Hugo: Cinema

This is a marvelous movie, especially for those who are movie buffs, just like myself. It talks about the passion of film making and the magic of cinema in our lives. I used it to introduce the topic "movies". My students loved it.

I. Work in pairs.

1. Do you like going to the movies? How often do you do it?

2. What kind of movies do you prefer? Rank the types of movies according to your preferences. Number 1 is your favorite.

THRILLER - HORROR - ADVENTURE - DRAMA - COMEDY - ANIMATED - WAR - FANTASY - DOCUMENTARY - EPIC - ACTION - BIOGRAPHY -  

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

3. Think of examples for each of the types of movies in item 2.

4. What do you prefer doing? Going to the movies or watch films at home? Justify your choice?

5. What do you prefer? New releases or classics? Why?

6. Who is your favorite actor, actress and director?

7. What is your all times favorite movie? Why do you like it so much?

III. Decide if the statements below are true for you and your partner:

( ) I have nightmares when I see a horror movie.

( ) Old movies are not so interesting because of the technology and acting.

( ) All movies should be made in 3D.

( ) Movie ratings are not important. Everyone should be allowed to see the films they
want.

( ) Sex and violent scenes should be prohibited.

( ) Animated movies are only interesting for children.

( ) Silent movies are stupid.

( ) American movie's humor are not funny for the people in my country.

( ) Brazilian (or your nationality) are better than American productions.

( ) The Oscar is not a good reference for choosing the film you see because its main objective is just to promote American movies.

( ) I love American blockbuster movies.

( ) I don't like watching films from less famous studios, such as Iranian, Turkish, French, Italian, Argentinean, etc.

( ) TV is much better than movies.

IV. Watch the segment from the movie Hugo and discuss the questions.

1. Describe the scene.

2. What was the first movie about? What did it show and what was the audience's reaction?

3. What were some of the scenes shown in the segment? What did the first movies talk about?

4. Who was George Meliés? What power did he have?

5. Would you like to see the first movies made or do you think it is a waste of time? Justify your answer.


MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - HUGO

We Bought a Zoo & Ivan the Incredible: First Time Doing Something

I truly recommend this wholesome movie. Great acting and plot. I was really touched when I saw it. I used it to talk about "firsts" in our lives. Besides, the scene is really funny.

I. Work in pairs:

Do you remember the first time of the following items? Tell your partner what you can remember about it and how you felt.

1. 1st day at school

2. 1st day at your current job

3. 1st kiss

4. 1st boyfriend (girlfriend)

5. 1st plane trip

6. 1st time abroad

7. 1st best friend

8. 1st time you broke a bone

9. 1st car

10. 1st bicycle

II. Discuss the questions below:

1. When was the last time you did something for the first time?

2. How do you feel when you do things for the first time?

3. Would you like to have more "firsts" in your life? Why (not)?

4. How would you feel if you were experiencing a lot of new things on a regular basis.

5. Which of the following areas of your life provide you with opportunities for trying new things?

Work

Social

Spirituality or Religion

Intellectual

Environmental

Financial

Class discussion:

1. Do you prefer to experiment new things regularly or is it better to live your life safely with the things you are already familiar with?

2. Do you like radical changes and modify everything in your life, starting everything over, or do you prefer living a life without radical changes?

III. Watch the movie segment from the movie We Bought a Zoo and discuss the questions that follow.

 1. Describe the scene.


 2. What is the realtor's first time experience in the movie?


 3. What about the character performed by the little girl's father? ]


4. Why do you think he wants everything new in his life?


 5. There is a very embarrassing situation during the movie segment scene. What was it? How would you react in that situation?



IV. Watch the segment from the movie Ivan the Incredible and discuss the questions:

1. Describe the scene.

2. How would you describe his first time at the gym?

3. Why wasn't it successful?

4. What could have been done to make this experience a positive incentive in his life?

5. How may this first time affect his life in the future?

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - WE BOUGHT A ZOO

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - IVAN THE INCREDIBLE