Top Ten Halloween Horrors

Time to dig out the fancy dress, carve those Jack O'Lanterns and put on a classic scary movie. If you haven't guessed already, today is Halloween!

Although I am not the biggest fan of scary movies, I have picked out my Top Ten Halloween Horrors which you should definitely check out...

1. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock at his best. Norman Bates is certainly creepy as hell and we all know about that infamous shower scene with Bernard Herrmann's piercing strings.

2. The Exorcist (1973) 

This film which sees a 12 year old girl possessed by the devil caused extreme reactions with audiences across the world. Reports of fainting and vomiting dominated news stories. Although we can laugh at the hype now, the film has become a classic. A great highlight is the soundtrack of the Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield.

3. Ghostbusters (1984)

A bit more light-hearted than the previous two, Ghostbusters is a comedy about three professors who go into business as ghost removers. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Amis and Sigourney Weaver as the ghosts start to take over New York. Come on, you all know the song....

Who ya gonna call? 

4. 28 Days Later (2002)

Danny Boyle directs this zombie horror starring Cillian Murphy. One of the best scenes is as Murphy's character, Jim, walks through the empty streets of London after waking up from a coma. The whole city has been deserted due to an epidemic, and it is about to get a whole lot worse.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

You may think I have picked the wrong holiday with Christmas being in the title. But the majority of the film takes place in Halloweentown - full of monsters, vampires and the king of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington. Check out the opening song 'This is Halloween':

6. The Wicker Man (1973)

Featured as Ticket Stub's Sunday Classic back in September, The Wicker Man is a British horror set on strange island of Summerisle. Follow the link to my post to find out more.

7. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Let's do the Time Warp again! Rocky Horror has become cult classic since the seventies and you'll find many people dressing up as the characters at Halloween or at the sing-a-long nights they have in theatres in the UK. The film is a fantastic mix of musical comedy which tributes to the old low budget horror movies of the past.

8. The Corpse Bride (2005)

Another Halloween-esque Tim Burton creation, The Corpse Bride tells the story of Victor who, whilst practicing his wedding vows, accidentally becomes married to a zombie bride. Of course, being Tim Burton, the film stars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

9. Silence of the Lambs (1991)

We're coming to the last two films on the list, and the two I find most scary. The first is Silence of the Lambs starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. A crime horror with one of the most tense climactic scenes ever. A must see for any horror fan.

10. The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson stars in the Stephen King adaptation, directed by Stanley Kubrick. A psychological horror, the film sees Jack Torrence take a job as a caretaker at a hotel during its off-season. His wife and son also take residence in the hotel but over time things develop and Jack becomes mad and murderous.

What are your favourite horror films?

Tweet @TicketStubBlog with your suggestions

Top Ten Scenes in the Rain

Clockwise from top left: Bambi (1942), The Notebook (2004), Forrest Gump (1994), Spiderman (2002) and centre, Singin' in the Rain (1952)

It is getting to that time of year again, where the leaves fall and the rain pours. Therefore, inspired by all the dreadful weather this week, I have chosen my Top Ten Scenes in the Rain.

Adding rain to a scene can immediately make a moment more dramatic, romantic or poignant.
So, here are my top picks...

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

Out in the Vietnam War, Forrest sees all kinds of rain...

2. Bambi (1942) 

A childhood favourite. Not only is the animation adorable but the orchestration and the sound of the choir creating the storm is remarkable.

3. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

This is as close as we get to seeing Matthew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy in a wet shirt...but the chemistry between Darcy and Lizzie is evident here, made all the more dramatic with the rumbles of thunder between their dialogue.

4. The Notebook (2004)

Everyone wants to be kissed in the rain. Especially if it is with Ryan Gosling looking splendid with a beard.

5. Garden State (2004)

Screaming into the infinite abyss in the pouring rain with Simon and Garfunkel on the soundtrack. How could  you not love this moment? If you like the sound of Garden State, check out the Saturday Soundtrack I did back in August.

6. Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The rain, thunder and lightning fits perfectly to show Andy's release of freedom and triumph. Surely one of the best scenes.

7. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Another wonderful kissing scene in the rain from the classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. There are indeed several kissing scenes in the rain on this list, which leads me onto number eight...

8. Spiderman (2002)

Although the film itself was rather unmemorable, the upside-down kiss in the pouring rain has become one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history.

9. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Poor Marianne. This scene truly shows her heartbreak after learning that the man she loves, Willoughby, is engaged to another woman.

10. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

No list could be without this scene. It made the Top Ten Dance Sequences in a Film list earlier this month, and it would be a crime not to include it here.You would never guess that Gene Kelly performed this scene with a 103°F fever!

What are your favourite scenes in the rain?

Tweet @TicketStubBlog and you could be featured in the next post!

Trailer Tuesday: The Monuments Men (2013)

Image: guardian.com

George Clooney is featuring for a second week on Ticket Stub's Trailer Tuesday, but hey, I am not complaining! This week's trailer is The Monuments Men.

Indeed, Clooney stars and directs this dramatic picture which sees a Second World War platoon go behind enemy lines to try and save beautiful pieces of art and cultural artifacts before they are destroyed by Hitler and Nazi Germany.

The Monuments Men has a stellar cast including: Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, the legendary Bill Murray, the lovable John Goodman, 2012 Oscar winner Jean Dujardin and Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville. Scenes were filmed in the UK too, particularly at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford (which is well worth the visit by the way!)

Check out the trailer below to see more. The Monuments Men will be released in the UK on January 9th 2013. 

Seen any trailers you think Ticket Stub should check out?

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Soundtrack Saturday: Dirty Dancing (1987)

Image: en.wikipedia.org

I may not have included Dirty Dancing in my Top Ten Dance Sequences in a Film post, but fear not - I am featuring it this week as my Soundtrack Saturday.

Yes, it has been a very dance filled week on Ticket Stub and what a soundtrack to finish it off with. 

Dirty Dancing, of course, has the classics that you'd expect from the film - (I've Had) The Time of My Life and Hungry Eyes - but there are some wonderful hidden gems here to channel your Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey moves to.

Dirty Dancing is definitely one of the top compilation soundtracks. Some of the best songs come from when Baby first sees Johnny at the secret after-party for staff at the Kellerman's resort. Here, Baby sees the 'dirty dancing' for the very first time. You cannot help but stare in awe of all the dancers and, like Baby, want to try it with Johnny. Do You Love Me is without a doubt one to shake those sexy hips to.

Other highlights include Hey Baby, as Johnny tries to show Baby the art of balance, and the perfect 80s power ballad She's Like the Wind. The track is sung by Swayze himself, played as Johnny says goodbye to Baby and drives away. You can even recreate the adorably comical 'Lover Boy' scene with the track Love is Strange. There are a bunch of other dancing tunes to shake your rumba or dance the foxtrot to, however, one of the slower tracks stands out. 

Cry to Me is played in the sexiest scene of the movie. I have posted the moment the song appears in the film below as me explaining it would never do it justice. 

I had this CD in car all week and it makes me want to watch the film all over again. If you haven't ever listened to it, take the time to...it will be the time of your life.

(YES, I went there with a disastrous Dirty Dancing pun! I do apologise.)

Best track? Hungry Eyes

Played during the montage of Baby and Johnny becoming dance partners (see below)

Available on Spotify? Yes, though not all tracks from the Ultimate Dirty Dancing album are available

Got any Soundtrack Saturdays? 

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Your Response: Best Dance Sequence in a Film

Last week I listed my Top Ten Dance Sequences in a Film and asked you to tell me your favourites. 

Here are the suggestions that were sent in...

Bring It On (2000)

If you've seen this film, you've most probably re-created this opening sequence dozens of times. Oxford University's very own cheerleading squad, the Oxford Sirens, have gone for the rather appropriate teen classic Bring It On. 

Chicago (2002)

Full of murder, sex and jazz, Chicago is one of the top film musicals in recent history. Cell Block Tango is where Roxy is introduced to the rest of the murderesses at Cook County Jail, all insisting that each of their victims "had it comin'". Other dance sequences in Chicago that are worth watching are Nowadays (Finale) and I Can't Do It Alone. 

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Shocking as it is, I have never seen this film. But after watching this dance sequence I will definitely make the time to watch it on a Sunday afternoon. The barn-raising dance is awe inspiring with its ridiculously complex choreography by Michael Kidd. It is certainly one of the best.

Swing Time (1936)

As Lucy said in her tweet, no list could be without Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. With so many dance sequences to choose from, it's a hard choice. I've gone for Swing Time. It is still as popular today as it was back in 1936, with over 5 million views on YouTube.

Billy Elliot (2000)

Chosen by my uni friend, Kate, this is the moment where Billy is caught ballet dancing by his dad, who strongly opposes it. Yet, Billy decides to carry on and shows off his raw talent and passion for dance...

Love Actually (2003)

Who doesn't love Hugh Grant shaking his hips as the PM?! Just so long as we never see David Cameron doing this, we're ok.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their suggestions. 

Can you think of any more? 

Comment below with your favourite dance sequence.

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Trailer Tuesday: Gravity (2013)

Image: hdwallpapers.in

Today's Trailer Tuesday is a sci-fi thriller - Gravity.

Starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, Gravity is a gripping story of survival after the two astronauts are involved in a horrific accident on their Space Shuttle. They are alone in space with nothing but each other. How on earth will they survive?

There is a big buzz around this film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. After its premiere at the 70th Venice International Film Festival, it has already reached critical acclaim particularly for its visual effects. Gravity is being shown in 3D and in IMAX 3D and, although I am not the biggest fan of 3D and its ridiculous pricing, many great filmmakers are praising it. Take James Cameron - in Variety Magazine, he stated that "it's the best space photography ever done, I think it's the best space film ever done, and it's the movie I've been hungry to see for a very long time". High praise indeed.

In fact, the second man to walk on the moon was "very very impressed with it". Yes, Mr Buzz Aldrin himself said in a guest review for The Hollywood Reporter that he was "extravagantly impressed by the portrayal of the reality of zero gravity". So if the 3D works for Buzz, it works for me.

Gravity has already gone to the top of the US Box Office in its opening weekend, with out-of-this-world takings of $55.55m - that's £34.62m! Like quite a few trailers that have been featured recently on Ticket Stub, the word 'Oscar' has been associated with Gravity too. I definitely suspect the film will be nominated for its special effects. They look spectacular. 

The trailer is tense and definitely worth the watch. 

Gravity will be released in UK cinemas on November 8th 2013.

Top Ten Dance Sequences in a Film

From top left: Pulp Fiction (1994), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), The Artist (2011) and below (500) Days of Summer (2009)

As Strictly Come Dancing waltzes back onto our TV screens, I have been inspired to pick my top ten favourite dance sequences in a film and ask what your favourites are too...

1. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

I wish I could pick every dance sequence in this film. I was seriously struggling to choose between the crazy tap dancing Moses Supposes and the unbelievable spectacle of Broadway Melody but it has to go the most iconic scene not only of the film but in Hollywood's cinematic history. 

The title song Singin' in the Rain performed by Gene Kelly. It immediately makes me want the heavens to open so I can splash in puddles, twirl my umbrella and have not a care in the world...except the strange looks from passers by...

2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The climactic ballroom sequence with Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is one of the big highlights in the film. The couple need to just get an average score of 5/10 so his father can win a parlay against his gambling friend. According to choreographer, Mandy Moore, Cooper had "some real natural dancing ability" whereas Lawrence described herself as "a dad at prom". The Oscar winner certainly does not look like that here in one of the most charmingly quirky dance sequences.

3. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

I love this dance sequence because it is completely unexpected. The scene takes on a whole new genre suddenly as we see Tom's character on top of the world the morning after he finally has sex with Summer. The blue bird is genius and the music by Hall & Oates fits perfectly. Plus, it has Joseph Gordon-Levitt dancing...what's not to love?

4. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

In an attempt to save Pedro's campaign for class president, Napoleon dances to Jamiroquai's Canned Heat. Clearly, those lanky Michael Jackson-esque moves work. The entire hall gives Napoleon a standing ovation and Pedro becomes president. Could this campaigning technique be used in real politics? I definitely think we should see this in the next presidential election. No? Maybe not then...

5. Mary Poppins (1964)

Mary Poppins is the first Disney classic out of two on this list. Leaping between the rooftops of Edwardian London before descending on Mr Bank's town house, the energy of Bert and all the chimney sweeps is infectious. Also, Julie Andrew's head spins at a hypnotizing speed...

6. Pulp Fiction (1994)

It's become one of the top dance scenes: John Travolta and Uma Thurman doing the twist. Simple. Tarantino tells a very interesting story on The Graham Norton Show on how their twists came about.

7. The Artist (2011)

Harking back to the old silent cinema days, The Artist tells the story of George Valentin, a silent cinema star who's career is soon to be shattered by the 'talkies' and the rising star Peppy Miller. This dance sequence is at the very end of the movie. Sound reappears for the tap dancing number which has echoes of the great Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. In fact, the two lead actors Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo rehearsed for five months in the same studio as Kelly and Reynold's did for Singin' in the Rain. 

8. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

The best dance sequence in this childhood classic has to be Me Ol' Bamboo. Dick Van Dyke's character is running away from a very unhappy customer left with the most ridiculous haircut after his hair-cutting contraption fails at the fair. Attempting to find an escape, he manages to pass as one of the performers in a sing and dance show, trying to keep up with their intense routine. Van Dyke has said that this was the most difficult dance he ever did on screen and you can see why. Hats off to him!

9. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

From the energetic number in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, to the sedate and elegant dance found in Joe Wright's Pride & Prejudice. Lizzie Bennett and Mr Darcy's dance at the Netherfield ball is full of heat and tension despite the calm slowness of dance itself. 

10. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The final pick and the second Disney classic. Beauty and the Beast's ballroom dance is the perfect romantic  moment, with the swooping shot from the golden chandelier to the couple below. All accompanied by the legendary Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts singing the title song. Beautiful.

I want to know what your favourite dance sequences are! 

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog and you could be featured in my next post.