how to download a movie from a laptop to ipad mini?

You sync to iPad Mini.

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Guide/ss/How-To-Sync-An-iPad-With-iTunes-Music-Mov ies-Apps_4.htm

Message was edited by: Diavonex

You may want to try OPlayer HD and import movie via File Sharing in iTune.

https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/oplayer-hd-best-video-music/id373236724?mt=8

Import it into iTunes and then sync.

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH1612

HHow do you import it onto iTunes

you can drag it in or you can file->add to lib

Beat'in Down Spirit wrote:

HHow do you import it onto iTunes

Explained in the link I posted 3 years ago.

The updated version of that link is here:

Import music and video from a computer into iTunes