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A Film Review
- 1. A Film Review is a short description of a film. It is written to give a brief description and evaluation of a movie. It gives viewers someone’s opinion and recommendation about whether (or not) they should watch a film. A film review may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership, and is usually written using present tenses. You can also use a variety of adjectives to describe the plot and make your comments more clear and to the point. A successful film review should consist of: a) An INTRODUCTION in which you summarize all the background information of the film (i.e. title, name of author/director, type, setting(when/where), the theme, the main characters, etc.) b) A MAIN BODY consisting of two paragraphs: Paragraph 1: About the main points of the plot, presented in chronological order without revealing the ending. Paragraph 2: Including general comments on the plot, the main characters, the acting, the directing, etc. c) A CONCLUSION which includes an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually with justification.
- 2. Reviews are normally found in newspapers or magazines. Useful Expressions Background: The film tells the story of … The film is based on … The film starts … The film is set in … The film is directed by … The film is the sequel to … It is a comedy/horror film/love story Main points of the plot: The story concerns / is about / begins with… The storyline/ plot revolves around / focuses on The plot is (rather) boring / thrilling. The plot has an unexpected twist. The story reaches a dramatic climax when The story unfolds The plot is gripping/dramatic/fascinating/suspense-filled/ predictable/ confusing/dull/unimaginative General Comments: It is rather long/boring/confusing/slow The cast is excellent/awful/unconvincing The script is dull/exciting/ bright The script is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane It is beautifully/poorly/badly written
- 3. It has a tragic/dramatic end It is a classic of its kind / It is sure to be a hit The ending is surprising / predictable Is the leading actor/actress Plays/has the leading role Recommendations: Don’t miss it. It is well worth seeing I wouldn’t recommend it because … I highly/thoroughly recommend it Wait until it comes out on video You should definitely see … / You might enjoy … It’s bound to be a box-office hit / blockbuster Types of Films/Genres Comedy = a film that makes people laugh. Romance/ love story = a film about a love story. Animated film = a film in which cartoons are brought to life. Mystery = a film about strange events that are not solved until the very end of the story. Action film = an exciting film full of adventure and danger. Science fiction = a film about life in space / the future Horror = a film about a frightening story. Biography = the story of a person’s life written by someone else. Thriller = a film depicting crime, mystery, or espionage in an atmosphere of excitement and suspense. Detective = a film about someone who investigates crimes and obtains evidence leading to their resolution mystery. Western = a film that portraits the conquest of the wilderness and the subordination of nature, in the
- 4. name of civilization, or the confiscation of the territorial rights of the original inhabitants of the frontier. Musical = a film that is centered on combinations of music, dance, song and choreography as part of the film narrative. Crime & Gangster = a film that is developed around the sinister actions of criminals or gangsters, particularly bankrobbers, or underworld figures who operate outside the law. Epics & Historical = Films that recreate past events. War and Anti-War = Films that depict the horror and heartbreak of war: combat, survivor, escape stories, sacrifice and struggle. Useful Words Soundtrack Script Plot / Storyline Stunts (stuntman) Special effects Box-office hit Leading character Supporting character Masterpiece Star Hero/Heroine Opening End/Ending Episode Premiere Climax Cast of characters Sequence/scene
- 5. Adjectives referring to Films Good/ Interesting fantastic, fascinating/gripping, excellent, superb, original, brilliant, wonderful, long running, well- developed, convincing Exciting Thrilling, action-packed, full of suspense, scary Funny hilarious, amusing, entertaining Sad moving, touching Boring dull, unimaginative Bad terrible, awful, dreadful, poor, unrealistic, predictable, unbelievable The film was not interesting and I was bored. Use adjectives ending in: –ing to describe people or things. Use adjectives ending in –ed to describe people’s feelings When you are describing the plot of a film, use the Present Simple. The leading actor wants to find the lost boy, so he goes into the jungle
- 6. Relative Clauses To make your review more interesting to the reader, you can add details about the plot using relative clauses e.g. Detective Larch wants to catch Scar. Scar is a diamond smuggler. → Detective Larch wants to catch Scar who is a diamond smuggler. William discovers a secret path. It leads to the castle. → William discovers a secret path which leads to the castle. Claire is a teacher. Her son wins a scholarship to study biology. → Claire is a teacher whose son wins a scholarship to study biology. They travel to New York. In New York they meet a very unusual taxi driver. → They travel to New York where they meet a very unusual taxi driver. Bibliography Evans, Virginia (2008). Successful Writing Intermediate. EU: Express Publishing. Evans, Virginia (1998). Successful Writing Proficiency. EU: Express Publishing. Moutsou E. & Parker S. (1999). Plus Elementary. Greece: MM Publications. Material adapted by Mtra. Lina Cruz Ortega