Cinema Studies: Film Criticism

Film criticism and film review are often used interchangeably however they are quite different in a number of ways. 

Film Criticism: 

Film criticism is the scholarly and in depth analysis of film usually published in academic articles and books years later. The criticism can focus on a single film, a genre of films, a director's or actor's oeuvre and more. It is often framed through the lenses of film theory.

Quote: "Film criticism will tend to discuss the film in its entirety and seek to deepen, reveal, expand, sharpen, and/or confront, a potential viewer's understanding in a way that goes beyond simply deciding whether or not the film is worth seeing" (Dictionary of Film Studies). 

Example: Knapp, Jeffrey. "'Throw That Junk!' the Art of the Movie in Citizen Kane." Representations, vol. 122, no. 1, Spring 2013, pp. 110-142.

Film/Movie Review:

A movie review is is usually published in popular magazines, newspapers or online often on the day of a film's release. It provides a plot synopsis and often a rating or recommendation. 

Quote: "A film review will usually be produced after one viewing and is primarily designed to help potential viewers decide whether or not to watch the film" (Dictionary of Film Studies). 

Example: Flin. "Film reviews: Citizen Kane." Variety, vol. 142, no. 6, 16 April 1941, p. 16.