The Language of Movie Reviews
Explore movie reviews, from common opinions to comments about acting, music, and storytelling.
Preview
Questions with solutions-
1. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"This comedy is hilarious. I laughed from the opening scene to the final moment."
What does "hilarious" mean here?- Very frightening
- Very funny
- Very sad
- Very realistic
Notice the reviewer's reaction throughout the movie.
Show solution
- Very funny
"Hilarious" is stronger than "funny." Reviewers use it for something that makes them laugh a lot.
-
2. Điền vào chỗ trống.
I knew who the thief was long before the final scene. The mystery was so ___ that the ending did not surprise me.
- confusing
- original
- predictable
- shocking
The reviewer could guess what would happen.
Show solution
I knew who the thief was long before the final scene. The mystery was so predictable that the ending did not surprise me.
"Predictable" often expresses criticism in a review: the story offers too few surprises.
-
3. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"I cried when the two sisters finally met again. It was a deeply moving story."
What does the reviewer mean by "moving"?- It created strong emotions.
- It was full of fast action.
- It was difficult to follow.
- It took place in many countries.
Think about why the reviewer cried.
Show solution
- It created strong emotions.
A "moving" story touches your feelings. It can make you feel sadness, joy, or hope.
-
4. Điền vào chỗ trống.
The actor played a doctor so naturally that I forgot she was acting. Her performance was ___.
- awkward
- unnatural
- forced
- believable
The reviewer felt that the character could be a real person.
Show solution
The actor played a doctor so naturally that I forgot she was acting. Her performance was believable.
A "believable" performance makes the character feel real, even when the story is fictional.
-
5. Điền vào chỗ trống.
The mountain views were ___: so beautiful that I wanted to pause the movie and look at them.
- disappointing
- stunning
- plain
- unpleasant
The word should express strong praise for how something looks.
Show solution
The mountain views were stunning: so beautiful that I wanted to pause the movie and look at them.
Reviewers often use "stunning" to praise beautiful scenery, images, or visual effects.
-
6. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"The story was ordinary, but the music stayed in my head for days."
Which part of the movie is the reviewer praising?- The costumes
- The camera work
- The soundtrack
- The acting
Focus on what the reviewer remembers after watching.
Show solution
- The soundtrack
A movie's soundtrack includes its music. Music can help create a mood or make a scene memorable.
-
7. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"The characters have clever lines, and each scene leads naturally to the next. The screenplay is excellent."
What is the screenplay?- The written scenes and dialogue
- The actors' delivery of their lines
- The way the cameras record each scene
- The music recorded for the movie
Think about the work done before the actors perform the story.
Show solution
- The written scenes and dialogue
A screenplay contains dialogue and describes actions and scenes. It gives the filmmakers a plan for the movie.
-
8. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"The editing makes the chase exciting: the movie quickly switches between the driver, the road, and the police."
What is the reviewer praising?- How the actors learned to drive
- How the chase location was chosen
- How the music was performed
- How the shots are put together
The comment is about how the movie moves from one view to another.
Show solution
- How the shots are put together
Editing connects separate shots. Short shots and quick changes can make an action scene feel more exciting.
-
9. Điền vào chỗ trống.
The first half moves too slowly, but the second half rushes through important events. The pacing is ___.
- steady
- uneven
- relaxed
- fast
Compare the speed of the two halves.
Show solution
The first half moves too slowly, but the second half rushes through important events. The pacing is uneven.
"Pacing" is how quickly a story moves. "Uneven" pacing changes speed in a way that does not feel balanced.
-
10. Chọn đáp án đúng.
At first, Ben only cares about money. By the end, he risks his job to help a friend. A review praises his "character development."
What does this refer to?- The changes in his clothes
- The actor's progress during filming
- How he changes as a person
- The length of the scenes with him
Compare what matters to Ben at the beginning and at the end.
Show solution
- How he changes as a person
Character development can show how events change someone's values, choices, or relationships.
-
11. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"The two leads have great chemistry. Their conversations and smiles make their relationship feel real."
What does "great chemistry" mean in this review?- The actors work well together on screen.
- The actors are dating in real life.
- The actors have the same personality.
- The actors follow every written line exactly.
The reviewer is describing the relationship shown in the movie, not the actors' private lives.
Show solution
- The actors work well together on screen.
"Chemistry" describes a convincing connection between performers. It can make a friendship or romance feel natural.
-
12. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"The performances are excellent, but the thin story gives the actors too little to work with."
How does the reviewer feel about the movie?- The story is strong, but the acting is weak.
- Both the acting and the story are strong.
- Both the acting and the story are weak.
- The acting is strong, but the story is weak.
The word "but" introduces a different opinion about another part of the movie.
Show solution
- The acting is strong, but the story is weak.
A "thin" story lacks enough detail or interesting events. A review can praise one part of a movie while criticizing another.
-
13. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"There are no big battles or quick jokes here. The film follows a family through quiet conversations and small choices. Viewers who enjoy slow stories about everyday life will find plenty to like."
Who is this review recommending the film to?- Viewers who want nonstop action
- Viewers who enjoy quiet stories about people
- Viewers looking for a fast, joke-filled comedy
- Viewers who want a fast-paced mystery
Think about the kind of viewing experience the review describes.
Show solution
- Viewers who enjoy quiet stories about people
Reviews often help readers decide whether a movie matches their interests, rather than simply calling it good or bad.
-
14. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"Every scene looks beautiful, but I learned almost nothing about the characters. The movie offers more style than substance."
What does the reviewer mean?- Its story matters more than its appearance.
- Its ideas are too difficult to understand.
- Its appearance is stronger than its story and ideas.
- Its simple appearance makes the characters feel real.
The reviewer likes what they see but wants more from the characters.
Show solution
- Its appearance is stronger than its story and ideas.
In a review, "substance" means deeper content, such as meaningful ideas or well-developed characters.
-
15. Chọn đáp án đúng.
"The film doesn't break new ground, but it tells its familiar story with warmth and care. I left the theater smiling."
What is the reviewer's main point?- A familiar story can still make a satisfying movie.
- An original story matters more than anything else.
- The film has an original story but tells it badly.
- A happy ending makes every movie worth watching.
Notice whether the review ends with disappointment or approval.
Show solution
- A familiar story can still make a satisfying movie.
"Doesn't break new ground" means it does not introduce new ideas. Here, the reviewer values how well the familiar story is told.