Task 4 – Movie critic

Bleidy Janeth Rojas

Ingles III

Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia

2024

Introduction
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 The task involves creating an introduction in English based on the provided content,

which focuses on analyzing various film genres and discussing personal preferences

regarding movies.

In today's cinematic landscape, films serve not only as a source of entertainment

but also as a reflection of cultural narratives and societal values. The exploration of

different genres, from action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking documentaries,

allows viewers to engage with diverse storytelling techniques and thematic elements. This

analysis delves into various film types, examining how they cater to different audience

preferences and the underlying structures that contribute to their success.

Moreover, the discussion extends to personal reflections on favorite films and the

characteristics that define a blockbuster. By analyzing popular films and their reception,

we can better understand the elements that resonate with audiences, such as compelling

narratives, strong character development, and high-quality production values. This

exploration highlights the significance of genre in shaping viewer expectations and

experiences in contemporary cinema.

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 Step 1: Check vocabulary (individual work)

1. Look at the movies posters and write sentences which describe the

kind of movie they are. For that, you must use the words in the following box

For example: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a biopic and a drama

an action film a comedy a science fiction film a (historical) drama a

horror movie a thriller a documentary a biopic a blockbuster a cartoon

Figure 1: Movie posters

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1.1. Write your sentences here:

R/

Long Walk to Freedom" is both a biographical film and a drama

Iron Man 3" is a film that blends drama, comedy, action, and science fiction

elements.

The Zero Theorem" is a film that combines elements of science fiction, comedy, and

thriller.

"The Lego Movie" is an animated film that features elements of comedy, action, and

science fiction.

1.2. Now, answer these questions

¿Can you think of examples of the other types of film in the box?

R/

"Apocalypse Now" is a film that portrays historical events.

"Drag Me to Hell" is a horror film.

"Apollo 11" is a documentary film.

"Avengers: Endgame" is a major blockbuster film.

"Tom and Jerry" is an animated series.

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 ¿Have you seen any of the films in the posters? What is your opinion

about them?

R/

I have watched Iron Man 3, and I find it to be quite enjoyable. The film is

packed with humor alongside its action sequences. While some special effects

appear somewhat lacking in quality during certain scenes, I still consider it a very

good movie overall. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for

entertainment.

¿What’s your favorite type of film?

I have a strong preference for science fiction films. I find them fascinating

because they explore imaginative concepts and futuristic technologies that

challenge our understanding of reality. The way they often blend scientific ideas

with creative storytelling captivates me. Whether it’s the exploration of space, time

travel, or advanced artificial intelligence, science fiction offers endless possibilities

for adventure and thought-provoking themes. Each film invites viewers to consider

what the future might hold and how humanity might evolve, making it my favorite

genre to watch.

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 Step 2: let’s read (individual work)

1. ¿Can you name any movies that have been very popular recently?

Why do you think they were so popular?

Dune: Part Two has emerged as one of the most acclaimed films of recent

times, serving as the sequel to the first installment of the Dune trilogy. Its

popularity can largely be attributed to the success of its predecessor, which

garnered significant praise from audiences for its compelling narrative and

impressive visual effects. The film has set high expectations, building on the

foundation laid by the first part, and continues to captivate viewers with its rich

storytelling and stunning cinematography.

A film titled Madame Web, blending superhero and science fiction genres,

was recently released and gained significant traction on social media. Its popularity

likely stems from its connection to the Spider-Man multiverse within the Marvel

franchise, which has resonated well with audiences. Despite mixed reviews, the film

has found a receptive audience, contributing to its rise in popularity.

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 2. ¿Do you think blockbusters have a ‘formula’ (fixed rules for writing

them)?

I believe that the key to box office success lies in exploring alternative and

unexpected realms, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction, and extraordinary

events. These themes tend to captivate audiences and draw them in.

3. After reading the article, find words in it that match the following

definitions:

A very old story about gods, magical creatures, etc. (paragraph 1).

Myths and the lives of heroes

The place or time in which the events of a film or book happen

(paragraph 2).

Natural paradise and British private school

Someone who is competing against you (paragraph 3)

The opponent

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 The way in which the parts of something are organized (paragraph 4)

The framework of blockbuster films is typically divided into three segments:

the first act, the second act, and the third act.

A short part of a film, where the events happen in one place

(paragraph 5)

A grand confrontation akin to the epic battles in the Lord of the Rings films, or

an intense car chase reminiscent of those found in the Jason Bourne series.

A film company or the place where films are made (paragraph 6)

Studio

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 Step 3: let’s discuss

Discuss with your classmates these questions on the forum:

1. Do you think it’s easy to write a blockbuster if you follow the ‘rules’

in the text? What can be difficult?

While it's certainly possible to craft a blockbuster by adhering to established

guidelines, I believe there are additional crucial elements to consider. These include

having a lead actor with positive reviews, high-quality special effects, and a strong

ensemble of supporting characters. In my view, one of the biggest challenges in creating

a blockbuster is the necessity to unleash your imagination to develop a captivating

fantasy narrative or an extraordinary concept.

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 2. Have you seen any of the top four biggest-selling movies? If so, do

you think they follow the ‘rules? Did you enjoy these films) why/why not?

Yes, I have watched Avengers: Endgame, which ranks as the second highest-

grossing film globally. In my view, this movie adheres to classic storytelling

structure; the first act introduces the main characters, the Avengers, along with the

challenges they face. In the second act, these characters attempt to resolve their

issues but encounter failure, while in the third act, they ultimately succeed in

defeating their adversary. I found this film highly enjoyable because I am a fan of

superhero and science fiction genres that feature intense action, battles, and

spectacular destruction, enhanced by impressive special effects. Additionally, the

blend of comedy and drama contributes to its richness, making it a deserving

blockbuster in my opinion.

3. ¿What must a film contain for being a Blockbuster for you? Why?

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 In my view, a film must feature plenty of action and captivating scenes to achieve

box office success. Ideally, it should be a science fiction movie that transports viewers to

an intriguing fantasy world, accompanied by a compelling storyline and talented actors

who resonate with the audience. While science fiction is preferred, it’s not a strict

requirement; for instance, Fast and Furious 7 excels in action without delving into

alternative or fantasy realms. This film boasts a strong narrative, elements of comedy and

drama, endearing actors, and, most importantly, an abundance of thrilling action.

Step 4: Let’s share your favorite movie

NOTE: for this step, you must attend and participate in one STT to develop

and receive feedback about your work

1. Choose one of your favorite movies and describe it. For that, you

must complete these phrases below:

The film is about…

It’s set in…

It’s directed by…

The star(s) of the film is/are…

He/She played a/an…

One of the best scenes takes place…

It has a happy/surprise/sad ending…

Movie description

The movie follows the journey of nine children who escape their home planet,

Lorien, after it is destroyed by a hostile race known as the Mogadorians. Seeking

safety, they find refuge on Earth. Each child possesses unique superpowers and is

identified by a number from one to nine. The protagonist, John Smith, who is

number four, learns that the Mogadorians have already eliminated the first three

children and that he is next on their list. This revelation sparks an adventure for

John and his guardian, Henry, who pose as father and son while trying to remain

under the radar to evade their pursuers.

The narrative is based on the novel I Am Number Four, the first installment in

a six-book series called The Legacies of Lorien, authored by Pittacus Lore (a pen

name for Jobie Hughes and James Frey). Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film stars Alex

Pettyfer as John Smith and Teresa Palmer as Six. Pettyfer plays a crucial role as the

lead character, while Palmer takes on a significant supporting role as number six.

One of the film's most memorable scenes occurs at Sara Hart's high school,

where John Smith develops feelings for her. This climactic moment is filled with

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 impressive special effects and action sequences. The film concludes with a

bittersweet ending: while John and Six manage to defeat the Mogadorians hunting

them, they must part ways with Sara and their best friend to continue their quest to

find the remaining Lorien legacies.

I enjoyed the movie because it features a captivating storyline and is adapted

from a novel that I’ve already read and loved. Seeing it brought to life on screen

was a fantastic experience. As a fan of science fiction, I appreciated the genre

elements, along with the action, romance, and drama woven throughout. Overall, it

has become one of my favorite films.

2. Now, listen carefully your partners eight descriptions and rewrite

what he/she said

My partner mentioned that Doctor Strange is his favorite film. He expressed

his appreciation for Marvel movies, citing their ability to convey compelling stories.

My partner mentioned that Batman is her favorite movie. She expressed her

fondness for DC films, believing that DC comics are the best.

My partner shared that Furious 7 is his favorite movie. He believes it stands

out as the best installment in the entire Fast and Furious franchise.

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 My partner stated that Spider-Man is his favorite movie. He mentioned that he

enjoys it because Spider-Man is his favorite superhero.

My partner mentioned that The Nun 2 is her favorite movie. She said she

enjoys it because she loves horror films, and this one frightened her more than any

other.

My partner shared that Always at Your Side: Hachiko is her favorite movie.

She loves it because she enjoys films about animals and drama, and this one moved

her to tears.

My partner mentioned that Safe is his favorite movie. He enjoys it because

Jason Statham is his favorite actor.

My partner said that Migration is her favorite movie. She enjoys it because

she loves Disney animated films.

Step 5: Describe your favorite movie

1. Create a short video (maximum 3 minutes) in which:

A. you have to tell us the reasons you like your favorite movie. For that, it
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is necessary to complete these phrases:

The film is about…

It’s set in…

It’s directed by…

The star(s) of the film is/are…

He/She played a/an…

One of the best scenes takes place…

It has a happy/surprise/sad ending…

I like the film because…

B. you must re-tell three of the iconic phrases that movies have in history.

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 Movie: Star Wars

Phrase: An Solo says, "Wishing you the power of the Force."

Re-telling: Before Han Solo departs to confront the Death Star, he offers

Luke Skywalker a heartfelt wish for success: "Good luck out there, Luke. Trust in the

Force."

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 Movie: Jerry Maguire

Phrase: Rod Tidwell exclaims, "Prove to me that the money is real!"

Re-telling: Rod Tidwell shouts at his manager Jerry Maguire over the phone,

demanding, "You need to show me the money!"

Movie: Apolo 13

Phrase: Jim remarked, "Houston, we have encountered an issue."

Re-telling: Jim communicated with the NASA control tower upon realizing

that Apollo 13 was experiencing critical failures.

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 Step 6: Self-evaluation

In this step, you must check your performance during the time this

task is developed. For that, you must answer the following questions in a

scale from 0 to 2. You can answer the questions within the chart is given.

This step must appear in the consolidation step. These are the questions:

1. Did I follow accurately the steps according to what the worksheet

requires?

2. Did I attend and participate in the STT (synchronous meeting) that

the task required?

3. Did I consider tutor’s recommendations on the forum?

4. Did I record the video according to all the indications in the

worksheet?

5. Did I consolidate all the steps in the final document to be posted

on the Evaluation Environment?

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 Conclusions

The analysis of film genres and personal preferences reveals significant

insights into the cinematic landscape. Throughout the exploration, it becomes

evident that different genres cater to varied audience tastes, with each type

offering unique storytelling techniques and thematic elements. For instance, action

films often captivate viewers with thrilling sequences, while science fiction invites

audiences to ponder imaginative concepts and futuristic technologies. By examining

popular films such as "Dune: Part Two" and "Madame Web," we can see how these

movies resonate with audiences due to their engaging narratives and connections

to established franchises.

Moreover, the discussion on the characteristics of successful blockbusters

highlights the importance of adhering to certain narrative structures while also

embracing creativity. While many successful films follow a traditional three-act

format, the challenge lies in crafting compelling stories that stand out in a crowded

market. Personal reflections on favorites like "Avengers: Endgame" further illustrate

how a blend of action, drama, and humor can create an enjoyable viewing

experience. Ultimately, this exploration underscores the dynamic nature of cinema,

where both adherence to genre conventions and innovative storytelling play crucial

roles in shaping audience experiences.

References
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 Apocalypse Now. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078788/

Avengers: Endgame. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/

Drag Me to Hell. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124035/

Dune: Part Two. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15284038/

Fast and Furious 7. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2820852/

I Am Number Four. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1464540/

Iron Man 3. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1300854/

Madame Web. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10872600/

Migration. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14285376/

The Lego Movie. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1490017/

The Nun 2. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14577676/
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 Jerry Maguire. (1996). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114694/

Apollo 13. (1995). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112384/

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. (1977). IMDb. Retrieved from

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/

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