Hey, How Was the Movie?
Watch a short movie, take notes on story and characters, rate scenes, and create an illustrated one-page review to share your opinion.
Step-by-step guide to watch a short movie and create an illustrated one-page review
Learn How To Write A Movie Review Like A Pro
Step 1
Choose a short movie to watch with an adult's help.
Step 2
Make a comfy quiet place to watch the movie so you can focus.
Step 3
Gather your paper pencil eraser coloring materials and sticky notes.
Step 4
Press play and watch the movie all the way through.
Step 5
After the movie write the three most important events of the story on your paper using short sentences.
Step 6
Write the names of the main characters and one describing word for each.
Step 7
Pick three scenes you remember and give each scene a rating from 1 to 5 stars on your notes.
Step 8
Choose which one scene will be your illustration on the one-page review.
Step 9
Lightly divide your paper into sections for a title summary characters ratings and an illustration with a pencil.
Step 10
In the illustration section sketch the chosen scene and the characters.
Step 11
Color and decorate your drawing and the rest of the page.
Step 12
Add a title at the top of the page.
Step 13
Write two short sentences that explain what you liked or did not like about the movie.
Step 14
Copy the three scene ratings and the words about the characters into their named sections on your page.
Step 15
Share your finished one-page review on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of sticky notes or special coloring supplies listed in the materials?
If you don't have sticky notes or fancy coloring materials, cut small squares of scrap paper to mark scenes and use crayons, markers, or colored pens from the 'Gather your paper, pencil, eraser, coloring materials and sticky notes' step to color the illustration.
What should we do if we miss parts of the movie or can't pick the three most important events?
If you miss details or struggle to pick the three most important events, pause and rewind while watching and place sticky notes or jot quick words on scrap paper during 'Press play and watch the movie all the way through' so you can later write clear short sentences.
How can this activity be adapted for younger or older children?
For preschoolers, simplify by choosing a very short movie and letting an adult write the 'three most important events' and character words while the child draws the illustration, and for older kids add a fourth section with a short paragraph and more detailed star ratings before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the one-page review beyond the basic instructions?
To extend the activity, turn the 'illustration' and 'color and decorate your drawing' step into a mini-poster by adding a border, stickers, and a comparison box that rates two favorite scenes side-by-side and then upload the finished one-page review to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to watch a short movie and create an illustrated one-page review
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QUARTER 3: LESSON 4: WRITING A MOVIE REVIEW
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Facts about movie reviews and media literacy
🎬 Most short films are under 40 minutes — that's a whole story you can watch and review in one sitting!
📝 Critics take notes about characters, pacing, and emotions — the same things you'll jot down while watching.
⭐ Many review systems use 5 stars, but you can create fun scales like emojis, snacks, or colors for your ratings.
🎨 Illustrated reviews mix pictures and words to help readers feel the movie — doodles can show emotion as well as text.
🕵️ Little details matter: costume bits, background props, or a song choice can tell big parts of the story.
