Lesson 7: Task: Write a film review
Lesson 7: Task: Write a film review
This is the lesson where you put everything together. We want you to write a review of a film.
Task
Writing a Film Review
This is the lesson where you put everything together. We want you to write a review of a film. You will see two examples of film reviews which you can use to help you write your own review. When you’ve finished your review, post it in the comments section and read other participants reviews and tell them what you think. In lesson one we looked at film vocabulary, in lesson three we gave you some advice about using film to improve your English and gave two short reviews of films about football, in lesson four we focussed on the passive which is a common form to use when writing about films, and in lesson six we showed you some websites where you can read lots of film reviews. While you are writing your review, you can go back to these lessons for some help.
What should I include in my film review?
It's up to you! Here is a list of some common things that you see in film reviews. Have a look at the Bend It Like Beckham film review and match the five colours to the things in this list. Is there anything extra included in the review? Is there anything missing?
- The film's title.
- An eye-catching heading.
- The genre (type of film).
- The audience. Who is the film for?
- The director, main actors, when it was made, has it won any awards?
- The plot. A brief summary that doesn't mention the ending!
- Your opinion.
- Your evaluation.
Film Review 1
Bend it Like Beckham – Brilliant and Funny!
How can I describe Bend It Like Beckham? If I had to choose a genre, I would say it’s a romantic comedy-drama sports film!
The film was made in 2002 and directed by Gurinder Chandha who is well-known for films which explore the lives of Indians living in the UK.
The film is set in London and stars Jess (Parminder Naghra), who is an 18-year-old girl with Indian parents. One of the main storylines is the tension between Jess, who loves football, and her parents, who don’t allow her to play.Jess’s friend and teammate, Jules, who is played by Keira Knightly (Pirates of the Caribbean) encourages Jess to play despite her parent's wishes.
The film deals with serious social problems such as sexism and racism, but the film is very funny at the same time! The acting is very good and of course, there is a happy ending! Oh, and David Beckham is in the movie, but you must wait until the end for that!
I would give Bend It Like Beckham four and a half stars out of five and definitely recommend you watch it!
Now, look at the second film review. Is it a good review? What does it include? Is there anything missing?
Film Review 2
Fever Pitch – Funny, dramatic and a perfect finish!
I love football and I love films, so Fever Pitch was the perfect movie for me. It tells the story of a school teacher who is mad about his football club – Arsenal! The film was made in 1997 and is based on a best-selling book of the same name. The film has also been remade for American audiences based on baseball.
The main role is played by Colin Firth (Paul) one of the UK’s most famous actors. Paul falls in love with a new teacher (Sally) at his school during the 1989/90 football season, one of the most important seasons in Arsenal’s history. The plot follows the ups and downs of Paul’s romance with Sally and the fortunes of Paul’s football team. But who does he love more? Sally or Arsenal? You’ll have to watch the film to find out!
There are strong performances by Colin Firth and Ruth Gemmell (Sally) in this romantic comedy-drama. If you are a football fan you will love this film, but it definitely has a wider appeal, too! I will give it five-stars and not just because I’m an Arsenal fan!
Task
Write a film review
Write a film review in the comments section below.
Write about a film you enjoyed or a film that you didn't like. It could be a recent film or a film that you watched a long time ago.
The film doesn't have to be about football.
Reply to other learners and tell them if you have seen the film. Did you like it? Do you agree with their opinions?
When you have finished, mark the page complete on the side of this page and go to the end of week quiz!
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Comments
17/03/2018
points
Limitless - You can't tear yourself away
If you want something interesting and exiting, you should watch Limitless. It is a great thriller which clings you from the first minute.
The film directed by Neil Burger who is known for "The Illusionist" and "Interview with the Assassin" in 2011.
The main character played by Bradley Cooper (Eddie Morra) who is regular unsuccessful writer and have't nothing to be proud of BUT his life totally change after just one "antidepressant" tablet.
This movie is based on Alan Glynn novel. I am highly recommend you to watch it, this is one of my favourite film and I am giving five to it.
17/03/2018 20:15
Chelsea
124
Limitless - You can't tear yourself away
If you want something interesting and exiting, you should watch Limitless. It is a great thriller which clings you from the first minute.
The film directed by Neil Burger who is known for "The Illusionist" and "Interview with the Assassin" in 2011.
The main character played by Bradley Cooper (Eddie Morra) who is regular unsuccessful writer and have't nothing to be proud of BUT his life totally change after just one "antidepressant" tablet.
This movie is based on Alan Glynn novel. I am highly recommend you to watch it, this is one of my favourite film and I am giving five to it.
22/03/2018
points
Hi Tikitak
A great review. I love your use of 'tear yourself away' in the heading.
Remember we need to use the verb to be with the passive. The film WAS directed ... the main character IS played ...
Robert De Niro is in this, right?
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
22/03/2018 09:43
Liverpool
594
Hi Tikitak
A great review. I love your use of 'tear yourself away' in the heading.
Remember we need to use the verb to be with the passive. The film WAS directed ... the main character IS played ...
Robert De Niro is in this, right?
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
16/03/2018
points
I am a Disney&Pixar fan. A few months ago, I watched a great animation film the name of which was 'Coco'.
The film was on in November 2017 in China, and won the Best Animated Feature Film of Oscar.
The film is set in Mexico. A young boy Miguel is enthusiastic about music, and sees deseased musician Ernesto de la Cruz as his idol. However, his family which has been living on making shoes has a traditional ban on music. On the Day of the Dead, Miguel gets into the Land of the Dead by accident. His ancestor offers Miguel a blessing but on the condition that he give up his musical dream. Miguel refuses and try to seek the blessing from his great-great-grandfather Ernesto, or so he thought. In the end, he finds his real great-great-grandfather and the truth that his family hates music.
The story of the film is a little kind of cliche, but still so much touching and affecting. I think there is a bit similarity between 'Coco' and 'Fever Pitch'. Your interest or your sweatheart? your dream or your family? Which would you opt for? In my opinion, the people you love are more important, but you don't have to pick a side. You should attempt to solve the problem and get the best of both worlds.
By the way, those songs of Latin style in the movie are absolutely awesome.
I would give 'Coco' four and a half stars out of five and definitely recommend you watch it!
16/03/2018 16:50
Chelsea
337
I am a Disney&Pixar fan. A few months ago, I watched a great animation film the name of which was 'Coco'.
The film was on in November 2017 in China, and won the Best Animated Feature Film of Oscar.
The film is set in Mexico. A young boy Miguel is enthusiastic about music, and sees deseased musician Ernesto de la Cruz as his idol. However, his family which has been living on making shoes has a traditional ban on music. On the Day of the Dead, Miguel gets into the Land of the Dead by accident. His ancestor offers Miguel a blessing but on the condition that he give up his musical dream. Miguel refuses and try to seek the blessing from his great-great-grandfather Ernesto, or so he thought. In the end, he finds his real great-great-grandfather and the truth that his family hates music.
The story of the film is a little kind of cliche, but still so much touching and affecting. I think there is a bit similarity between 'Coco' and 'Fever Pitch'. Your interest or your sweatheart? your dream or your family? Which would you opt for? In my opinion, the people you love are more important, but you don't have to pick a side. You should attempt to solve the problem and get the best of both worlds.
By the way, those songs of Latin style in the movie are absolutely awesome.
I would give 'Coco' four and a half stars out of five and definitely recommend you watch it!
22/03/2018
points
Thanks for recommending this film, Lakerwang. I'll probably watch it with my kids in the next week or two!
It's a great review and you use some great expressions. Be careful with some vocabulary: a traditional ban?, a little kind of cliche = a little cliched, so much touching = very touching, affecting = affectionate doesn't work here maybe heart-warming would be better.
Thanks for your review!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
22/03/2018 09:50
Liverpool
594
Thanks for recommending this film, Lakerwang. I'll probably watch it with my kids in the next week or two!
It's a great review and you use some great expressions. Be careful with some vocabulary: a traditional ban?, a little kind of cliche = a little cliched, so much touching = very touching, affecting = affectionate doesn't work here maybe heart-warming would be better.
Thanks for your review!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
16/03/2018
points
American Gangster is a 2007 American biographical crime film directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is fictionally based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by detective Richie Roberts. The film stars Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in their first lead acting roles together since 1995's Virtuosity. The film also co-stars Ted Levine, John Ortiz, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Norman Reedus, Ruby Dee, Lymari Nadal and Cuba Gooding Jr.
16/03/2018 15:31
Manchester City
27
American Gangster is a 2007 American biographical crime film directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is fictionally based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by detective Richie Roberts. The film stars Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in their first lead acting roles together since 1995's Virtuosity. The film also co-stars Ted Levine, John Ortiz, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Norman Reedus, Ruby Dee, Lymari Nadal and Cuba Gooding Jr.
16/03/2018
points
THE GODFATHER (1972)
This is one of the classical films you must see.
This film is based on the book by Mario Puzzo. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese. It stars Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as his son, Michael. The film won three Oscars in 1973 for Best Actor (M Brando), Best Movie and Best Screenplay.
The film is set in New York in the 1940s It was filmed on location in New York and in Sicily.
The film is about the Corleone family. Vito, 'The Godfather', is head of one of the most powerful criminals families in America The Corleones get involved in a war with other criminal families, because they don't want to sell their drugs.
I strongly recommen 'The Godfather'. It has action, drama and sn unforgettable soundtrack It also has an important message: violence never solves anything The two sequels, 'The Godfather II' & 'The Godfather III' are also good, but the first one is definitely my favourite!
16/03/2018 12:29
Brighton and Hove Albion
183
THE GODFATHER (1972)
This is one of the classical films you must see.
This film is based on the book by Mario Puzzo. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese. It stars Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as his son, Michael. The film won three Oscars in 1973 for Best Actor (M Brando), Best Movie and Best Screenplay.
The film is set in New York in the 1940s It was filmed on location in New York and in Sicily.
The film is about the Corleone family. Vito, 'The Godfather', is head of one of the most powerful criminals families in America The Corleones get involved in a war with other criminal families, because they don't want to sell their drugs.
I strongly recommen 'The Godfather'. It has action, drama and sn unforgettable soundtrack It also has an important message: violence never solves anything The two sequels, 'The Godfather II' & 'The Godfather III' are also good, but the first one is definitely my favourite!
18/03/2018
points
Hello Laurita. Great movie. Lot of blood. spaghetti and Italian warming scenes.
I thaught that the first Godfather ( 1972 ) is from Coppola. Scorcese was the maker of the next version?
18/03/2018 14:35
Manchester City
3988
Hello Laurita. Great movie. Lot of blood. spaghetti and Italian warming scenes.
I thaught that the first Godfather ( 1972 ) is from Coppola. Scorcese was the maker of the next version?
16/03/2018
points
The main film of the year is this one. It ranks with world-famous films. The action of the film is set on … guess where. I think the film starts unusual. The plot is rather simple.
The main character is great. To my mind, the brillant acting of actors, who are starring in the film, is above all expectations. What impressed me most is not only acting but also the quality of the film.
To sum up, I can say that it is that kind of film that takes us to a special world. More than that, this is the film that you want to watch over and over again. Definitely, the film couldn’t be missed.
16/03/2018 12:03
Arsenal
323
The main film of the year is this one. It ranks with world-famous films. The action of the film is set on … guess where. I think the film starts unusual. The plot is rather simple.
The main character is great. To my mind, the brillant acting of actors, who are starring in the film, is above all expectations. What impressed me most is not only acting but also the quality of the film.
To sum up, I can say that it is that kind of film that takes us to a special world. More than that, this is the film that you want to watch over and over again. Definitely, the film couldn’t be missed.
16/03/2018
points
Are you talking about the film which has won the Best Film Oscar this year?
16/03/2018 12:31
Brighton and Hove Albion
183
Are you talking about the film which has won the Best Film Oscar this year?