Film reviews antz

Director: Eric Darnell.

What kind of life do you have when you are one of a billion ants living underground? This is the topic of this new production from the Steven Spielberg studios. Z, the “hero” of the film, is a male ant, unhappy with his life. He would rather give orders than obey them. One day he meets Princess Bala and falls head over heels in love. But trouble is not far away. Will Z conquer his princess? Will he beat his rivals?

Our young critics say, Nancy (14): “This is a great film. Really exciting! Don’t be put off by the fact that it is animation: it doesn’t mean it is just for kids. You simply have to see this brilliant movie. Full marks!”

Alex (14): “Very good film and the computer animation is good. But it’s for kids. Take your little brother or sister. Otherwise save your pocket money to see something more appropriate for your age.”

THE X-FILES

Director: Rob Bowman. Starring: David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.

A new virus threatens the Earth. Two agents, Mulder and Scully, have to save the planet. Their investigation is made more difficult by traitors within the FBI and false clues. Extra-terrestrials, a believable plot and horrible villains are the ingredients in this new film based on the TV series.

Natalie (16): “The movie is quite entertaining but do films have to be so scary and violent to be good? The plot is unoriginal, but if you liked the TV series, you will like the film; it’s the same but on a big screen.”

Alex(14): “The film is very exciting. Duchovny and Anderson are first-rate actors - and here they are at their best. The terrific story will keep you glued to your seat. But be warned: if you are scared easily, you will probably have nightmares for weeks. This film really gets my vote.”

THE TITANIC

Director: James Cameron. Starring: Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet.

Jack and Rose are two young lovers who find one another on the maiden voyage of the “unsinkable” R.M.S. Titanic. But when the doomed luxury liner collides with an iceberg in the frigid North Atlantic, their passionate love affair becomes a thrilling race for survival. It’s a tale of forbidden love and courage in the face of disaster that triumphs as a true cinematic masterpiece.

Jane (16): “The film is spectacular and I wish all my friends could see it. The film won 11 Oscars and to my mind it deserves every one of them. It sailed into the hearts of all the moviegoers around the world.”

Exercise 21. You’ve read several reviews and now learn what steps you should follow not to be misled by them. The steps in the activity are jumbled up. Rearrange them so as to put them in the correct order.

a) Form your opinion.

b) Think of your expectations and interests.

c) Read the review carefully to see if it is positive or negative.

d) Decide on the action you want to take (for example, to see the film, to read more about it before making a decision, etc.).

e) Skim the review to confirm your expectations.

Exercise 22.

A. Match the words and phrases in list 1 to their meanings in list 2.

List 1	List 2
1. round-up (e)	a) showing in some cinemas
2. on general release	b) different version
3. selected cinemas	c) showing in most cinemas
4. adaptation	d) follow-up
5. sequel	e) selection

B. Now complete sentences 1-5 using the words in list 1.

1. The film will be ________________________ from next week.

2. Here is a __________________________ of the latest films.

3. This film is a clever ___________________________ of a popular stage play.

4. It is a disappointing ___________________________ to the original film.

5. You may have some difficulty in getting to see this film as it is only showing at ___________________.

Exercise 23. Choose the correct adjective or adverb.

1. He thought it was a spectacular / spectacularly film.

2. It was extreme / extremely exciting.

3. The characters acted rather clumsy / clumsily.

4. The plot was particular / particularly complicated.

5. It’s got a fantastic / fantastically ending.

6. It’s one of the most remarkable / remarkably films I’ve ever seen.

Exercise 24. Read the plot of “Casablanca” and decide where these adjectives and adverbs can go. Many can go in more than one position.

a) brave b) deeply c) exotic d) extremely e) finally f)gripping g) passionate h) precious i) reluctantly

“Casablanca” is a thriller and a love story with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The film takes place during the Second World War in Casablanca, a city in Morocco. Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart, owns Rick's cafe which is a centre for war refugees who are waiting for visas to escape to America. Rick discovers that his former love, Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, is now married to a Resistance worker, Victor Laszlo, whom he is helping to escape. With the enemy on their trail, Ilsa comes to Casablanca to collect the visas which will allow Laszlo to escape and continue his fight for freedom. To her surprise, she finds Rick there. Rick is still in love with Ilsa, but he decides to help the couple escape. It’s full of romance, intrigue, and suspense and it’s well-filmed. My favourite scene is at the end of the film, at the airport where Rick and Ilsa have to say goodbye and she leaves with her husband on a plane just before the enemy arrives.

Exercise 25. In the following sentences, the prepositional phrases are all in the wrong place. Put each one into the correct sentence.