English

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Evaluative Words for Film Review

English 1121

Bodelson

Kind of film (genre):

• drama

• action film

• thriller (psychological)

• comedy

Director:

• a film directed by …

• to develop a story

• well-directed

• expertly directed

Screenplay/script:

• … from a screenplay by …

• multi-layered script

• screenwriter …

• The script was written by …

• … co-writes …

• …‘s writing is astonishing/plausible/witty

• tightly written

• give characters the opportunity to …

Setting/atmosphere:

• is set in …

• The story unfolds in …

• … provides the setting for …

• create a certain atmosphere/mood

Actors/characters

• exceptional performance

• fervently performed, well acted

• … does a very good job as …

• The performances in … are excellent.

• … gives the part much personality

• … adds a lot to the film

• … is absolutely remarkable/especially memorable as …

• … is very/less convincing …

2

• The most complex/incredibly played character is that of …

• newcomer

• a film full of wonderful characters

• appealing, fascinating, funny, stereotypical, two-dimensional,

• warm-hearted

Plot/story

• amusing, boring, clichéd, confusing, entertaining, exciting,

• melodramatic, thrilling, unbelievable

• arouse curiosity

• full of tension

• build up to/reach a climax

• develop a story

• interlocking stories/fragmented narrative/non-linear narrative

• unexpected plot twists

• One of the most surprising moments in the film occurs when …

Dialogue

• melodramatic

• (un)convincing

• Realistic

Music/soundtrack

• The music conveys a sad/happy/melancholy atmosphere

• The music underlines a mood/evokes feelings/shows a character’s

• emotions/connects scenes

• The music and the lyrics support the plot

Evaluation (Evaluative Words)

• a must-see/a smash hit

• a box-office success/failure

• an audience pleaser

• well worth seeing

• not to be missed

• a moving production/an emotionally strong film

• a truly great piece of filmmaking

• a skillful piece of filmmaking

• an impressive debut

• a very moving portrayal

• I definitely recommend this film to everybody …

• The film is a worthwhile watch.

3

• On a scale from zero to five, I give this film a five.

• The film literally brought tears to my eyes.

• I highly/strongly/definitely recommend the film.

• If you like …, this is the film for you.

• If you found films like … or … compelling then be sure to give … your full

• attention.

• I certainly wouldn’t recommend the film, because …

• I’m afraid … is a complete waste of time and money.

• It’s a film that will change the way you think about …

• I was impressed by …

Adjectives you could use:

action-packed, amusing, badly acted, balanced, beautiful, (extremely)

boring, breathtaking, captivating, compelling, complex, (totally/slightly)

confusing, contrived, disappointing, enigmatic, enjoyable, entertaining,

exciting, fantastic, (totally/rather) far-fetched, (truly) fascinating, funny,

gripping, hilarious, humorous, inspiring, lousy, manipulative, masterful,

perfect, poignant, powerful, (un)realistic, ridiculous, romantic, overacted,

overrated, overwhelming, (im)perfect, predictable, provocative, silly,

stupid, surprising, super, tense, unbelievable, unoriginal, (highly)

uplifting