Describe A Movie You Watched Recently That You Felt Disappointed About: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was it?
When did you watch it?
Who did you watch it with?
And explain why you felt disappointed

34 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think makes a movie engaging?

I believe an engaging movie has a strong plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists. Good pacing and emotional depth also play a crucial role in keeping the audience invested in the story.

How important is the music in a movie for you?

Music is very important in a movie as it sets the tone and enhances the emotional impact of scenes. A great soundtrack can elevate the viewing experience and make certain moments more memorable.

Have you ever watched a movie that exceeded your expectations?

Yes, I have watched several movies that exceeded my expectations. One example is 'Inception.' The intricate plot and stunning visuals kept me captivated, and I found the themes thought-provoking and original.

Band 6-7

00:00

One movie that I really disappointed me was The Matrix Resurrection. I watched it because I was a huge fan of the original Matrix trilogy and I had a high expectation for the sequel. The trailers looked interesting and I thought it would bring back the same excitement and action as the old movies. But unfortunately, the movie was laid down, the story was confusing and the pace was slow. Many scenes felt forced and the characters didn't seem as engaging as before. I especially didn't like how the movie tried to explain everything with complex ideas. But in the end, it didn't make much sense. Also, the action scenes were not as exactly or well choreographed as I expected. Overall, I felt bored halfway through and I even thought about turning it off. It just didn't live up to the original trilogy and that made it disappointing for me. So, because of the story was confusing and the pace was slow, I disappointed from the movie. So, that's the movie.

Follow up questions

What aspects of the original Matrix trilogy did you enjoy the most?

I loved the groundbreaking special effects, the philosophical themes, and the character development in the original trilogy. The action sequences were innovative, and the story had a depth that made you think. I appreciated how it blended science fiction with real-world concepts.

How do you think the sequel could have been improved?

The sequel could have benefited from a more coherent storyline and better character development. If they had focused on the core themes that made the original films great and maintained a faster pace with engaging action scenes, it would have resonated more with fans.

Do you think high expectations can lead to disappointment in movies?

Absolutely. When you have high expectations, especially for a beloved franchise, it can set you up for disappointment. If the movie doesn't meet those expectations, it can feel like a letdown, even if it might be enjoyable on its own merits.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently I saw a movie Kanguva. This movie had lot of promotions and there were lot of expectations from the general audience for this particular movie. I went the second day to theatre to watch the movie. The VFX, the sound effects and all the imaginary scenes were all well planned and was done very good. But the movie failed in the storyline. At the end of the movie we were not able to recollect what the storyline was and what the director tried to convey through the movie. The movie was about war happening in the historical event between two regional areas. But there was only men fighting in the grounds. But the movie failed to express the main plot of the story. Maybe there is a part 2 which is yet to come for the movie. I think the story may begin or there will be some past happenings that will be explained in part 2 that might be more interesting I think. I am waiting to watch the second part of the movie. I would not tell any disappointments in the VFX and the effects given for the movie. That would be a 10 on 10 for that particular movie. Overall the 3 hours were not well spent there.

Follow up questions

What elements do you think make a movie's storyline successful?

A successful storyline often includes well-developed characters, a clear plot structure, and engaging conflicts. It should evoke emotions and keep the audience invested in the characters' journeys. A good balance between action and dialogue also helps in maintaining interest throughout the film.

How important are visual effects in modern filmmaking?

Visual effects play a crucial role in modern filmmaking, especially in genres like action and fantasy. They enhance the storytelling by creating immersive worlds and experiences. However, they should complement the narrative rather than overshadow it, as a strong story is essential for a memorable film.

Do you think sequels can improve upon the original movie's flaws?

Yes, sequels often have the opportunity to address the shortcomings of the original film. They can expand on the storyline, develop characters further, and provide more context. If done well, a sequel can enhance the audience's understanding and appreciation of the original movie.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently I have watched the movie of Mohanlal, directed by Zubidraj called Andhra. And it was the same movie that I was disabled in. Yeah, I went with my friends. We went in a car, like five friends in the night. And we reached there early. We were eagerly waiting to watch the show. And it was Ramadan when it was released. So we couldn't watch in Ramadan. So we waited till Eid, so we could watch the movie. And we expected a lot by seeing the first part of the movie. And the second part of the movie is called Andhra. We went for the movie Andhra. And I expected a lot in the presence of Mohanlal. In the first part, he was killing by acting. But when it came to the second part, it was really disappointing. I feel really disappointed because I didn't like the BGM. They could have done better in the BGM sector. And the other thing is, there is no such a story behind this. It was just for the sake of the story.

Follow up questions

What aspects of the movie did you find most disappointing?

I found the background music to be quite lacking, which really affected the overall experience. Additionally, the storyline felt weak and didn't have the depth I was hoping for, especially after enjoying the first part so much.

How do you usually choose which movies to watch?

I usually look for movies with good reviews or recommendations from friends. I also consider the actors involved, as I tend to enjoy films featuring my favorite actors, like Mohanlal. The genre and director's previous works also play a significant role in my decision.

Have you ever watched a movie that exceeded your expectations?

Yes, I once watched a movie called 'Drishyam' featuring Mohanlal, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The plot was gripping, the acting was superb, and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a fantastic cinematic experience.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, that's an interesting topic to discuss about. I would like to talk about the movie called Empuran starring by one of the India's finest actor Mohanlal, directed by Prithviraj Sugumaran. The reason behind, we all waited a long time for the release of this movie. The reason behind, this is primarily because it was the sequel part of a movie called Lucifer, which was a tremendous hit during that time when it got released. So we were all hyped due to the fact that it was a sequel part of Lucifer. Even though we had that hype, when we watched that movie, I felt a bit disappointed. The reason behind it was, Lucifer was such a great movie.

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Empuran disappointed you the most?

I felt that the storyline was not as engaging as Lucifer. The character development was lacking, and some plot points seemed rushed. Additionally, the pacing of the movie didn't match the high expectations set by its predecessor, which made it hard to connect with the characters.

How do you think Empuran compares to other sequels you've seen?

In my experience, many sequels struggle to capture the magic of the original. Empuran is no exception. While some sequels manage to expand on the story and characters effectively, Empuran felt more like a cash grab, lacking the depth and creativity that made Lucifer so memorable.

What do you think could have been done differently to improve the movie?

I believe that a stronger script and better character arcs could have significantly improved Empuran. More focus on the emotional connections between characters and a well-paced plot would have made it more enjoyable. Additionally, incorporating some of the elements that made Lucifer great could have helped.

Show all 34 answers

Cue 1:What was it?

Begin by naming the movie and providing a brief summary of its plot.
Mention any notable actors or directors involved to give context.

Example

The movie I watched recently is called 'The Great Adventure'. It's an action-packed film about a group of friends who embark on a journey to find a hidden treasure. The film stars popular actors like Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, which made me excited to watch it.

Cue 2:When did you watch it?

Specify the date or occasion when you watched the movie.
Mention if it was in a theater, at home, or during a special event.

Example

I watched it last Saturday evening at a local cinema with my friends. We had been looking forward to it for weeks, especially since it was released on a holiday weekend.

Cue 3:Who did you watch it with?

Introduce the friends or family members you watched the movie with.
Share a little about your relationship with them to add a personal touch.

Example

I went with my close friends, Priya and Amit. We often watch movies together, and we were all excited about this one because we love adventure films.

Cue 4:And explain why you felt disappointed

Clearly state the reasons for your disappointment, focusing on specific aspects of the movie.
Mention any expectations you had and how they were not met.

Example

Unfortunately, I felt disappointed because the storyline was quite predictable and lacked depth. I expected more twists and character development, but it turned out to be very clichéd. The action scenes, although well-choreographed, didn’t compensate for the weak plot.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, while 'The Great Adventure' had the potential to be an exciting film, it ultimately fell short of my expectations. I believe that with a stronger script, it could have been much better.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear and unengaging. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the movie or your feelings.

Tip

Include specific examples from the movie, such as scenes or characters, to illustrate your disappointment clearly.

2: Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to connect your experience with the movie can make your response less relatable. It's important to share your personal feelings and thoughts.

Tip

Explain how the movie affected you personally, and relate it to your expectations or experiences to create a stronger connection.

Ignoring the Cues

Overlooking the provided cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Make sure to address all parts of the prompt to provide a comprehensive response.

Tip

Structure your answer by clearly addressing each cue in order, ensuring you cover what the movie was, when you watched it, who you were with, and why you were disappointed.

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