©(Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- deficit /DEF-uh-sit/
- quest /kwest/
- alliance /uh-LAHY-uhns/
- unprecedented /uhn-PRES-i-den-tid/
- nostalgic /no-STAL-jik/
[noun] – the amount by which something, especially money or resources, is too small
The company reduced its budget deficit by cutting unnecessary expenses.
[noun] – a long or difficult search for something
The scientist went on a quest to discover a new species in the Amazon rainforest.
[noun] – an agreement to work together for a common goal
The environmental group formed an alliance with local farmers to promote sustainable practices.
[adjective] – never done or known before
There was an unprecedented demand for the new product during the holiday season.
[adjective] – feeling a sentimental longing for the past
The retro-style commercial gave many viewers a nostalgic feeling.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On its opening weekend in early April 2025, A Minecraft Movie made a powerful impact at the global box office. The film, based on the world’s best-selling video game, premiered in the United States and Canada and earned an estimated $157 million. International ticket sales reached $144 million, leading to a colossal global debut of $301 million. The PG-rated film, directed by Jared Hess and co-produced by Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros., became the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever, surpassing the record held by The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It opened in 4,263 domestic theaters and 36,000 international screens. Industry analysts had initially projected an opening of only $80 million, but actual sales nearly doubled expectations, helping reduce the 2025 box office revenue deficit from 13% to 5%.
The film’s financial triumph was attributed to several key factors. Experts noted that school spring breaks contributed to the strong turnout, particularly among younger audiences, 64% of whom were under 25. The film’s accessible story, which follows characters transported into the Overworld on a comedic quest to return home, appealed to families seeking light-hearted entertainment. Media analyst Paul Dergarabedian explained that the alliance between popular games and cinema has become increasingly profitable, transforming once unpredictable adaptations into dependable investments. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film achieved a favorable B+ CinemaScore and 4/5 PostTrak rating. Its unprecedented performance highlights the commercial viability of game-based content, especially when combined with strategic global distribution and nostalgic fan engagement.
The film’s financial triumph was attributed to several key factors. Experts noted that school spring breaks contributed to the strong turnout, particularly among younger audiences, 64% of whom were under 25. The film’s accessible story, which follows characters transported into the Overworld on a comedic quest to return home, appealed to families seeking light-hearted entertainment. Media analyst Paul Dergarabedian explained that the alliance between popular games and cinema has become increasingly profitable, transforming once unpredictable adaptations into dependable investments. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film achieved a favorable B+ CinemaScore and 4/5 PostTrak rating. Its unprecedented performance highlights the commercial viability of game-based content, especially when combined with strategic global distribution and nostalgic fan engagement.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever played Minecraft? If so, what do you like most about the game? If not, what kind of video games do you enjoy playing?
- Have you ever watched a movie based on a video game? If so, what did you think of it? If not, what kind of movies do you usually like to watch?
- Do you agree that younger people are the main audience for movies like A Minecraft Movie?
- Why do you think A Minecraft Movie made more money than expected?
- What are some good or bad things about turning video games into movies?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- film
- story
- box office
- video game
- highest-grossing