Film Review: Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh Star in 'Mayday'
Listen to the story
A new film review looks at the movie "Mayday," which is available on Apple TV.
The movie stars two well-known actors, Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.
According to the review, "Mayday" is a buddy comedy in the style of films from the 1980s.
A buddy comedy usually follows two characters who become friends while going through funny or unusual situations.
The film critic who reviewed the movie said it feels like propaganda.
Propaganda usually means messages made to influence how people think, often for a political reason.
However, the critic still praised the film, saying that even though it works like propaganda, it "rocks," meaning it is very enjoyable.
The review focuses on how Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh work together on screen.
It highlights the movie's connection to older 1980s comedy styles, which often used humor between two main characters.
The review does not give more details about the movie's plot, but it makes clear that critics see it as entertaining despite its unusual message-driven style.
Vocabulary10 words
- film review
- a written opinion about a movie
- buddy comedy
- a funny movie about two friends
- film critic
- a person whose job is judging movies
- propaganda
- messages made to change people's opinions
- comedy
- a type of movie made to make people laugh
- influence
- to affect how someone thinks or acts
- on screen
- what is shown in a movie
- plot
- the story of a movie
- entertaining
- fun and enjoyable to watch
- praise
- to say good things about something
Quiz
Answer key
1. An '80s-style buddy comedy 2. It feels like propaganda but is still enjoyable 3. Apple TV
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A new _____ _____ looks at the movie "Mayday," which is available on Apple TV.
The movie stars two well-known actors, Ryan Reynolds and _____ _____.
According to the review, "Mayday" is a _____ _____ in the style of films from the 1980s.
A buddy comedy usually follows two characters who become _____ while going through funny situations.
The _____ _____ who reviewed the movie said it feels like _____.
Propaganda usually means messages made to _____ how people think.
However, the critic still _____ the film, saying it "rocks."
The review focuses on how the two actors work together _____ _____.
It highlights the movie's connection to older 1980s _____ styles.
The review makes clear that critics see it as _____ despite its unusual style.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen any '80s buddy comedies? What did you think of them?
- Why do you think some movies are described as feeling like 'propaganda'?
- Do you think a movie can be both propaganda and entertaining at the same time?
- Would you want to watch a movie starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh together?
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