REVIEWS

Reviews are brief accounts of books, films, plays, CDs, restaurants, hotels, concerts, TV programmes, websites, ads,…
Their purpose is to inform readers and to give your opinion and recommendations.
The style depends on the publication and the intended reader; therefore, it can be either FORMAL, SEMI-FORMAL,NEUTRAL,…
Describe different aspects and provide examples, where possible.
Use a wide range of vocabulary to hold the reader’s interest.

A short, catchy title

1 Introduction: There are some books that you should read in one sitting. “(title)” by (autor) is one such book.
(It should catch films that you should not definitely miss out.
the reader’s …… that you should definitely visit/experience at least once in a lifetime.
attention) Identify Or
what you are It's not often that one finds a ….. as full of (unexpected surprises..) as “ ……”, a (book by/ film by…). It
reviewing about + leaves no one indifferent.
author, star, Or
director,… Having heard/read so much about …., I decided to..(reserve a table/watch it/..) and see for myself.
Or…..
2 Summary of  The film/book is set in (PLACE: a village/ New York/ ..) in (TIME: the 1950s).
the plot:  It immerses us in… /It revolves around….As the plot evolves, we learn about (…..).
in not too much detail. Thus, everyday problems of relationships, the
Don’t reveal the ending it provides a valuable insight into …. life of…
depiction of …. Resilience, pride, fear, friendship, love,
it (explores/takes a glimpse at) universal themes such as.. coming of age, revenge, loyalty, betrayal
(Positive)
3/4 Good / Bad From the very outset, what is the most outstanding feature of this (book, place, menu) is (the plot, the acting,
features: the music,…..). Another of the most remarkable aspects was (the ending. It was absolutely
thrilling/unexpected/…) Besides, (the acting) as well as (the music) was brilliant, too. There are some great
Remember to use actors in it, including…
a range of interesting
vocabulary to bring (Negative)
the film,.. to life to the
However, there is only one feature that flaws the film/book,… and that is… But, as mentioned, that was the
only particular weakness that could be found.
reader. Use vivid
language.
5 Conclusion: In my opinion, I’d (highly/ thoroughly/ wholeheartedly) recommend this (film/book/restaurant)
Quite frankly, because…
State: >Of its gripping story,
 your overall > it has a memorable soundtrack/plot
Impression making a brief a convincing performance of the main actors and actresses
reference to features that >which captives the audience/reader/customer from start to finish
you wish to emphasise >which is sure to appeal to all (pasta-lovers, vegetarians, coffee fans,…)

It actually provides a valuable and absorbing window into (evil, religion,…) that is for most of
us inaccessible,….It poses vital questions one has never considered before.

 Make a As said, it’s a (classic/moving/memorable/powerful) film/book suitable for (the whole family/ those who enjoy …)
Recommendation Even if you are not too keen on (detective stories/ comedies/..) you won’t be put off.
(who is it for?)
Therefore, I would (highly/definitely/strongly) encourage you to (watch/read/visit) it whenever you get a
chance. It is bound to live up to your expectations.
 VOCABULARY FILMS/BOOKS/PLAYS
Screenplay/script of a film or the plot (in a film, book, play)
astonishing/plausible/witty Simple, predictable, cliché ridden, trite /’trait/ (=trillado, manido)
powerful boring, tedious, unconvincing, disappointing, upsetting
multi-layered script, thought-provoking too complicated, confusing
well/ beautifully -written, well-crafted unrealistic, unbelievable, contrived (= artificial, difficult to believe),
compelling (+ noun), riveting, enthralling excruciating /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪtɪŋ/ (=extremely painful physically or emotionally)
(= so interesting that it makes you want to watch/listen to it) poignant /ˈpɔɪ.njənt/ (= that makes you feel sad or full of pity), sad
Gripping, enthralling, (=keeping your interest) eerie /ˈɪə.ri/, scary creepy, hair-raising, (= inquietante, escalofriante)
extremely moving, sensitive, sentimental violent, bloody
big budget/ low budget
Actors/characters/ The acting
>The starring role is played by (Jack Nicholson) The film stars Daniel Craig (=tiene como protagonista a)
>Daniel Craig plays the part of James Bond Daniel Craig stars as …..
does a very good job as … The film features Daniel Craig (=cuenta con, incluye)
adds a lot to the film Sb/sth epitomises sth (= is the perfect example of)
is absolutely remarkable/especially memorable as …
is very/less convincing …
>A film full of (wonderful, fascinating, believable,likeable) Characters (the lead role, the supporting actors)
(shallow, unconvincing, funny, stereotypical)
>It is particularly memorable the (flawless, powerful, spectacular) performance of
>Unfortunately, the performance of… is (too wooden/ absolutely appalling)
Plot/Story (in a book, film or play)
> This book weaves the stories of (different families/the old and the young/…) ** the ending of the story (the end)
> It a medley of stories (=mixture)
> It arouses curiosity, emotion, fear
> It builds up to a climax (an epic climax)
> It is developed in a fragmented narrative/non-linear narrative
> It has unexpected plot twists / an unexpected ending
Soundtrack/ The music…
… conveys a sad/happy/melancholy atmosphere
… underlines a mood/evokes feelings/
… shows the character’s emotions/connects scenes
The music and the lyrics support the plot
Others
The costumes (intricate = elaborate, symbolic, historically correct, )
The film was shot on location.
The photography (poor, amateurish, / impressive, breathtaking)
The especial effects (are spectacular, staggering, astounding / laughable, cheap)
The dialogue (is often excellent/weak)
The action scenes (were unconvincing,….)
Evaluation
a must-see , a must-read, a worthwhile watch/read a smash hit (sth/sb)
a box-office (success/failure) well worth seeing /not to be missed a masterpiece
a truly great piece of filmmaking
a skilful piece of filmmaking
A war a historical book a comedy a thriller An animated film a love story a musical A horror film
a detective story a romcom a blockbuster an action film a fantasy film a sci-fi film
The upcoming sequel (= next)
To hit the screen (=to be released)
 REVIEW – TV SERIES

Ever since I started learning English I have found quite handy watching TV series, specially
those which are perfectly subtitled, in order to follow the plot properly. In fact, it is quite useful if
you are actually interested in improving your skills, when it comes to listening and speaking.

On the other hand, I have been in search of the series which catches my attention and it took
me very long until I finally put my finger on it. The TV series known as Downton Abbey is the
best I have ever seen, and in the following lines I would like to explain why.

It is set in England during and after the First World War. The whole plot takes place in the area
called Downton, the castle of Earl Lord Gratham, his family and the service staff. Although the
story is focused on the Lord’s family, the service has an important part to play, as the world is
changing continuously and the nobility is getting old-fashioned.

The main point in this series is that every character has been absolutely developed, with its own
characteristics and personalities. Even the backgrounds are cleverly defined what makes an
intriguing and dramatic script. Needless to say, the actors are sublime and they give their
touch to their role, specially Maggie Smith, which is one of my favourite actresses.

Because of all these reasons, I highly recommend taking into account Downton Abbey to be
included in your top ten list.

A thrilling album

I'm certainly not alone in my choice of favourite album. In fact, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" has
sold over 50 million copies worldwide since being released in 1982, and still currently holds the
much coveted title of "best-selling album of all time". A toe-tapping blend of pop, funk and R&B,
it's sure to get everyone grooving at a party, yet also contains unexpected emotional power in
the lyrics.

Jam-packed full of catchy melodies such as the opening "Wanna be startin' something" and the
famous "Beat it", almost every song makes you want to hum along. It's like a feast for the ears,
with a range of styles from the soft duet ballad with Paul McCartney "The Girl is Mine" to the
rock/pop of the title track. The album will leave you with no doubt of the unique and extraordinary
talent of the King of Pop. What disco would be complete without a few of his renowned numbers?

Unlike much of today's modern pop, this album actually deals with a huge number of deep
themes such as jelousy, loneliness and obsession. The song "Billie Jean", for example,
chronicles a story of a crazed fan who insists that she has his baby. Not hard to imagine that
the artist was channelling some real experiences in his writing.

It doesn't surprise me at all that this remains the best-selling album of all time and I challenge
evern the most cynical listener to play "Thriller" without tapping along. [+/- 245 words]
 The Apollo: The Theatre of Dreams

Never before have you seen such an amazing spectacle as you will see in the Apollo. It’s not
only the facilities and personnel that make this venue so great, but also the amazing acoustics of
such a large venue.

From the moment you enter the place there is an awe about it. All of the greatest acts of recent
times have played here and you can feel the buzz as soon as you enter. The crowd are so close
to the stage that they can literally feel the droplets of sweat coming off of the brows of their
favourite artists, this creates an amazing connection between the musicians and the audience
and I can tell you, the fans go wild!

I´d definitely recommend this venue to anyone, it has a great feel to it and the prices are at the
lower end of what you would expect to pay in such a place. They also don’t go over the top on
drinks prices, and through it sounds weird, it´s not all that difficult to get to the bathroom which is
a plus. So, without a doubt, the next time your favourite group is playing, come on down to the
Apollo, oh, and did I mention it is in London? It couldn´t get any better.
The "Aquila Nera" restaurant
The "Aquila Nera" is a newly-opened restaurant in the centre of town. It is also by far the best
place for families and friends to spend a nice and quiet evening eating delicious home-made
food. I had the opportunity to go there to celebrate my father’s birthday and I had a wonderful
time.

As you enter the place you are welcomed by a familiar and cosy atmosphere. The walls are made
of stone, which gives the restaurant a vintage and traditional look, and there are just a few tables.
There is some soft background music from the 80s and 90s.

Regarding the food, they offer a variety of focaccia bread rolls as a starter, with tomato sauce,
mozzarella, zucchini and almonds. They were my favourite part of the meal. The main course
that I had consisted of pasta: gnocchi with different sauces. It tasted like heaven on earth. They
also have desserts in the menu; I chose to have creme brulee.

Slightly disappointing though, was the service. I had to wait twenty minutes for the dishes to
arrive, as there were only two waitresses. However, I have to say in their defence, that both
of them were very young, kind and friendly.

Despite the long wait for the food, it was absolutely mouthwatering, and the atmosphere very
pleasant. For this reason, I have no hesitation in recommending going to the "Aquila Nera"
restaurant. Judging on the taste of the dishes, I would give it 5 stars!
Location Decoration
Ideal, central, convenient, isolated, unique Although the décor/atmosphere did not live up to my
It is situated (in the heart of/ in close proximity to/ in a remote expectations, the food was…
area) Facilities
It is ideal for families with children A (small/large) seating capacity
Menu Staff at reception/hotel
Varied, three-course, traditional, set Helpful, welcoming,…
A three-course menu Price
Food reasonable prices …..
Appealing, fresh, overspiced, tasteless good/excellent/poor value for money
Lunch consisted of… cheaper than expected
Service
Efficient, professional, friendly, slow (a bit/somehow) expensive/
Exceptional, first-class Overpriced
Portions Far too high
Generous, large, tiny, overpriced not worth the money
Atmosphere Popularity
Cosy, informal, relaxed, welcoming always fully booked
Once inside, you will undoubtedly be left speechless by the.. ….. book in advance
A unique dining experience
Your teacher of literature asked you to write a review of your favourite book which has a film
adaptation. Your teacher wants you to compare them and tell which do you like more and why.

The title I am going to review is a rare example when the movie manages to trump the book it is
based on. Today I am reviewing Fight Club by an infamous American novelist Charles Palahniuk
— his most widely-known, universally acclaimed work.

It is a daunting task to find a person unfamiliar with the movie. The plot engages you from the
very start — a young professional finds his apartment destroyed by an explosion of unknown
origin. Agitated, he phones his newfound acquaintance Tyler whom he had met on the plane.
They see each other at a bar and the story becomes increasingly complex, yet pleasantly
effortless to follow. Through its narrative a number of problems are tackled – self-identity,
peer pressure, middle-life crises and some other. The characters are likeable and easy to
relate to. Both acting and directing are superb. But what makes it better than the book?

The only objective fault I could find in the book was the order of events. It goes back and forth,
which at times proves to be confusing. The movie manages the sequencing much better. Other
than that the book is brilliant — vigorous prose that manages to evoke strong images. The movie
however is so good that the book tends to slightly fade in all its glory. People tend to read the
book after seeing the adaptation, thus coming with high expectations that can be hard to meet.

To sum this up, I would recommend reading the book nonetheless. It may seem inferior in some
respects, but it does help to understand the main theme of “Fight Club” better.