Think through the plot. Literally, map it:
1. How does the action begin? Are there questions left unanswered at the opening of the film? If so, how/when are they answered?
2. What is the series of events that moves the action along?

Think about the characters:
1. Make notes about each character and his or her role in the film. Who is the hero, the other "good guys" in the film, the main bad guy (villain) and the bad-guy helpers? Who does what?
2. Are there ways that the "good" guys and "bad" guys collapse into each other? If so, how?
3. Do any of the characters rely upon social/racial stereotypes? If so, what are they? Why is the character stereotpyed in that particular way? What effect does this have on the way we understand the movie, on the plot action?

What makes a hero?
1. What event calls the hero to action? That is, what does the hero do to make him/her heroic?
2. What are the race and gender stakes of the "hero" role? To think about this, think about the primary hero, the relationship of the "hero" to
3. How are these relationships part of the definition of the hero as hero?
4. What social stereotypes about masculinity does the hero-type draw upon? About race/class? Are there any ways in which the hero undercuts any of these stereotypes?

What makes a villain?
1. What does the villain do to impede the hero? That is, what makes him /her a villain
2. What is the relationship of the villain to other men/women in the film? The relationship of the villain to racial "others" in the film?
3. What social stereotypes does the villain draw upon? Does the villain complicate any of these stereotypes?

What is the role of violence?
Quite literally, who fights, shoots, kills-- how much blood do we see, and what purpose does it serve?