Global View - Movie Review (0099)

A: Welcome back movie lovers to another " Premier Movie Review". My name is Richard Clarke and I am joined today by the very erudite David Watson.
B: Thank you Dick. Today we are going to talk about the movie " Lion King". Tell me Dave, what is your impression of this film?
A: Well, I think this film is simply a fable, depicting man's eternal greed for power, and in my opinion, it's a very fine film. Even despite the accusations of plagiarism traditional folk tales from other countries. The musical score was amazing, the animation was very well done, and the story was simply enchanting.
B: I think otherwise. Even though the animation was technically strong, and as you say, the score and songs performed by Elton John were great, the film lacks a certain originality; it lacked heart. And I would dare to say, it was too predictable.
A: Predictable! How! Come on Dick, It's a G-rated movie! It's for the kids! It's not a thriller!
B: Well, that's just it. It did have some very dramatic and intense scenes For example when Mufasa dies, or the dark, grim portrayal of Scar. Even so, the film is linear. Mufasa dies, Simba runs away thinking it's his fault. Falls in love and returns to retake what is rightfully his. It's just too cliché.
A: How can it be cliché? It's a fable! It's telling a time-honoured story! The movie make a point of how the hunger for power leads to corruption, and teaches children the value of respect, life and love.
B: You have always been so soft, Dave!
A: Open your heart Dick. Don't shut us out.
B: Anyway... That's all for today folks! Join us next time as we talk about "How to lose a guy in 10 days" I'm sure you'll love that one Dave!

Key Vocabulary

dare to say phrase have the confidence to say
rightfully General Adverb according to law
erudite Adjective having a lot of knowladge; espically gained from studying
impression common noun, singular the feelings one has after a specific event
depict describe, show, especially in art or pictures
fable common noun, singular beautiful story about animals that has a moral or lesson
eternal Adjective lasting forever
accusation common noun, plural action of caliming something is wrong
plagiarism common noun, non-variable practice of copying others' ideas
enchanting Adjective attractive, holding one's attention
score common noun, singular written work showing notes of music
predictable Adjective easy for others to foresee what is going to happen
portrayal common noun, singular the act of showing or describing somehting, especially in art
grim Adjective unpleasant
linear Adjective moving in logical way, from start to end
cliche common noun, singular something that is too often used so that it loses meaning or importance
time-honoured Adjective something that survives the testing of time
soft Adjective not critical enough

Supplementary Vocabulary

screen play common noun, singular the written words from a film
performance common noun, singular the activity of an actor in a play
central character common noun, singular the main person in a movie
plot common noun, singular story in a movie or book
cinematography common noun, non-variable used to describe the camera work in a movie