Useful language: review writing

The following words and expressions are used to give a positive or negative critique.

Positive: Negative:

 absolutely riveting  vastly overrated

 witty dialogue  gratuitous violence
 moving story  somewhat overhyped
 mind-blowingly awesome  quite unconvincing
 outstanding performance  a bit clichéd
 in spades  rather contrived
 poignant lyrics  utterly implausible
 haunting melody  excruciatingly long and boring
 unputdownable  incredibly slushy

1 The first act was excruciatingly long and boring; I couldn’t wait for the interval.

2 The new detective series on TV is absolutely riveting – I've been hooked since the first episode.

3 The ending of the novel is rather contrived; it didn't seem natural at all.

4 The haunting melodies are bound to stir your emotions – this is classical music at its best.

5 The plot is a bit clichéd; I've seen the same story a million times before.

6 The lead actor's outstanding performance is sure to earn him an Oscar nomination.

7 This play is a moving story of friendship and bittersweet love.

8 I'm not a fan of gratuitous violence and this film was a blood bath from start to finish.

9 The storyline is utterly implausible; these events would never happen in real life.

10 The poignant lyrics, powerfully sung by the female vocalist, will bring a tear to your eye.

11 J.H. Hamilton's book was somewhat overhyped – everyone was talking about it but it didn't live up to
my expectations.

12 I found the characters quite unconvincing; I don't think that anyone actually talks like that.

Useful expressions for reviews

1 This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys gripping thrillers.

2 The plot is full of mystery and suspense; twists and turns.
3 I'd highly recommend this bittersweet film.
4 If I were you, I'd definitely give it a miss.
5 This novel was a real page-turner – I was hooked from the start.
6 The casting and characterisation were both spot-on.
7 I was rather disappointed, as it didn't live up to the hype.
8 The storyline was predictable, and the script clichéd.
9 The costumes were stunning and the special effects jaw-dropping.
10 This is an action-packed film which has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.