Review Model Answer (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Language)

Write a review for a teenage magazine of a book, film or TV programme/series you have enjoyed in the last year and why it might appeal to others of your age.

Write your review.                                                                                                             

   [20]

Task: Write a review of a book/film/TV show that you have enjoyed

What? 

A review

Who? 

Your peers

Why? 

To inform, entertain and advise

Title

Murder Mystery 2 — hit or miss?

Introduction

Introduce film and offer my point of view: the movie exceeded my (low) expectations

Point 1

Summary

Brief summary of the film

Point 2

Opinion of film

Offer highlights of movie: characters and setting

Point 3

Negatives

Explore what could be seen as drawbacks of the film

Conclusion

Why would the film appeal?

AO5: Communication and organisation

11–12 marks

• The writing shows sophisticated understanding of the purpose and format of the task

• The writing shows sustained awareness of the reader/intended audience

• The appropriate register is confidently adapted to purpose and audience

• The content is ambitious, pertinent and sophisticated

• Ideas are convincingly developed and supported by a range of relevant details

• There is sophistication in the shape and structure of the writing

• Communication has ambition and sophistication

AO6: Vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation

8 marks

• There is appropriate and effective variation of sentence structures

• Virtually all sentence construction is controlled and accurate

• A range of punctuation is used confidently and accurately

• Virtually all spelling, including that of complex irregular words, is correct

• Control of tense and agreement is totally secure

• A wide range of appropriate, ambitious vocabulary is used to create effect or convey precise meaning

Murder Mystery 2 — hit or miss?

Continuing their run of big budget films with high profile stars, Netflix’s latest crime caper sequel starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston (of Friends fame) continues in a similar vein to the first film, which is billed as one of Netflix’s most popular movies of all time. Having thought the original was a bit “meh”, I didn’t hold out high hopes for the sequel, but I’m surprised to say that it exceeded my expectations. [Marking comment]

This sequel is set four years after Sandler and Aniston’s first escapade in Monte Carlo, and their characters, Nick and Audrey, now work as full-time private detectives. They accept an invitation from a friend to a wedding on his private island, where they meet the cast of suspects, including the delight that is the couple’s old friend, Colonel Ulenga (played by the brilliant John Kani). When their friend is kidnapped, the group is joined by a team of professional detectives, led by a former hostage negotiator played in a very tongue-in-cheek style by Mark Strong. The action moves from India to Paris, and features enough mystery, murder, bomb plots and double-crosses to keep the most cynical of us entertained. [Marking comment]

In my opinion, the film is a delight to watch. [Marking comment] It’s the perfect movie to unwind to after a long day. Just sit back and let yourself be taken on a wild ride of non-stop laughter and entertainment. The chemistry between Aniston and Sandler is unmistakable, which is no surprise considering their long history of working together. They both display impeccable comic timing without becoming tiresome or cringe-worthy. The return of John Kani is a particular highlight, as he features much more prominently than in the first film, which is a credit to the writers and directors in recognising what a comedic joy his character is. There are enough new faces to keep the film fresh, and the globe-trotting journey beautifully captures the locations on screen. [Marking comment]

There is, of course, a twist, just like in the first film, but in my opinion this was not off-putting and just plays into expectations for this genre of movie. I did think there were more genuinely funny moments in this sequel than in the first film, so overall it lives up to the hype of a good, old-fashioned entertaining comedy caper. 

For me, Murder Mystery 2 is the perfect blend of action and humour that will leave you thoroughly entertained, and the cliffhanger ending suggests there might be a third film on the cards. Let’s hope so; it’s rare to find a film these days that you can sit and genuinely enjoy with your parents, but Netflix have nailed it with this one. [Marking comment]