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Research Guides

Cinema Studies: Film Reviews

This guide highlights recommended resources for research in Cinema Studies.

film posters

Tips for Finding Film Reviews

Some factors to keep in mind when looking for reviews:

  • Movie reviews generally are published when a film premieres nationally or opens locally. Additional reviews may be published once a film moves to a streaming service or is available on DVD.
  • When looking for reviews (especially of older films) it is useful to know the premiere date. Sources that can be helpful in determining the date are IMDB (Internet Movie Database), the American Film Institute Catalog (films prior to 1971), Film Index International and the All Movie Guide.
  • Reviews of current films are usually easier to find. For older films (prior to 1980) you may need to check a number of sources including those in print.
  • Film reviews may be written by entertainment reporters and published in newspapers & magazines or may be user generated written on websites by film viewers. You may want to take in account who is writing the review.