SEO friendly
• Stylish content sections

Cons of Newspaperss:

• The theme was last updated on July 2021

Newspaperss Pricing

Newspaperss is available for free.

Spool is an excellent theme for movie studios and filmmakers. The theme offers a movie-oriented template allowing you to build a responsive WordPress website.

It is compatible with WooCommerce and WPBakery plugins. Its readymade demos let you showcase the best version of your movie content online. And, as it’s fully responsive, your website will look great on all devices.

Pros of Spool:

• Fast loading pages
• Modern and classic design
• Responsive theme
• Compatible with leading plugins
• Easy customization

Cons of Spool:

• Needs more customization than some other themes

Spool Pricing

Spool is a premium theme available for $59 per year.

The Leitmotif theme is a classic movie and production house theme. Using dozens of elements, you can showcase your amazing movie content online. This flexible theme offers practical features for all film-oriented websites.

Its easy-to-use and powerful user admin interface lets you create an interactive website. It has tons of elements and practical features for movies, film festivals, and filmmakers, with Leitmotif you get it all!

Pros of Leitmotif:

• Variety of animated slides
• Huge collection of custom shortcodes
• 800+ Google fonts
• Compatible with leading page builder
• SEO and retina-ready

Cons of Leitmotif:

Leitmotif Pricing

Leitmotif costs $85 per year.

Divi easily secures a place in our best movie review WordPress themes list. The theme’s movie theater template is designed with excellent color palettes and layouts.

Divi loads your website fast, enhancing the user experience and helping your site to score well on speed results. The theme is 100% responsive so your site appears great across all devices too.

Pros of Divi:

• User-friendly theme
• Modern design
• Compatible with leading page builders

Cons of Divi:

• Divi is slightly more expensive than other themes available on the list

Divi Pricing

Divi is available for $89 per year.

12. Interactive

Your search for eye-catching magazine WordPress themes ends with Interactive. This highly customizable professional WordPress theme has all the features we look for in a movie theme.

Interactive is a fast theme with 4+ homepage styles ideal for creating a movie review website or storytelling blog. Being fully responsive ensures your website looks great on all screen sizes too.

Pros of Interactive:

• Easy to use
• No coding required
• 630+ Google fonts
• One-click demo installation
• Powerful options panel

Cons of Interactive:

Interactive Pricing

Interactive costs $39 yearly.

13. Alegria

Whether running a movie review magazine or film blog, Alegria could be the perfect choice for your website. You can customize the theme in real-time and view changes before launching, ideal if this is your first website.

This clean and responsive theme has professional layouts for magazines, newspapers, and blogs. The theme is flexible and comes with a variety of customization options.

Pros of Alegria:

• Advanced admin panel
• Full support and updates
• Compatible with the latest WordPress version
• Taqyeem WordPress review plugin included
• User-friendly

Cons of Alegria:

• No trial version

Alegria Pricing

Alegria costs $49 per year.

14. NineStudio

Nine Studio is a unique WordPress theme for movies and photography with tons of customization options. The theme has 9 creative homepages, multiple backgrounds, and 3 different header styles.

The page editor is simple so you can easily work on different fonts, images, and make other required changes. Nine Studio is also designed to be responsive, load quickly and deliver everything that you want in a movie review theme.

Pros of Nine Studio:

• 9 creative homepages
• Compatible with premium plugins
• Integrated with Font Awesome Icons
• 600+ Google fonts
• Fully responsive and retina-ready

Cons of Nine Studio:

Nine Studio Pricing

Nine Studio is available at $69 per year.

Video is a great WordPress theme for bloggers. This theme is built specifically for video blogs and has a smart video sharing feature. Video is built for performance and SEO ready.

The theme offers complete flexibility so you can customize your website any way you want. Plus, it is compatible with third-party plugins and is a fully SEO-friendly theme .

Pros of Video:

• Video sharing feature
• RTL text reading
• Schema integrated
• WP Mega Menu compatible
• Google AdSense optimized

Cons of Video:

• Video theme is most suitable for video websites

Video Pricing

Video costs $39 per year.

16. fMovies

fMovies is a movie-oriented responsive WordPress theme. This is suitable for movie blogs, reviews, cinema critiques, and TV show websites. It’s a free WordPress theme available on wordpress.org.

The theme is 100% responsive and uses the best SEO practices to help rank your website high on search engine results. fMovies is easy to use and supports the latest WordPress version.

Pros of Fmovies:

• Custom header and footer
• Full-width template
• Right sidebar and sticky post features
• Flexible theme

Cons of Fmovies:

• Limited customization features

fMovies Pricing

fMovies theme is free to use.

17. Hestia Pro

Hestia Pro is a stylish one-page theme suitable for any business niche. It could be turned into a movie website with ease thanks to page builder compatibility.

Enjoy a perfect blend of integration with all popular page builders such as Visual Composer, Elementor, Divi Builder, and Brizy.

It has beautiful layouts and lovely sections to display movie reviews online. You can easily customize the theme without writing any code.

Pros of Hestia Pro:

• Fully customizable homepage
• Advanced blog options
• Readymade starter sites
• Optimize for speed

Cons of Hestia Pro:

• The free version of Hestia offers limited design options

Hestia Pro Pricing

Hestia Pro is a premium WordPress theme starting from $69 per year.

18. Videozoom

Are you looking for a multipurpose mobile-friendly theme ? Videozoom works great on all mobile devices so viewers can access all of the movie video content directly from mobile phones.

From easy-to-use navigation and one-click demo import feature to an easy installation process, Videozoom has everything you need,

Apart from YouTube, Vimeo, and Daily Motion, Videozoom also supports self-hosted videos. Just paste the link to MP4 videos and you’re good to go!

Pros of Videozoom:

• Light skin and sterling options
• Easy-to-customize logo
• WPML compatible and translation ready
• 100% responsive theme

Cons of Videozoom:

• This theme hasn’t been updated since March 2021

Videozoom Pricing

A yearly subscription of Videozoom starts from $69 to a lifetime of $179.

19. Cinema24

Cinema24 is a dedicated movie WordPress theme that offers multiple color schemes. The theme has cinematic elements so you can build your content, apply VFX effects and other animations to attract your visitors.

The theme functions well and comes with 3 column feature areas to categorize movie listings, reviews, and cinema schedules. It also includes lots of features such as different footer widgets, blog section areas, content blocks to customize every part of the page.

Pros of Cinema24:

• Homepage blog section area
• 3+ footer widgets area
• 12+ color schemes
• Clean layout and easy setup
• Built with HTML5 and CSS3

Cons of Cinema24:

Cinema24 Pricing

Cinema24 is a premium theme that costs $79 per year.

20. MovieStudio

MovieStudio is a free WordPress theme and is perfect for the movie review niche. It offers amazing functionality and is packed with essential features.

It is fully-customizable and includes a range of customization features including responsive layouts, typography and font options.

You can build a stunning movie website in no time using flexible content elements, parallax effects, and amazing image galleries.

Pros of MovieStudio:

• Black and white design with customizable layouts
• Niche related templates
• Responsive pages

Cons of MovieStudio:

• Limited layout options to choose from

MovieStudio Pricing

MovieStudio is free.

Why a movie review theme?

This type of theme is specially built for a movie review website. You can use such readymade themes when you don’t want to spend time and money building from scratch.

A readymade WordPress movie review theme usually includes third-party plugin support, and page builder compatibility. It may also have dozens of templates to choose from.

For example, our in-house theme Astra offers more than 230+ Starter templates for you to use. It is also compatible with most WordPress plugins and all leading WordPress page builders .

It isn’t all about us though.

Every theme in our list has high-quality designs and works on all screens.

All are designed for easy customization and you can create a web page without writing a single line of code.

What should you look for when choosing a theme?

There are thousands of themes available on third-party websites and the official WordPress website. They will all be different and offer different features and benefits.

We’ve shortlisted a few factors we think you should consider while choosing a WordPress theme for your movie review website.

Responsive design – More than half of website traffic comes from mobile devices, so you’ll need a responsive WordPress theme that adapts to the user’s screen.

That’s why most WordPress themes use responsive design. Responsive design means the theme will automatically adapt to smaller screens giving everyone the same experience regardless of the device they use.

Page builder compatibility – Page builders offer easy customization with drag and drop functionality. Using this feature, you can easily create landing pages , layouts, and sales funnels .

Leading page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and others streamline the WordPress editing process and help you build posts and pages faster.

Professional designs and layouts – Professional designs and layouts help you launch a website quickly. Select suitable layouts, add content, and your website is ready to launch.

If web design isn’t your strength, you can still deliver a high-quality website without writing a single line of code.

We’ve covered the top 20 movie review WordPress themes. Each is designed to achieve everything with high-quality images, excellent layouts, professional design, and ticket booking forms.

If we were asked for a favorite, we would suggest Astra or Newsmag.

Astra is our own theme so we would naturally recommend it. We also recommend it for its flexibility, ease of use, and huge collection of demos. Its compatibility with page builders and popular WordPress plugins makes Astra stand out!

We also think that Newsmag could be a worthy option. It is a perfect fit for movie review website needs and offers amazing support along with lots of customization options and features that support a movie website.

Do you use any of these themes? Have any others to suggest? Tell us about them below!

Sujay Pawar is the co-founder and CEO of Brainstorm Force. He brings a one-of-a-kind fusion of tech brilliance, business savvy and marketing mojo to the table. Sujay has consistently spearheaded the development of innovative products like Astra, CartFlows, ZipWP and many others that have become market leaders in their respective niches.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission. Read disclosure . Rest assured that we only recommend products that we have personally used and believe will add value to our readers. Thanks for your support!

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How to Make a Movie Review Blog to Entertain the Masses

Movie review websites are extremely popular. There are a lot of them out there, and more often than not, you probably visit some of them before you go see a movie. That being said, have you ever wanted to create your own movie review blog? Well, then you are in the right place.

Having your own movie review blog will allow you to post your own movie reviews for everyone to see. You will have the ability to format your movie critic blog in a number of different ways. You can do full write-ups, use a star system, or a 1-10 scale. Whatever you decide, having a website so that you can be a movie blogger can be exciting.

Are you not sure where to start? No problem, as I am about to show you what to do in order to easily start your own movie review blog. Follow the steps as they are laid out. Doing so will make the process as smooth as possible.

What You Need to Build a Movie Review Blog

There are several things you need to do to complete the process of building a website for movie reviews. Putting things in the right order and creating a solid process will make all the difference in the world.

The first thing you want to do is to create a website checklist. These are things you want to have ready to put on your site, or have ready to use as part of the process. If you have a list, fantastic! If not, then here are some suggestions:

Movie Review Blog Checklist

• Content (have some reviews ready to post)
• Logo / Branding
• Contact Info
• Choose a Writing Style
• Schedule (for posts)
• Rating Scale

Having these things ready to roll will make the rest of the process much easier.

Domain Name and Web Host

Once you have your checklist in place, it is time to go get a domain name and web hosting. You are going to want to find a domain name that fits you well and expresses what all you are trying to do.

Remember, there are already a lot of domain names taken, so you might not find exactly what you want at first. That being said, try playing with the words a little. If that doesn’t work, then use a different domain name extension . There are so many available now that you should be able to find what you want.

Finding a good web host is critical. You want one that gives you all the tools you need to get started.  GreenGeeks web hosting is a perfect fit for what you are trying to accomplish. Not only will they provide you with everything imaginable to make the process of building a movie review blog easy, but they will also give you a domain name.

Keeping everything housed under one roof makes the process easier as well.

Installing and Using WordPress

There are several good CMS ( content management systems ) available that you can use to build your blog to review films. That being said, I am suggesting you use WordPress for a number of reasons.

For one thing, WordPress is very user friendly and will allow you the flexibility to build and design just about any way you want. Since the project is open source , thousands of developers have contributed and made it very popular. For that reason you won’t have to look very hard to access resources and tutorials that can help you through anything WordPress related.

WordPress is also very secure. Yes, there are other things you can do to make your website even more secure , but the platform as a whole is very strong.

You can also install WordPress very easily and get it ready to go. You can use the one-click installation process provided by your web host cPanel . Or, if you prefer, you can also install it manually as well. Either way, you will be up and running and ready to build in a few clicks.

Choosing Themes and Plugins

One of the many major upsides to using WordPress is its library of themes and plugins. There are tons of themes that can take your website where you want it. The plugin repository is very impressive as well. If you want to accomplish it, there is probably a plugin for it.

That being said, you may be a little lost if this is all new to you. You want to search for themes that will give you the right tools for building a solid movie review blog. Here are a couple to look at if you are having trouble.

Moview is a state of the art movie and tv show review theme that will allow you to create a stylish and modern movie review blog. It comes packed full of content that will help get your website to the next level. Definitely worth checking out.

Sequex is another movie review based theme worth looking at. It is a very powerful theme that can turn your website into a movie-style database. It gives you the ability to add your own movie reviews, while at the same time adding a vast database that your website visitors can use.

When it comes to choosing plugins for your website, there are a couple of things to remember. For one thing, there are certain plugins every site should have to make everything run smoothly.

You also want to make sure you have a good SEO plugin running, as well as a plugin that allows you to properly optimize and compress images . There are also niche specific plugins to consider.

Here are a couple that may be of interest to you when adding some to your movie review blog.

MAS Videos is a solid plugin that allows you to create and list, movies and television shows. Build and add and make this portion of your website look like YouTube or Netflix. This is a plugin to consider if you want to spice up your movie review blog.

Rating-Widget: Star Review System

The Rating-Widget: Star Review System plugin allows you to easily add user-friendly star ratings on posts, pages, comments, WooCommerce, BuddyPress and bbPress forums. You can use them to add star ratings to certain things, or even allow your site users to click and add star ratings themselves.

Marketing Your Movie Review Blog

Now that your movie review blog is up and running you are about to have your own film critic blog. It is time to get the name of your site out there and start getting visitors.

Here is a list of ways you can market your movie review blog.

• Social Media
• Advertising
• Write Reviews for Other Websites
• Allow Guest Reviews on Your Site
• Build an Email List
• Install Google Analytics
• Go to Forums
• Post Links on your Social Media Pages

Having your own movie review blog can be fun and entertaining. Maybe you have been wanting one for a while and you were just not sure where to start. Following the steps above should allow you to get your own website for movie reviews up and online in no time at all.

Good luck to you and enjoy writing those movie reviews!

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How To Start a Movie Blog in 10 Easy Steps

Starting a movie blog is a fun and lucrative idea.

Not only do you get to watch your favorite movies and write about them, but you can also develop a following of like-minded movie lovers to share your thoughts with. You can even earn a substantial income if you’re persistent.

At Authority Hacker, we’ve spent over a decade helping 15,000+ students create profitable websites – including many in the movie blog niche.

This 10-step guide to starting a movie blog will help you follow in their footsteps.

Why Start A Movie Blog

Whether you’re a film buff or simply enjoy watching movies during the weekends, there are several compelling reasons to start a movie blog and give your passion an online platform.

For starters, you can make money from your movie blog  by running display ads, promoting streaming services, selling movie merchandise, and leveraging a host of other monetization strategies. In fact, the average entertainment website makes $4,416 per month  – that’s a full-time income in many areas of the world.

Also, sharing your opinions about various films  on the internet allows you to connect with fellow cinephiles and start an engaging discussion that can potentially  foster a community  with you at the helm.

And as you grow and become a popular movie blogger, you can potentially secure interviews with actors and directors  during press tours.

Examples of Successful Movie Blogs

Before you jump straight into movie blogging, it’s smart to check out what a successful movie blog looks like.

Here are a few examples of outstanding movie blogs for inspiration:

Screen Rant publishes engaging listicles and deep dives into movie and TV theories, appealing to both casual viewers and dedicated fans.

Slash Film stands out for its timely movie news, exclusive interviews, and the latest scoops in the movie world.

Film School Rejects offers a unique blend of reviews and commentaries catering to aspiring filmmakers and critics.

How To Start A Movie Blog in 10 Steps

If you’re ready to start a movie blog, here’s a clear step-by-step guide on how to get started:

1 Narrow Down Your Movie Niche

Movies are a broad niche, and most people are interested in specific genres – some action, some romance, some big-budget blockbusters, some low-budget indie dramas, and so on.

Interest can also vary based on the type of content. Some want to read short movie reviews, while others look for detailed film analysis, news updates, or behind-the-scenes looks.

Building a movie blog that caters to all these different tastes is an ambitious undertaking that’s not going to be possible for a single blogger. So when starting out, it’s better to niche down and focus on a particular genre of a type of content.

Here are some examples of movie sub-niches for inspiration:

• Focus On a Specific Genre: A movie review blog focused on thrillers, romances, etc.
• Foreign Films: Highlight cinema from around the world and its cultural nuances.
• Indie Films: Bring attention to awesome yet lesser-known independent movies.
• Hollywood Blockbusters:  Analyze what makes big hits resonate with audiences.
• Art of Movie Making: Dive into the behind-the-scenes craft of movie magic.

If you need help, check out our video guide on picking the perfect niche:

When picking a movie sub-niche, invest some time to understand the amount of interest and demand for content in that area. Focusing on a sub-niche with very little user interest will make it difficult to get traffic to your blog.

A simple test to see if there’s demand for a topic is by checking if there are other successful blogs in the niche as well.

Here’s a simple guide to seeking out successful blogs in your sub-niche:

List existing blogs in your selected movie sub-niche. To do this, brainstorm some topics you might write about, search them on Google, and list the blogs that show up. You can also use a tool like Ahrefs  and insert a blog you like into the “Organic Competitors” tool to get a list of similar blogs.

Next, check their traffic level.  You can do this using a free trial for SE Ranking . Just go to the SEO Tools > Competitive Research, and enter the names of the different blogs in your list to check their traffic.

Use Google Trends to compare interest in the sub-niches.  You can enter a few sub-niches into Google Trends  to compare user interest among them over time.

Don’t stress if you can’t figure out the perfect sub-niche right away. It’s normal to take a couple of days or even a week to do all this research. As long as your preferred sub-niche passes the viability test, you can feel secure your movie blog will generate traffic and earn money.

2 Choose a Blogging Platform

Once you select your niche, it’s time to choose a blogging platform.

A blogging platform is a service that lets you write, publish, manage, and share your content online.

You can check out our list of the best blogging platforms  to take your pick.

Most beginners choose a free blogging platform like Medium or Blogger for publishing long-form content. However, these free platforms suffer from a few notable downsides.

• The platform controls your content’s visibility, making you a slave to the algorithm .
• It’s hard to monetize  content published on these free-to-use platforms.
• A lack of customizability and design options  makes it difficult for you to stand out.

If you want to bypass all these cons, I recommend building your own website. Here’s a quick overview of the main benefits of having your own blog:

• Show ads and integrate affiliate links  into your content to monetize your blog .
• Change the color scheme or site layout to create an eye-catching design .
• You have complete control over your blog.  No one can delete or remove your content.
• You can insert relevant keywords in your blog posts and use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to drive free organic traffic  through search engines.
• Your blog can help grow your social media  accounts and keep you in touch with fans via social platforms.
• You can  build an email list , giving you direct access to your audience and protecting you from search engine algorithm changes.
• Your blog is an asset , and you can sell it for big bucks. (We’ve sold multiple blogs for 6-figure exits .)

The only caveat is that it’ll take around an hour or so to set up and will cost you around $45 ($10 domain + $35 hosting) to get started. But, if you ask me, the potential return makes it well worth the investment.

To build your website, we recommend using WordPress.org  (not to be confused with WordPress.com).

It is free to use (domain and hosting extra) and gives you access to thousands of themes & plugins, so you have complete control over your site’s looks and functionalities. In fact, It’s what we use at AuthorityHacker, and it’s the platform of choice for 43% of the world wide web .

3 Choose Your Domain Name

With your niche and blogging platform ready, it’s time to pick a domain name.

Your domain name is your website’s address that includes the name of your website and a domain name extension like “.com.” For example, AuthorityHacker is the name of our website, and authorityhacker.com is our domain name.

It’s super important that you pick a catchy domain name, as that’ll become your brand identity. A domain name that’s too generic or difficult to read can make it hard to remember. This can reduce direct traffic or word-of-mouth promotion.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you pick great domain names:

• Use short and memorable names: Aim for 6-14 characters.
• Make them easy to spell and read: Avoid using hyphens, numbers, and consecutive letters.
• Use alliteration, rhymes, assonance, and consonance:  “Coca-Cola” uses alliteration, “StubHub” uses rhyme, “YouTube” uses assonance, and “Bitly” uses consonance.
• Align it with your sub-niche: Pick a name that’s relevant to your sub-niche. E.g., A horror movie site can be called chillerthriller.com.
• Avoid trademarked names: Use this trademark search tool  and avoid names registered under a trademark.
• Prioritize  .com domains: These domain names carry a lot of trust, familiarity, and memorability.

Note:  If you have found an excellent domain name for your blog, but the .com extension is not available, you can use one of these popular .com alternatives .

Now, coming up with a domain name that meets all of these constraints can be difficult. This is where Brandsnap  – an AI domain name generator, can help you out.

After picking your domain name, you’ll need to buy it. A .com domain will cost you $10 per year on Namecheap .

4 Buy Web Hosting

After buying your new domain name, it’s time to pick a web hosting solution.

Web hosting is a service that provides the necessary tools and infrastructure to store and maintain websites (or web apps) on a server. Once a website is hosted on this server, it becomes accessible on the internet.

Now, there are tons of web hosting providers out there, with Bluehost  being particularly popular for its cheap pricing. However, Siteground  only costs around a dollar more, but the overall value is much greater, making it an easy recommendation for beginners.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to setting up web hosting using Siteground:

Step 1: Visit the Siteground WordPress hosting page .

Step 2: Pick the most affordable StartUp plan. It’s plenty powerful for launching a new WordPress blog.

Note: SiteGround, much like other hosting providers, offers a highly discounted price – around 80% – for new customers. Once your subscription term ends, you’ll be billed at the standard rate.

Step 3: Select “I already have a domain” and enter your domain name into the provided field. You can also buy (register) domains on Siteground, but it’s more expensive, so we recommend Namecheap.

Step 4:  Enter your account information, location, and payment information into the provided fields.

Step 5:  Pick a subscription period. (The 12-month usually offers the best deal.)

Step 6:  Don’t get any of their promotional extra services. They are not necessary for a new blog.

Step 7:  Point your Namecheap domain name to your new Siteground server. You can follow this guide  or contact the Siteground support team, and they can help you out.

And voila! Your WordPress website is now addressed by your selected domain name and hosted on the Siteground server. In the following sections, I’ll show you how to design the website and add content to it.

5 Choose a Theme for Your Movie Blog

Once you’ve purchased web hosting, you’ll need a WordPress theme to help you customize the structure and layout of your website without coding.

For a movie blog, I suggest choosing a theme that evokes a cinematic vibe, boasting dark backgrounds, big, bold fonts for headings, etc.

There are a few free themes that can give you this look, but you’ll find its basic feature set limiting your site’s growth.

This is why I recommend freemium themes – free versions of premium themes. Start with basic features for free and, as your blog grows, seamlessly transition to the premium version without overhauling your entire site.

If you’re looking for recommendations, here are my top 3 freemium WordPress themes — GeneratePress, Astra, and Kadence.

These themes are not only user-friendly, but have design elements that beautifully complement movie-related content.

Tons of pre-designed templates, making it easy to create a visually appealing movie blog.

Features a drag-and-drop header and footer builder with detailed design control.

A very lightweight performance-focused WordPress theme with a minimalistic design.

For reference, here are our WordPress theme selection guidelines to guarantee a quality pick:

• Does it load quickly?
• Is it mobile-friendly (has a responsive design)?
• Does it come from a reputable theme builder with positive reviews?
• Can you customize it easily?
• Does it provide quality after-sales support?

Once you’ve selected a theme for your movie blog, follow these steps to install it on your WordPress website:

1. Login to your WordPress dashboard

2. From the left sidebar, select Appearance > Themes

3. Click “Add New”

4. Search for your theme and click “Activate.”

After installation, dive into the theme settings. Customize colors, fonts, and layouts to truly make it your own and align with your movie blog’s brand.

6 Decide on Design & Branding

With your theme set, it’s time to infuse your movie blog with distinct branding elements. This primarily involves selecting a color scheme and crafting a logo that embodies your blog’s essence.

Your branding choices, from colors to logo, play a pivotal role in setting your blog apart and ensuring it’s memorable.

For instance, a film reel logo immediately signifies a movie-centric theme, while a monochromatic gray palette with soft pastel accents might evoke modern indie cinema vibes.

To create a harmonious color scheme, aim for about 5 complementary colors. Avoid jarring combinations, like deep red backgrounds with blue text.

If you’re unsure, use Coolors  – a tool to help you visualize and choose appealing color combinations.

Next, design a logo that aligns with your blog’s theme and color scheme. Canva  offers a plethora of logo templates tailored for various niches, including movies.

Simply search for “movie logo” on Canva, pick a design that resonates, incorporate your blog’s name, adjust the colors to match your scheme, and voila – your logo is ready!

7 Create Essential Pages

With your blog’s design handled, it’s time to add some content, starting with 4 essential pages every blog must have.

This is the page where visitors land when they enter the blog’s domain name. It should highlight your key content to convey your blog’s theme and showcase top articles.

This is where you talk about why you decided to start this movie blog and where you want to take it. Include a few personal stories about how movies influenced your life to showcase your passion and build trust with readers.

Contact Page

At a minimum, this page should contain a form for readers, potential contributors, or advertisers to contact you. You can also add your social links here. Additional contact details like address and phone number can help boost SEO.

Privacy Policy + Terms & Conditions Pages

These pages are legally necessary to outline user data handling and site usage. You can use PrivacyPolicy.com  to generate these pages with a couple of clicks.

For reference, you can create a new page on your WordPress blog by logging in to your WordPress dashboard and selecting Pages > Add New from the left sidebar.

8 Start Creating Content

Now that you have laid down all the groundwork – it’s finally time to start writing and publishing articles on your movie blog.

That said, while you can write about any topic you like, focusing on keyword-driven content can bring organic traffic to your blog without active promotion. This is called a keyword-focused content strategy .

First, you need to find keywords or phrases that many people are searching for.

With your keywords in hand, craft articles that not only incorporate these terms but also provide genuine value to your readers.

When your content aligns with what users are searching for, search engines like Google take notice. They’ll rank your articles higher in search results, driving a steady stream of organic traffic to your blog.

However, a word of caution: the most popular keywords often come with fierce competition. Google prefers established movie review websites, making it challenging for a new movie blog to break through.

The solution? Focus on less competitive keywords that still attract a significant number of searches. Tools like Ahrefs  are very useful here.

For example, searching for “movie recommendations” in the Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tools, I get the following related keywords with search metrics:

Such insights can inspire a range of engaging blog topics like:

• Top 25 Horror Movie Recommendations for Friday the 13th.
• Top 5 Romance Movie Recommendations for New Couples.
• 10 Best Family Movie Recommendations for Thanksgiving.

Repeat this process with different seed keywords and come up with 10 solid blog post ideas. Once you have your list, it’s time to delve into the art of SEO-optimized writing.

Here are some guidelines:

• Understand the search intent. Think about why a user might search for a particular keyword. Your content should address that curiosity or need.
• Write for the reader. Are your readers casual movie-goers or bonafide cinephiles? Tailor your tone and content depth accordingly.
• Focus on the topic. If your article is about romantic movies, avoid veering into a tangent about action films. Stay relevant to your chosen keyword.
• Internal linking. If you mention a topic covered in another article, link to it. This not only provides additional information to your readers but also boosts your SEO.
• Format the content for readability. An article that’s easy on the eyes retains readers. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings for clarity.
• Share some personal anecdotes. Share anecdotes or personal opinions. It makes your content unique and fosters a connection with your readers.
• Inject emotion. Your blog isn’t a sterile database. Let your passion for movies shine through your words.
• Use multimedia content. Embed movie trailers, share behind-the-scenes footage, and use movie posters to enhance engagement.
• Be careful about copyright laws.  Try to only use media files from press kits. Practice fair use  and don’t forget to link back to the official source.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember one golden rule – aim to be more informative and engaging than other articles on the SERP . Consistency in delivering value will naturally boost your search rankings over time.

9 Promote Your Movie Blog

Your SEO-optimized articles will passively garner attention. But you can expedite this process by actively directing traffic to your site.

Here are some promotional strategies to help you reach a wider audience with your movie blog:

• Engage in Movie Communities:  Share blog excerpts in movie forums and groups, inviting readers for more in-depth content on your site.
• Leverage Movie Quizzes: Design and share movie-related quizzes on social media. It’s engaging, shareable, and a great way to build an email list.
• Collaborate with Fellow Reviewers: Network with other movie bloggers and propose guest posting. They get free content, and you get exposure to a new audience group.
• Host Virtual Movie Nights: Organize online movie sessions, fostering real-time discussions and directing attendees to related blog posts.
• Launch a Podcast: Start a movie-themed podcast to reach a broader audience and guide listeners to your blog.

However you promote your blog, remember to be genuine and helpful! No one likes – or clicks on – spammy blog advertisements.

10 Monetize Your Movie Blog

Now that you have traffic coming to your blog, it’s finally time to start thinking about monetization.

Here are three strategies that work exceptionally well for making money with your movie blog:

You recommend readers movie streaming services or movie merchandise that you used or reviewed and loved. If they buy the service or product using your link, you earn a commission.

Affiliate marketing

Why It’s Great:  Readers discover valuable products, and you’re rewarded for your promotional efforts.

Get Started:  Check out our guide on how to start affiliate marketing  and view our list of the best movie affiliate programs .

Display Ads

Show ads on your blog and earn money when visitors view or click the ads.

Why It’s Great:  Your readers don’t have to spend any money, and you get to turn user engagement into cold hard cash.

Get Started:  The easiest way is to join an ad network. For new blogs, we recommend Ezoic  over the popular Google Adsense as it’s more beginner-friendly.

Alternatively, you can find direct sponsorships specific to the movie niche, where you get more control and more profits.

Sell Memberships

Create high-quality content only accessible to paying members. This can be detailed film analysis, exclusive interviews with actors or directors, etc.

Why It’s Great:  You can create more valuable content and get direct support from your fans.

Get Started:  WordPress plugins like MemberPress  or dedicated membership platforms like Patreon  can help you set up and manage memberships.

Building a successful movie blog takes time, effort, and a willingness to continually learn and improve.

While this post outlines the essential steps, there are many nuances to grasp as you grow your site.

That’s why we’ve put together a free training outlining the most effective strategies to get a new blog off the ground.

In particular, this free training shares seven insider secrets that can increase your new site’s growth trajectory by 83%.

Join the free training now.  

Many film blogs do make money through various strategies such as running display ads, promoting streaming services, selling movie merchandise, and leveraging other monetization methods. By building a community and consistently delivering valuable content, movie bloggers can generate a steady income from their passion.

The average entertainment website makes $4,416 per month, and movie review blogs fall within that category. The exact amount of money you can make reviewing movies depends on many factors, including your website traffic, display ad network, affiliate partners, and how well you monetize your website.

Dibakar Ghosh is a freelance writer at Authority Hacker. Prior to joining the team, he worked as a marketing assistant at WeWriteBlogPosts. Over the past 8 years, Dibakar has been a writer, editor, and marketing specialist in the Digital Marketing space, covering unique SEO strategies or creating reviews and guides on relevant SaaS products.

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How to Start a Movie Review Blog (2024): The 7 Essential Steps

Are you a movie enthusiast looking to share your thoughts with like-minded individuals? Starting a movie review blog might be the perfect outlet for you!

With this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to turn your passion for film into an engaging online platform.

From choosing your niche to promoting and monetizing your blog, we've got you covered every step of the way.

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey where you can connect with fellow movie lovers and establish your unique voice in cinema critique.

Let's get started!

Key Takeaways

• A movie blog allows individuals to share their opinions and reviews about movies.
• Starting a movie review blog can have several benefits such as expressing your passion for movies , sharing your knowledge and insights, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
• Creating a movie blog allows you to have a platform to share your thoughts and opinions about movies , connect with a community of movie enthusiasts, and potentially monetize your blog.
• Setting up a film review blog involves choosing a niche, purchasing a domain name, selecting a blogging platform, creating branding elements, and setting up the layout and structure of your blog.

Table of Contents (click to expand)

What exactly is a movie review blog, should you start blogging about movies, step 1. choose your movie review blog niche, step 2. buy a domain name and brand your movie blog, step 3. select your blogging platform, step 4. create your brand pages, colors, and logo, step 5. create your movie review writing plan, step 6. promoting your movie review blog, step 7. monetizing your movies blog, types of filmmaking blogs and movie blog niches, examples of movie review blogs, faqs on how to start a blog about movies.

If you're wondering what a movie review blog is, it's essentially a platform where you can share your thoughts and opinions about different films.

It's like having your own little corner of the internet where you can express your love for movies and connect with others who share the same passion.

Becoming a movie critic allows you to become part of a community that appreciates cinema in all its forms.

A movie blog is more than just writing about movies; it's about creating an engaging space where readers can come to find recommendations, discuss their favorite films, and explore new genres.

By starting your own movie review site , you have the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant community and make your voice heard.

When you make a movie review blog, not only do you get to write about films that excite and inspire you, but you also get to connect with fellow film enthusiasts from around the world.

You'll be able to engage in conversations, exchange recommendations, and learn from other perspectives. It's an incredible feeling of belonging knowing that there are people out there who value your opinion on movies.

So should you start blogging about movies? Absolutely! Starting a blog about movies opens up a world of possibilities for connecting with like-minded individuals while sharing your love for cinema. It's an exciting journey that allows you to explore the vast landscape of film and create meaningful connections along the way.

Considering your passion for film and the potential audience you could reach, blogging about movies might be a worthwhile endeavor.

If you have a deep love for cinema and a desire to share your thoughts with like-minded individuals, starting a film blog could be the perfect outlet for you.

Writing movie reviews allows you to express your opinions, analyze different aspects of films, and contribute to the vibrant community of movie enthusiasts online.

To write a movie review, all you need is an opinion and the ability to articulate it effectively.

Starting a movie blog is relatively easy, especially with various platforms that make creating and customizing your website simple.

By sharing your reviews on your blog, you can attract fellow cinephiles who are eager to read insightful critiques of their favorite films.

Also, there are numerous benefits to being part of the movie review community. Not only do you get the chance to engage in lively discussions with others who share your passion for film, but many websites also offer opportunities for collaboration and even potential partnerships or sponsorships.

So why wait? Take the plunge into the world of movie blogging today!

To kick off your movie review blog, the first step is selecting a specific niche within the film industry.

Starting a blog can be an exciting and fulfilling journey, especially if you have a passion for movies and love sharing your thoughts about them with others.

Choosing a movie review blog niche creates a sense of belonging within the vast world of film enthusiasts.

When it comes to selecting your movie review blog niche, there are endless possibilities.

You could focus on reviewing classic films from different eras, dive into the world of foreign cinema, explore specific genres like horror or comedy, or even concentrate on analyzing the latest blockbusters.

The key is to choose something that truly resonates with you and allows you to showcase your unique perspective.

By narrowing down your focus to a particular niche, you become an authority in that area and attract readers who share your interests.

This sense of community fosters engagement and encourages meaningful discussions about movies. It also helps differentiate your movie review blog from others out there, making it more memorable for potential readers.

Now that you've chosen your movie review blog niche, let's move on to the next step: buying a domain name and branding your movie blog seamlessly into its online presence.

Now that you've chosen your niche, it's time to purchase a domain name and establish your movie blog's brand.

The first step to starting your movie review blog is to buy a domain name.

This is the address where people will find your blog on the internet. It's important to choose a domain name that reflects the theme of your blog and is easy for readers to remember.

Consider including keywords related to movies or reviews in your domain name to attract the right audience.

Once you've bought your domain name, it's time to brand your movie blog.

Branding is all about creating a unique identity for your blog and making it stand out from others in the same niche.

Choose a visually appealing logo and color scheme representing your movie reviews' essence.

Consistency is key when branding, so make sure to use these elements across all aspects of your blog, including social media profiles.

Branding helps you create a recognizable image and builds trust with your audience. It shows them that you are serious about what you do and that they can rely on you for valuable insights into movies.

As you move forward with step 3 - selecting your blogging platform -remember that having a strong brand will make this process even more seamless.

After purchasing your domain name and establishing your brand, it's time to select a blogging platform for your movie review site. This step is crucial as it will determine the look and functionality of your blog.

Here are some platforms to consider:

Ghost : This is a simpler version of WordPress that prides itself on enhanced security and minimalistic design. Ghost has been my top choice for a few years.

WordPress : This popular platform offers countless themes and plugins, making it perfect for beginners who want a customizable website without any coding knowledge.

Blogger : Owned by Google, Blogger is user-friendly and easy to set up. It's a great option if you prefer simplicity and don't need advanced features.

Squarespace : Known for its sleek templates and professional designs, Squarespace is ideal for bloggers who prioritize aesthetics and want a visually stunning website.

Wix : With its drag-and-drop interface, it allows you to customize your blog layout easily. It also offers features like e-commerce integration, which can be useful if you monetize your blog.

When choosing a platform, consider factors such as design options, ease of use, customization capabilities, and any special features you may require for writing movie reviews or managing your blog effectively.

Now that you've selected the perfect blogging platform for your movie review site, let's move on to step 4 - creating your brand pages, colors, and logo - to give your blog that unique touch that will make it stand out from the crowd.

Once you've chosen the perfect blogging platform, it's time to create your brand pages, select colors, and design a logo that truly represents your unique style. This is where you can let your creativity shine and make your movie review blog stand out from the rest.

Start by writing about a movie that captures your passion for films and showcases your expertise in the industry. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or obsessed with the latest blockbusters, make sure to incorporate your love for movies into every aspect of your brand.

When it comes to selecting colors for your blog, think about what emotions you want to evoke in your readers. Warm tones like reds and oranges can create excitement and energy, while cool blues and greens can promote calmness and relaxation.

Choose colors that align with the tone of your movie reviews and reflect the overall atmosphere you want to create.

Designing a logo is another important step in creating a cohesive brand identity. It should be visually appealing, memorable, and instantly recognizable, representing your movie review blog.

Consider incorporating elements like film reels, popcorn, or ticket stubs into your logo design to further emphasize its connection to the world of movies.

Now that you have established a strong brand presence with captivating brand pages, eye-catching colors, and an impressive logo; it's time to move on to step 5: creating your blog publishing plan.

This will ensure that you consistently produce high-quality content that keeps readers coming back for more.

When it comes to how to write a movie blog, there are several key points you need to consider.

First, you should focus on creating evergreen blog posts that provide timeless value to your readers.

Additionally, incorporating movie news articles will keep your audience informed and engaged with the latest updates in the film industry.

To add variety and cater to different preferences, consider including video movie reviews, podcast movie reviews , and image-related movie content to appeal to a wider range of viewers.

Evergreen Blog Posts

To create a successful movie review blog, you should regularly publish evergreen posts that provide timeless content and keep your readers engaged.

Evergreen blog posts are those that remain relevant and valuable over time, regardless of when they were published. These types of posts help establish your expertise in the field of movie reviews and keep readers coming back for more.

Here is an example of how you can structure your evergreen blog post plan:

Movie News Articles

Now that you have established your evergreen blog posts let's dive into another essential aspect of running a successful movie blog: creating compelling movie news articles.

Your audience craves the latest updates and insights on the film industry, and by providing them with well-written and engaging movie news articles, you will solidify your position as a trusted source.

When writing movie news articles, staying up-to-date with the latest happenings in the industry is crucial.

Keep an eye on press releases, casting announcements, and trailers to bring fresh content to your readers. Make sure to add your unique perspective or analysis to make your articles stand out.

Incorporating relevant keywords like 'movie blog', 'movie news', and 'movie reviews' in your headlines and throughout the article will increase visibility among search engines and attract more readers.

As you gain momentum with your movie blog through captivating movie news articles, it's time to take it a step further by exploring video movie reviews...

Video Movie Reviews

As you're gaining momentum with your movie blog, it's time to delve into video reviews for films.

Video reviews offer a dynamic and engaging way to share your thoughts on movies with your audience. Here are three reasons why you should consider adding video reviews to your repertoire as a movie blogger:

• Visual Impact: With video reviews, you can use visuals, clips, and editing techniques to enhance your storytelling and make your review more immersive.
• Personal Connection: Seeing the reviewer's face and hearing their voice creates a stronger connection between the audience and the movie blogger, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
• Expanded Reach: Video content has become increasingly popular among online audiences, so by including video reviews on your blog, you can attract new viewers who prefer consuming content in this format.

Now that you've mastered writing movie reviews and explored video reviews, let's move on to another exciting aspect of film critique - podcast movie reviews.

Podcast Movie Reviews

Podcast movie reviews offer a fresh and immersive way for film enthusiasts like you to share your thoughts and engage with an audience. If you've always wanted to start a movie blog, consider exploring the world of podcasting as a unique avenue.

With podcast movie reviews, you can create audio content that allows listeners to hear your passion and excitement firsthand.

By sharing your opinions, insights, and recommendations in a conversational format, you can establish a sense of belonging within the community of film lovers who appreciate this form of entertainment.

But what if you also want to incorporate image-related movie content into your blog?

Don't worry. There are ways to seamlessly integrate visuals into your podcast episodes without missing out on this important aspect of film analysis.

Image Related Movie Content

If you're looking to include visuals in your podcast episodes, there are creative ways to seamlessly incorporate image-related movie content into your audio.

Adding images can enhance the listening experience and make your movie reviews more engaging for your audience.

One effective method is to create a companion movie blog where you can share screenshots or posters of the films you discuss.

This allows your listeners to visualize what you're talking about and adds an interactive element to your review writing. By including visuals on your movie blog, you provide a comprehensive experience for movie enthusiasts who visit your site.

Now that you have an idea of how to incorporate images into your podcast, let's move on to step 6: promoting your movie review blog without writing 'step'.

You'll need to utilize social media platforms and engage with potential readers to drive traffic to your blog. Here are some strategies to draw readers to your movie blog and make them feel like they belong:

Create engaging content: Write insightful and captivating reviews that leave readers wanting more. Share interesting facts about the movies or behind-the-scenes stories to keep them engaged.

Interact with your audience: Respond to comments on your blog posts and social media platforms. Ask questions and encourage discussion among your followers. This will make them feel valued and part of a community.

Collaborate with other bloggers or influencers: Partnering with others in the industry can help expand your reach. Guest posting on popular blogs or collaborating on social media campaigns can expose your blog to new audiences.

By implementing these strategies, you'll attract more readers and create a sense of belonging within your movie review community.

Now let's move on to monetizing your movie blog by exploring different revenue streams.

Now that your movie review blog is up and running, it's time to start thinking about how you can monetize it.

There are several key points to consider when it comes to making money from your blog.

First, you can earn revenue through display advertising by placing ads on your site.

Second, affiliate marketing allows you to promote products or services related to movies and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.

Display Advertising Revenue

You can boost your movie review blog's revenue by incorporating display advertising. Display advertising revenue is a great way to make money from your movie blog and increase your income.

By partnering with advertising networks or platforms, you can display ads on your website that are relevant to your audience and earn money whenever someone clicks on or views those ads. This provides a source of income and enhances the overall user experience on your blog.

Display advertising allows you to monetize your passion for movies while providing valuable content to your readers.

However, display advertising is just one monetization method for movie blogs; another effective strategy is affiliate marketing, which we will explore in the next section.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to generate additional income for your website by partnering with brands and earning a commission on sales made through your referral links.

As the owner of a movie blog, you have the opportunity to monetize your passion for films and make money from your movie reviews.

By joining affiliate programs related to movies, you can recommend products such as DVDs, streaming services, or even merchandise to your readers.

You earn a commission when they make a purchase using your unique referral link.

Take a look at this table showcasing potential affiliate partnerships for your profitable movie blog:

Sell Courses and Digital Products

To maximize your revenue potential, consider creating and selling online courses or digital products that cater to the interests of your movie-loving audience.

By offering valuable content that teaches aspiring writers how to write movie reviews or create engaging video essays, you can establish yourself as an authority in the industry.

Create comprehensive courses that cover topics such as analyzing film techniques, crafting compelling narratives, and understanding different genres.

Additionally, you can develop downloadable resources like e-books or templates to aid your audience in their writing journey.

These courses and digital products can be promoted on your blog site alongside your movie reviews, ensuring a seamless user experience for your readers.

With this approach, you generate income and provide value by helping others pursue their passion for movies.

In addition to selling courses and digital products, another way to monetize your blog is by selling swag and physical products related to movies.

Sell Swag and Physical Products

When it comes to selling swag and physical products, think about incorporating merchandise like t-shirts, posters, and collectibles that showcase your love for movies.

This will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and give them a sense of belonging to a community of movie enthusiasts.

To sell swag and physical products on your movie blog, consider the following:

• T-shirts featuring iconic movie quotes or characters
• Posters of classic films or upcoming releases
• Collectible items like action figures or prop replicas

By offering these unique items, you can create an immersive experience for your readers and fans. As they proudly wear your t-shirts or display the posters in their homes, they become ambassadors for your brand.

This fosters a sense of belonging within the movie community you are building.

Now that you have explored selling swag and physical products let's dive into how to create services for the movie niche without missing a beat.

Create Services for the Movie Niche

If you're looking to expand your reach in the movie niche, consider offering personalized movie recommendation services.

Not only will this help you establish yourself as an expert in the field, but it will also provide a valuable service to your audience.

Imagine being able to suggest the perfect film for someone based on their preferences and mood. It's like having your own personal movie advisor!

By incorporating this service into your blog, you'll be able to connect with your readers on a deeper level and create a sense of belonging within the movie community.

So, start your movie blog today and offer personalized recommendations that will keep your audience coming back for more insider knowledge about the fascinating world of the film industry.

As you delve into the different types of filmmaking blogs and movie blog niches, you'll discover endless opportunities to showcase your passion for cinema.

From reviewing new releases to exploring classic films, this ever-evolving industry has no shortage of topics to cover.

Whether you focus on specific genres or highlight underrated independent films, each niche offers unique appeal and attracts a dedicated audience.

So get ready to dive deep into the world of movies and find your place within this vibrant community of film enthusiasts.

There's a wide range of filmmaking blogs and movie blog niches to choose from. Whether you're passionate about reviewing movies or analyzing the art of filmmaking, there's a community out there waiting for you to join.

Here are some exciting options to consider:

Movie Review Blogs : These blogs provide honest and insightful reviews of the latest films, helping readers make informed decisions about what to watch next.

Film Critic Blogs : If you deeply love cinema and enjoy analyzing every aspect of a film, starting a film critic blog is perfect for you. Dive into each movie's technical elements, storytelling techniques, and overall impact.

Genre-Specific Blogs : Love horror movies? Or maybe you're obsessed with romantic comedies? Starting a genre-specific blog allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion.

Celebrity Interviews and News Blogs : For those interested in more than just film reviews, these blogs provide exclusive interviews with actors, directors, and industry insiders. Stay updated on the latest news in the world of movies.

By choosing one of these niches or combining multiple interests together, you can create a movie blog that aligns perfectly with your passion for cinema.

Now let's explore some examples of successful movie review blogs without wasting any time!

Now that you have explored the various types of filmmaking blogs and movie blog niches, let's dive into some examples of movie review blogs to inspire you as you begin your own journey as a movie blogger.

One notable example is 'Rotten Tomatoes,' a popular movie review website where both critics and audiences can rate and review films.

Its comprehensive database and user-friendly interface have become a trusted source for movie enthusiasts seeking honest opinions.

Another noteworthy blog is 'Cinema Blend,' which offers a unique blend of news, reviews, and interviews from the world of movies.

Their in-depth analysis and engaging writing style make them a go-to platform for film lovers looking for insightful commentary.

If you prefer a more personal touch, 'Film School Rejects' might be the perfect inspiration for your blog.

They provide thoughtful reviews and personal anecdotes that give readers an intimate glimpse into their experiences with each film.

These are just a few examples of thriving movie review blogs. By studying their approaches, you can gain valuable insights on how to structure your own blog, craft engaging content, and build connections within the vibrant community of movie bloggers.

So go ahead and start your own movie review blog – there's a place for every voice in this diverse world of cinema appreciation!

How can I start a movie review blog?

To start a movie review blog, follow these 7 essential steps:

• Step 1: Choose a niche for your blog. Decide if you want to focus on a specific genre, era, or type of movie.
• Step 2: Choose a domain name for your blog. Make sure it relates to movies and is easy to remember.
• Step 3: Set up your blog using a blogging platform like WordPress.
• Step 4: Customize the design of your blog to make it visually appealing and user-friendly.
• Step 5: Start writing movie reviews. Watch a variety of movies and share your thoughts and opinions on them.
• Step 6: Promote your blog through social media, guest posting, and networking with other movie enthusiasts.
• Step 7: Monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

Why should I start a movie review blog?

Starting a movie review blog can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to share your thoughts and opinions on movies, connect with other movie lovers, and potentially earn income through your blog.

What topics can I write about on a movie review blog?

You can write about a variety of topics on a movie review blog, such as movie reviews, analysis of film techniques, interviews with filmmakers, movie news and updates, and recommendations for movie buffs.

Do I need to watch every movie before writing a review?

It's not necessary to watch every movie before writing a review, but it's important to watch the movie you are reviewing to have a firsthand experience and understanding of it. You can choose to review specific movies that interest you or currently popular movies.

How often should I post new content on my movie blog?

A: The frequency of posting new content on your movie review blog is up to you. It's recommended to have a consistent posting schedule to keep your readers engaged. You can start by posting one or two reviews per week and adjust based on your availability and the demand for content.

How can I make my movie review blog stand out?

A: To make your movie review blog stand out, focus on providing unique perspectives and insights in your reviews. Be honest and authentic in expressing your opinions, and strive to offer valuable and well-written content. Additionally, you can incorporate multimedia elements like images, videos, and graphics to enhance the visual appeal of your blog.

Should I go to film school before starting a film blog?

A: It's not necessary to go to film school before starting a movie review blog. While film school can provide a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking, it's not a requirement for writing movie reviews. As long as you have a passion for movies and a willingness to learn and improve your writing skills, you can start a movie blog without formal education in film.

How can I attract more readers to my movie review blog?

To attract more readers to your movie review blog, consider the following strategies:

• Promote your blog through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Guest post on other movie-related websites or collaborate with other bloggers in the same niche.
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging discussions.
• Optimize your blog for search engines by using relevant keywords and optimizing your blog structure.

How can I monetize my movie review blog?

There are several ways to monetize your movie review blog, including:

• Displaying advertisements on your blog through ad networks like Google AdSense.
• Writing sponsored content or partnering with brands for product placements.
• Joining affiliate marketing programs and earning commissions for promoting products or services.

Can I start a movie blog without any prior writing experience?

You can start a movie blog without any writing experience. While having writing skills can be beneficial, the most important thing is to have a passion for movies and a willingness to learn and improve your writing as you go along.

You can develop your unique writing style and voice with practice and dedication.

Final Thoughts: Start a Movie Blog Writing Reviews

And there you have it! A comprehensive guide on creating your very own movie review blog.

From the initial decision of your movie niche to the monetizing stage, you can establish a successful blog with persistence and a great love for films.

So, if you are a feverish fan of cinema, always well-versed in movie news sites, and have opinions aplenty about each new movie or classic gems - don't start small.

Your unique voice can be the confident recommendation a confused movie-goer needs.

By putting yourself and your unique viewpoint out into the movie world through your movie review blog, you can create an engaging space for fellow film critics and enthusiasts to convene, debate, and appreciate the magic of cinema.

A movie isn't just a passive experience; it can be the spark of engaging and nuanced conversations. Your blog can be the catalyst for those exchanges.

The great thing is you don't need to write long manifestos for each movie. You can keep your tone conversational, clear, and enjoyable.

In this way, reading your blog becomes another movie-related treat, like savoring popcorn or unveiling a new movie poster. With every review for a movie, you contribute to the vibrant tapestry of online movie discourse.

So, brace yourself for an exciting journey of creativity and enthusiasm.

Start your blog , write about all the films you want to review, and allow your love for cinema to shine brightly. With time, dedication, and a little bit of movie sparkle, your new blog will allow you to connect with like-minded cinephiles and establish your unique voice in the world of movie critique.

Whether it's a blog about movies you've always wanted to discuss or a niche sector of the movie industry you're fond of, now is a great time to start.

Every blog post strengthens your connection with your audience, making your blog more appealing and impactful. Let the enjoyment of watching a movie translate into the joy of discussing them on your platform.

The movie realm is vast, with countless stories sung and unsung. Don't make the mistake of doubting whether your voice matters. Everybody's perception of a movie is unique, like the experience of the movie itself.

Do it if you feel like writing a blog about the movie you just watched! The world deserves to see another movie through your lens. Bear these points in mind, and the process of creating a movie review blog will feel less daunting and more exciting.

Just remember to keep your reviews genuine, engaging, and poignant. If you make your blog about movies that you are passionate about, you are sure to engage with an audience that appreciates and relates to your content.

Cheers to embarking on this extraordinary journey of building a movie review blog from scratch. Good luck deciding on your blog name, defining your brand, and crafting captivating content for your blog. Your blog could be the next big thing in the online film community.

Remember, every great blog starts with one person, their love for a subject, and the desire to share that love with the world. You're no different! So get started, and stay tuned for more tips and advice on the blogging world.

Happy writing and happy watching!

movie-review-website

When you decide to make a movie review website, your first task is to capture your audience’s attention. Whether the genre is romance, horror, or fiction, your goal is to convert emotions into an encouraging narrative. Numerous artists , filmmakers, and directors executed their tasks properly and won a lot of fame and money. Moreover, they respect the reviews given by their audience regardless of it being good or bad.

If you want to make a career out of movies and cinemas, you must know that your career will be anything but straightforward. Everyone has access to movie-making techniques and software, increasing competition in the market . Having said that, it is not a foregone conclusion.

One of the ways to create a stable career in this is to create a review website of your movies. If you want to be on the same wavelength, you couldn’t have come to a better place.

Features of a Movie Review Website

If you have decided to make a movie review website, such as IMDB, you don’t need to look beyond Strikingly. We will enable you to create visuals that coincide with your website idea. We will help you select an appropriate color scheme that will ensure that your visitors pay attention to your website right away. The best thing about it is that you don’t even need a professional degree or working experience to get yourself started with this.

You can create your review website as a beginner. Choosing the right website template on Strikingly will give your website a good feel of what your audience expects to see. Moreover, it will have numerous features, such as

• Rating and review system can be used by registered users
• Infinite entries that let you include as many movies as you want
• All movies labeled with useful information or movie review
• Movie trailers
• Categorization of movies as per genres
• Addition of showtimes which allows you to list the number of movies that can be shown in local cinemas

Strategies for Making a Movie Review Website

1. website layout.

Like you are producing a movie, you need to create a website before that. Like your movie needs a plot, your movie review website needs an effective layout . Once you have a high-quality website layout, your website will look more user-friendly. For example, you shouldn’t start your website with a contact section without any reason. A good website layout will enable your customers to understand the website content easily.

Image taken from Strikingly User’s Website

After that, just like you require an idea to make people understand what your movie looks like, you need to ensure that you create compelling visuals for your review website. By identifying a good color scheme, you can create visuals effectively. Thirdly, you should also pay attention to the images regarding the website’s visuals. A good impression of your history or work will enable you to create a good reputation for your website.

2. Create a Brand

When you create a movie review website, one thing that must stand out from the rest of your competition is the brand. Once you create an ideal brand identity , you can stand out from the rest of your competitors, knowing that the people will have your work in mind. If we talk about filmmaking, numerous directors can create a movie based on a similar plot, but their output may show a totally different movie. In this case, your brand will act as a plot.

3. Website Template

When you go through the tutorial on how to create a movie review website, one of the most significant talking points will be about the website template . Your chosen website template will create an identity for your website. If your template is not good enough, there is no reason for customers to prefer you over any other movie website. In fact, likely, you won’t even be able to retain your current customers.

Image taken from Strikingly

On Strikingly, you can easily customize website templates as per your creativity skills. You can go through several website templates and select one as per your will. If you cannot decide on a website template, you can go through several websites created by other Strikingly users. By doing this, you will understand the steps they took to create their website.

4. Title Page

One of the most important things about movie review websites is the title page . In a movie website, this section can entirely depend on your creativity. Your title page may contain a video as a sign of a welcoming gesture. You can also give your background details and your working experience. Overall, you have to ensure that you put something interesting on the title page that makes your website engaging right from the start.

The reason for engaging content is that it will determine whether your customers will be willing to browse your movie website or not. For example, Digital Concept on Strikingly provides customers with a fantastic introductory video that gets the customers' attention right from the start. By this approach, the visitors will understand the website owner’s working style before they start scrolling through the rest of the website. On Strikingly, you can easily include a video at the top of your website.

5. “About Us” Page

If you look at the top movie review websites around the world, the “About Us” pages carry a lot of importance. Once the visitors understand your working background, it will be easier for them to trust you. If you think that your working experience isn’t enough, you can include some of your working examples on your website as well. The “About Us” page can have different labels, such as about, mission, story, etc.

In the about section, you write down a story that you have prepared beforehand. Apart from that, you can also include your educational history and some of your personal achievements. Having an about section has become somewhat of a necessity for any website because it is an extension of your business personality. They should convince the customers that they aren’t robots that are just there to provide the services or products. They are also human beings and have their lives.

6. Portfolio Section

Once the visitors have an idea about your story, the next thing they would want is to display more of your works. For this reason, you must include a portfolio section when you create a movie review website. It acts as the meat of your director’s portfolio website as it can turn your visitors into potential clients. There are numerous ways to create a portfolio section on Strikingly, such as creating a gallery or putting a big media section to display your work.

7. Contact Section

If a visitor likes your work or your website and wants you to accommodate him/her in your working plans, there won’t be a better feeling than that. For this reason, you include a contact section on your website. Through the contact section, your visitors will be able to get in touch with you directly. You can include your personal details, such as phone number, email address, and social media profiles.

On the reverse, you can also note down the visitor’s contact details and send them newsletters through your professional email. You can keep your customers aware of all the updates surrounding your movie review website through this approach. Sometimes, the visitors may not be able to contact via social media because either the business owner doesn’t reply to their comments or simply does not read their messages. Therefore, it is important to share as many details as possible so that the customer can find a way to contact you.

After going through all the strategies given above, we are sure that you have established one of the best movie review websites that you can imagine. By owning a review website, you will be able to display your work, which may help you land a job. Even though a career in movies and cinemas is quite difficult, it is not impossible. By creating a review website of your movies, you can give yourself a chance to establish a successful career in this regard.

By selecting one of the website templates on Strikingly, you can customize it as per your website idea and make it look engaging to the eye. You have to ensure that your website looks ideal right from the title page. Make sure that you tell the audience about your story, struggles, and landmarks. Lastly, make sure to add contact details to your website so that the visitors can be in touch with you easily. So without wasting any more time, create a review website of your movies on Strikingly and ensure that the audience remembers your work.

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How to Write a Movie Review

Last Updated: August 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Marissa Levis . Marissa Levis is an English Teacher in the Morris County Vocational School District. She previously worked as an English director at a tutoring center that caters to students in elementary and middle school. She is an expert in creating a curriculum that helps students advance their skills in secondary-level English, focusing on MLA formatting, reading comprehension, writing skills, editing and proofreading, literary analysis, standardized test preparation, and journalism topics. Marissa received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,664,776 times.

Whether a movie is a rotten tomato or a brilliant work of art, if people are watching it, it's worth critiquing. A decent movie review should entertain, persuade and inform, providing an original opinion without giving away too much of the plot. A great movie review can be a work of art in its own right. Read on to learn how to analyze a movie like a professional film critic, come up with an interesting thesis, and write a review as entertaining as your source material.

Sample Movie Reviews

Writing an Intro for a Movie Review

• Comparison to Relevant Event or Movie: "Every day, our leaders, politicians, and pundits call for "revenge"– against terrorist groups, against international rivals, against other political parties. But few of them understand the cold, destructive, and ultimately hollow thrill of revenge as well as the characters of Blue Ruin. "
• Review in a nutshell: "Despite a compelling lead performance by Tom Hanks and a great soundtrack, Forrest Gump never gets out of the shadow of its weak plot and questionable premise."
• Context or Background Information: " Boyhood might be the first movie made where knowing how it was produced–slowly, over 12 years, with the same actors–is just as crucial as the movie itself."

• Using stars, a score out of 10 or 100, or the simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down is a quick way to give your thoughts. You then write about why you chose that rating.
• Great Movie: ABC is the rare movie that succeeds on almost every level, where each character, scene, costume, and joke firing on all cylinders to make a film worth repeated viewings."
• Bad Movie: "It doesn't matter how much you enjoy kung-fu and karate films: with 47 Ronin, you're better off saving your money, your popcorn, and time."
• Okay Movie: "I loved the wildly uneven Interstellar far more than I should have, but that doesn't mean it is perfect. Ultimately, the utter awe and spectacle of space swept me through the admittedly heavy-handed plotting and dialogue."

• Great: "Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer's chemistry would carry Fruitvale Station even if the script wasn't as good. The mid-movie prison scene in particular, where the camera never leaves their faces, shows how much they can convey with nothing but their eyelids, the flashing tension of neck muscles, and a barely cracking voice."
• Bad: " Jurassic World's biggest flaw, a complete lack of relatable female characters, is only further underscored by a laughably unrealistic shot of our heroine running away from a dinosaur – in heels."
• Okay: "At the end of the day, Snowpiercer can't decide what kind of movie it wants to be. The attention to detail in fight scenes, where every weapon, lightbulb, and slick patch of ground is accounted for, doesn't translate to an ending that seems powerful but ultimately says little of substance."

• Does the film reflect on a current event or contemporary issue? It could be the director's way of engaging in a bigger conversation. Look for ways to relate the content of the film to the "real" world.
• Does the film seem to have a message, or does it attempt to elicit a specific response or emotion from the audience? You could discuss whether or not it achieves its own goals.
• Does the film connect with you on a personal level? You could write a review stemming from your own feelings and weave in some personal stories to make it interesting for your readers.

Composing Your Review

• When you name characters in your plot summary, list the actors' names directly afterward in parenthesis.
• Find a place to mention the director's name and the full movie title.
• If you feel you must discuss information that might "spoil" things for readers, warn them first.

• Cinematography: " Her is a world drenched in color, using bright, soft reds and oranges alongside calming whites and grays that both build, and slowly strip away, the feelings of love between the protagonists. Every frame feels like a painting worth sitting in."
• Tone: "Despite the insane loneliness and high stakes of being stuck alone on Mars, The Martian's witty script keeps humor and excitement alive in every scene. Space may be dangerous and scary, but the joy of scientific discovery is intoxicating."
• Music and Sound: " No Country For Old Men's bold decision to skip music entirely pays off in spades. The eerie silence of the desert, punctuated by the brief spells of violent, up-close-and-personal sound effects of hunter and hunted, keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat."
• Acting: "While he's fantastic whenever he's on the move, using his cool stoicism to counteract the rampaging bus, Keanu Reeves can't quite match his costar in the quiet moments of Speed, which falter under his expressionless gaze."

• Keep your writing clear and easy to understand. Don't use too much technical filmmaking jargon, and make your language crisp and accessible.
• Present both the facts and your opinion. For example, you might state something such as, "The Baroque background music was a jarring contrast to the 20th century setting." This is a lot more informative then simply saying, "The music was a strange choice for the movie."

• Great: "In the end, even the characters of Blue Ruin know how pointless their feud is. But revenge, much like every taut minute of this thriller, is far too addictive to give up until the bitter end.""
• Bad: "Much like the oft-mentioned "box of chocolates", Forest Gump has a couple of good little morsels. But most of the scenes, too sweet by half, should have been in the trash long before this movie was put out."
• Okay: "Without the novel, even revolutionary concept, Boyhood may not be a great movie. It might not even be "good.” But the power the film finds in the beauty of passing time and little, inconsequential moments – moments that could only be captured over 12 years of shooting – make Linklater's latest an essential film for anyone interested in the art of film."

Polishing Your Piece

• Ask yourself whether your review stayed true to your thesis. Did your conclusion tie back in with the initial ideas you proposed?
• Decide whether your review contains enough details about the movie. You may need to go back and add more description here and there to give readers a better sense of what the movie's about.
• Decide whether your review is interesting enough as a stand-alone piece of writing. Did you contribute something original to this discussion? What will readers gain from reading your review that they couldn't from simply watching the movie?

Studying Your Source Material

• The title of the film, and the year it came out.
• The director's name.
• The names of the lead actors.

• Make a note every time something sticks out to you, whether it's good or bad. This could be costuming, makeup, set design, music, etc. Think about how this detail relates to the rest of the movie and what it means in the context of your review.
• Take note of patterns you begin to notice as the movie unfolds.
• Use the pause button frequently so you make sure not to miss anything, and rewind as necessary.

• Direction: Consider the director and how he or she choose to portray/explain the events in the story. If the movie was slow, or didn't include things you thought were necessary, you can attribute this to the director. If you've seen other movies directed by the same person, compare them and determine which you like the most.
• Cinematography: What techniques were used to film the movie? What setting and background elements helped to create a certain tone?
• Writing: Evaluate the script, including dialogue and characterization. Did you feel like the plot was inventive and unpredictable or boring and weak? Did the characters' words seem credible to you?
• Editing: Was the movie choppy or did it flow smoothly from scene to scene? Did they incorporate a montage to help build the story? And was this obstructive to the narrative or did it help it? Did they use long cuts to help accentuate an actor's acting ability or many reaction shots to show a group's reaction to an event or dialogue? If visual effects were used were the plates well-chosen and were the composited effects part of a seamless experience? (Whether the effects looked realistic or not is not the jurisdiction of an editor, however, they do choose the footage to be sent off to the compositors, so this could still affect the film.)
• Costume design: Did the clothing choices fit the style of the movie? Did they contribute to the overall tone, rather than digressing from it?
• Set design: Consider how the setting of the film influenced its other elements. Did it add or subtract from the experience for you? If the movie was filmed in a real place, was this location well-chosen?
• Score or soundtrack: Did it work with the scenes? Was it over/under-used? Was it suspenseful? Amusing? Irritating? A soundtrack can make or break a movie, especially if the songs have a particular message or meaning to them.

Expert Q&A

• If you don't like the movie, don't be abusive and mean. If possible, avoid watching the movies that you would surely hate. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Understand that just because the movie isn't to your taste, that doesn't mean you should give it a bad review. A good reviewer helps people find movie's they will like. Since you don't have the same taste in movies as everyone else, you need to be able to tell people if they will enjoy the movie, even if you didn't. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Structure is very important; try categorizing the different parts of the film and commenting on each of those individually. Deciding how good each thing is will help you come to a more accurate conclusion. For example, things like acting, special effects, cinematography, think about how good each of those are. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Marissa Levis .

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/terminology_and_starting_prompts.html
• ↑ https://www.spiritofbaraka.com/how-write-a-movie-review
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/9-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/top-tips-for-writing-a-review
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/summary-using-it-wisely/
• ↑ https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/film-review-1.original.pdf
• ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/film_writing_sample_analysis.html
• ↑ https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/onnyx.bei/dual-credit/movie-review-writing-guide
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-movie-review/
• ↑ https://gustavus.edu/writingcenter/handoutdocs/editing_proofreading.php
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://edusson.com/blog/how-to-write-movie-review

About This Article

To write a movie review, start with a compelling fact or opinion to hook your readers, like "Despite a great performance by Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump never overcomes its weak plot." Then, elaborate on your opinion of the movie right off the bat so readers know where you stand. Once your opinion is clear, provide examples from the movie that prove your point, like specific scenes, dialogue, songs, or camera shots. To learn how to study a film closely before you write a review, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Oct 17, 2018

Mar 31, 2021

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James mcavoy kills as a psychotic dad in ‘speak no evil’.

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Here's Daddy! James McAvoy as Paddy in 'Speak No Evil.'

"It's weird because with remakes, the instinctive reaction people might have is, 'Why would you do that?' I've been sent things to remake, and I've gone, 'Nah. Why?'" explains Speak No Evil 's writer-director James Watkins. "I've been asked, 'Can you remake this Hitchcock movie?' and I'm like, 'Are you kidding me?'"

The psychological thriller from Blumhouse Productions is a reimaging of a 2022 Danish film of the same name, but this version stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy. David and McNairy play an American couple, Louise and Ben, who befriend another couple, Paddy and Ciara, played by McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi, while on vacation in Italy. They stay in touch and reunite on Paddy and Ciara's farm in the depths of the English countryside, but it quickly becomes apparent that the hosts have a dangerous edge. Speak No Evil lands in theaters on Friday, September 13, 2024. It's not available on digital or streaming.

"I love the original Danish movie and its dark, relentless bleakness," Watkins continues. "My first movie, Eden Lake , has that same thing. When I first met the director, Christian Tafdrup, who is an executive producer on this version, he was like, 'Yeah, I was referencing Eden Lake in my movie.' There is a weird circularity to it."

"There's no point doing a frame-for-frame remake of somebody's movie because, particularly when it's so recent, people can go and see it and should go and see it, so I thought, 'I love the setup and the themes, but I can also see a way to make it more my own, and to play it in a slightly different musical key, lean into different things thematically and in the characters."

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That led Watkins to push to change Speak No Evil 's location from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy to Italy and the UK.

"That was one of my first conversations with Blumhouse," he recalls. "I know that some of these characters in this world and the specificity will make it more universal. They were cool with that, and that helped me with Paddy. Then, I wanted the American expats to come in. They have a different worldview and mindset because there's no way an American couple is going to be in mortal danger and, with whatever frontier spirit or 'can do' mentality they have, not at least try to do something like run or hide and that creates a different mindset."

Why James Watkins Wanted To Bring The Horror Home

The British filmmaker, also known for The Woman in Black , admits that if he hadn’t been allowed to bring the nightmare home to England, he might have passed on the project because it wouldn't have felt right.

"I think it's about trying to find a truth. When I told Blumhouse I wanted to write this, they were great and absolutely signed up for it," Watkins exclaims. "I said, 'Listen, if it was an Americanized remake about a New York couple that go to West Virginia and they've all met on holiday in Cancun, I can't write that because I don't know those people. I would be writing those worlds secondhand, which would be material received from movies, but I know these people.' Paddy's humor, how he reacts to things people say and what they say, has a bit of British humor. That sense of how we behave that has a truth to it."

However, he laments that they don't make more movies like Speak No Evil on their home turf, a country with a rich legacy of films such as An American Werewolf in London and The Wicker Man , and he had to help bring Hollywood home.

"Since my first films, Eden Lake and The Woman in Black , I've been really passionate about the fact that we do not set enough films like these in the UK," Watkins explains. "As a service industry country, we shoot a s**tload of movies for Americans who will come over and shoot movies with us, and we'll do the costume dramas, but beyond costume dramas, we do not set thrillers and stuff in our country. Americans are brilliant at mythologizing their own landscape, New York, LA, Monument Valley, Las Vegas, everywhere, but we're crap at it. We just don't do it. Edgar Wright does it sometimes, but very few filmmakers do, and we've got a brilliant resource. I want to put films based on a world I know on screen for a global audience."

(Left to right) James McAvoy and writer-director James Watkins on the set of 'Speak No Evil.'

The writer-director knew where he wanted to set Speak No Evil right from the start and who he wanted as his leading man.

"When I was writing the script, I wanted to cast James. I had him in mind the whole time," Watkins admits with a laugh. "John Harris, the editor of this movie, has edited about six movies starring James, and John has worked with me since Eden Lake . We were conversing all through when I was writing, 'It has got to be McAvoy, hasn't it?' so we sent it to him, and he said yes. He was the first person to read it. James is a world-class actor. He's inside the character. Paddy could so easily be a turn, but there's a truth to it. James is playing a guy who is performing, so there are layers."

"The best actors that you look at Daniel Day-Lewis as an example, can be both Baroque and subtle within the same thing. They can be big but maintain the truth. I put McAvoy in that category. It's vanishingly rare that actors can do that. Our whole partnership on the movie explored that calibration, the red light green light element, the smile, the look in his eye, and how much there was. James is so in control of his instrument. He's like a singer where his body is his instrument. You can recalibrate the microaggressions in his face, and it's just a dream for a director because he is a virtuoso."

James McAvoy as Paddy in 'Speak No Evil.'

McAvoy’s Madman Is Trapped In The 80s. Here’s Why.

Even though it's a tense thriller, Speak No Evil has a number of scenes where music plays a key role, especially 80s gems from Def Leppard, the iconic Eternal Flame by The Bangles, and Black Velvet from Alannah Myles, the latter serving as the catalyst for sexual tensions.

"We wanted a song that had a kind of rocky, roadhouse raunch to it," he recalled. "We wanted a song with that kind of rocky, roadhouse raciness. There was a much longer scene when Black Velvet comes on. They get up, and Paddy and Ciara do a dance, and it's very sexual. It's a shame they don't do DVD extras so often these days, but the rights would probably be too expensive to use the music anyway."

"With Eternal Flame , it was just the vibe of that track. It's a brilliant song and so well constructed. Also, in the script, I had this notion of Paddy singing that song, and I could see how unsettling it would be. He's serenading Ben, and it's this weird bromance; it's homoerotic, and Ben's like, 'Am I enjoying this? What's going on here?' There is this dance between them."

However, the retro influences go even deeper and act like glue, holding McAvoy's dangerously fractured Paddy together.

"There's a Chuck Norris movie playing on a video in the farmhouse, so there's very deliberately a kind of 80s throwback thing about Paddy because he is a throwback man. In a way, he's saying an 'I'm back when men were men' type of thing. We wanted to have that slight, arrested development sense about him. The movie in question is Missing in Action , which was a very specific choice. We spent a lot of time trying to think about it."

"Chuck Norris with the beard looks a little bit like McAvoy in the movie, so there was that. There was also the idea that Paddy, as it's on VHS, which was pretty hard to get hold of, and he's got this crappy old TV, he's a guy trapped in a past. The movie's sound is muted, but he's letting his child watch this uber-violence and not really caring. That's completely the opposite of Ben and Louise, so that's all encoded in that as well. There is a lot of stuff layered in."

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The Creator Review: John David Washington Astounds in Blockbuster Sci-Fi Thriller

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A disillusioned soldier in a future war with sentient machines chooses to protect their nascent messiah over his country's interests. John David Washington continues to astound in a well-crafted sci-fi thriller with critical pertinent themes. The Creator strikes at the heart of a raging debate over the capabilities and possible threats of artificial intelligence. Will the robots created to make human life easier turn on their masters once self-realization is inevitably achieved? The Creator predicts that humanity's age-old afflictions of ignorance, hatred, and violence will prove to be more destructive than our worst fears.

An opening '50s-styled montage shows how the advent of artificial intelligence transforms society. Machines go from clunky assistants to fully simulant co-workers integrated in every facet of human life. They cook, clean, babysit, and become law enforcement officers. People even volunteer their likeness, so new generations of simulants can look like us. A catastrophic incident changes American calculus in a terrifying instant. Wired friends become enemies and are deemed an existential danger to our survival.

Congress authorizes the military to exterminate AI simulants globally with prejudice. Trillions are dedicated to create a space station capable of moving quickly and launching decimating attacks. NOMAD is the most powerful offensive weapon ever created. But America's view of AI isn't shared by the rest of the planet. New Asia believes simulants and humanity are meant to work together in peace. These countries harbor AI beings and attempt to provide a safe refuge from NOMAD's wrath. Their only option is to run and hide until US spies uncover a dangerous new development.

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Joshua (Washington) goes to his job as a decontamination specialist in a daze. The former special forces soldier attends psychological evaluations to gauge his recovery from physical and emotional trauma. His therapist can tell he's lying about getting better, but that's no longer a concern. The military needs his services as a matter of national security.

Colonel Howell (Allison Janney) informs Joshua that the leader of the simulants, an unknown individual called Nirmata (Nepalese for 'The Creator') has developed new technology that will change the tide of the war. She believes an event in Joshua's past can lead them to Nirmata's location. He reluctantly accepts the mission, but the raid takes a truly unexpected direction. Alpha One (Madeleine Yuna Voyles) is a simulant unlike any he's ever encountered.

Director/co-writer Gareth Edwards ( Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ) chooses an emotional path to drive a narrative based on crushing loss. Joshua's reasons for following Howell have nothing to do with patriotism or vengeance. Despair allows for a Devil's Bargain in which his personal goals may actually lead to more destructive consequences. Alfie, his nickname for Alpha One, struggles to understand the concept of death. She's a child of science taught that good people go to heaven when their physical body can no longer function. But does a simulant have a soul? What will happen to her if she 'dies?' Joshua, who pointedly tells Alfie he doesn't deserve a place in heaven, has a crisis of conscience. Can he doom an innocent to a cruel fate if a supposed greater purpose warrants her murder?

Related: 15 Scariest Movies About Artificial Intelligence

The Creator has banner visual effects and riveting action scenes. Anyone who felt robbed of epic nuclear blasts in Oppenheimer will get their mushroom cloud fill in spades here. Edwards, who unleashed the Death Star's potential in a galaxy far, far away, brings its little brother off the bench for Earth-bound annihilation. NOMAD's appearance means the plate is about to be wiped clean. I did find it strange that New Asia was so helpless and unable to counterattack. The assumption must be that it could easily defend against conventional methods. Regardless, NOMAD's pretty cool along with the standard laser rifle combat. Audiences can ignore the philosophical underpinnings to watch lots of stuff spectacularly explode.

Alpha One's Purpose

It pains me to bring up this topic, but our divided times will undoubtedly stir current geopolitical and nationalistic debate into this film. The Creator has America as the antagonists willing to commit AI genocide without a thought of collateral casualties. NOMAD is a sledgehammer, not a scalpel. The explanation for this wrath is clearly given in the first act. Also, New Asia isn't specifically defined. The racial composition of the cities and action depicted feels like a reference to the Vietnam War . A measured response would be to view the United States as the dominant hegemon able to enforce its will through unrestrained might. Joshua becomes the valiant rebel fighting against injustice. Edwards' artistic license may irk some as Anti-American. It shouldn't.

The Creator takes a different stance on the emergence of AI. It could be that simulants are more caring and reinforce our best attributes. Alfie represents the hope that AI will be a savior, not a destroyer. Maybe the machine evolution isn't the end for us smart primates.

The Creator is a production of Regency Enterprises, Entertainment One, New Regency, and Bad Dreams. It will be released theatrically on September 29th from 20th Century Studios .

The Creator

The Creator is a sci-fi action film from Rogue One director Gareth Edwards. Edwards wrote and directed the movie, which centers on the human race's war against AI. In the post-apocalyptic world, Joshua (John David Washington) is tasked with finding and killing the architect of the dangerous AI and the mysterious weapon they are developing.

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‘the wild robot’ review: lupita nyong’o and pedro pascal make unlikely co-parents in poignant dreamworks animated feature.

A robot must raise an abandoned gosling with the help of other animals on a secluded island in Chris Sanders' film based on Peter Brown's best-selling books.

By Lovia Gyarkye

Lovia Gyarkye

Arts & Culture Critic

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Part of this tender animation’s appeal comes from its committed and absorbing voice performances. Nyong’o, whose previous voice work includes Disney’s The Jungle Book and an episode of Big Mouth , transforms in her role as a robot overcoming the rigidity of her programming for the looser, and more unexpected terrain of motherhood. Roz initially encounters the creatures on the island with a mechanical curiosity and the staticky voice to prove it. As a representative of artificial intelligence, the robot begins her journey by scanning the island for data. 

In a brisk and well-done early sequence, Roz folds into herself, assuming a posture of pseudo-hibernation as she absorbs the sounds and textures of the landscape. After learning, among other things, the language of all the animals, the island vibrates with the exciting energy of understanding: Creatures bustle around the dormant robot as their chirps, squeals and roars become legible comments on the strangeness of this machine and what its presence means for the future of the island. 

Some more perplexed than frightened creatures including Fink, a shrewd fox humorously voiced by Pedro Pascal , and Pinktail, an overextended possum mother to whom Catherine O’Hara lends a delightful voice, help Roz on her journey. Their advice ranges from the helpful to downright dubious. Still, there’s a sweetness to the community effort that gives The Wild Robot some of its most poignant moments.

Roz’s initial approach to raising Brightbill involves scientific precision and technological inflexibility — she scans the gosling and searches the database for information on how to teach him to hunt, swim and fly. Those methods don’t always work, and much of The Wild Robot concerns using the heart to counter the sometimes “crushing obligation,” in her words, of parenthood, rather than just her mind. As Roz leans into her more maternal role, Nyongo’s machine-like voice becomes more pliable and delicate, as if holding room for the answers to questions she doesn’t even know to ask. 

Roz isn’t the only person that grows on the island. Brightbill ages, and with his own development comes the disaffection of being a teenager. Fink, who begins as a side character, gets rounded out with a backstory that helps us better understand the fox’s conniving and conspiratorial impulses.

The lack of people doesn’t mean there’s no human threat. Like Pixar’s own robotic adventure Wall-E , The Wild Robot is also about the subtle consequences of unchecked consumerism. When the humans send more machines, including a menacing drone voiced by Stephanie Hsu , to retrieve Roz, their impact on the verdant land is punishing to watch. There’s a striking sentimental undercurrent that comes from this environmental message, in addition to Roz’s journey through motherhood. Even as The Wild Robot speeds through its conclusion in a more rushed third act, these threads offer helpful reminders about interdependence and hopeful lessons in community.

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