Soundtrack Saturday: Mary Poppins (1964)

Image: sun.co.uk

With yesterday's release of Saving Mr. Banks, I thought it would be appropriate to listen back to the wonderful Mary Poppins soundtrack.

If you do not know the story, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Go watch it now! 

But if you are otherwise engaged, Mary Poppins is about the magical nanny who ends up working for the Banks family, looking after the children Jane and Michael. Combining live action and animation, Mary (Julie Andrews) opens the eyes of the Banks family and brings them closer together. Chimney sweep, Bert (Dick Van Dyke), adds plenty of comedy, least because of Van Dyke's infamous 'cockney' accent but we will ignore this! 

How can you not love these songs? Listening to the orchestral overture immediately captures the charm and magic of the film. If you grew up watching Mary Poppins, a grand wave of nostalgia comes with listening to this soundtrack. 

Remember these tunes?

A Spoonful of Sugar

Jolly Holiday

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

And what about these musical gems?

Stay Awake

Chim Chim Cher-Ee

Let's Go Fly a Kite

There are so many highlights, nearly every song is a treat. The Step In Time sequence has been featured several times on Ticket Stub - for the dance sequence and for the fireworks effects. However, my personal favourite song has to be Feed the Birds:

The Sherman Brothers certainly created one of the best loved motion picture soundtracks. I urge you to listen again to truly appreciate their genius. 

It is practically perfect in every way! 

Best Track? How could I possibly pick? Let's go for the Overture - it captures every favourite tune.

 (See below)

Available on Spotify? Yes

What's your Soundtrack Saturday? 

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Trailer Tuesday: Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

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The fuzz and felt is back! Today's Trailer Tuesday is Muppets Most Wanted.

After the success of The Muppets (2011), Kermit and the whole gang are back in what looks to be a thrilling and hilarious sequel. The film sees the gang touring across Europe to sell out audiences until they run into a spot of bother. A jewel-heist and the world's number one criminal, who just so happens to uncannily resemble Kermit, cause mayhem and chaos - and subsequently lots of laughs.

As well as the classic faces such as Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy, the film stars Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Tom Hiddleston. Other cameos include Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and Christoph Waltz. The genius music of Bret McKenzie will also return. He won an Oscar for his compositions back at the awards in 2012.

Hopefully, this film will have us laughing out loud and singing along to even more cleverly witty and catchy songs.

Muppets Most Wanted is out in UK on the 28th March 2014

When Harry Met Annie

Earlier this month, I recommended Annie Hall as Ticket Stub's Sunday Classic. In the post, I mentioned the films that have been heavily influenced by Woody Allen's classic. So I thought we would look at this a little more closely...

When Harry Met Sally is one of my all time favourite films and it definitely pays homage to Annie Hall. 

I'm going to run through a few examples, which I hadn't noticed until watching the films recently.

1. Opening Monologues

Annie Hall begins with Woody Allen's character Alvy, explaining his outlook on life and his relationships.

When Harry Met Sally is interspersed throughout with short monologues by couples, talking about where and when they first met. Like Annie Hall, the background colours are similar and the characters all look, more or less, straight down the lens addressing the audience. The couples are hilarious and charming. Here is an edited version of all their stories together:

2. Annie and Sally's Costume

Annie's costume became iconic in the 70s so it is no wonder that Sally takes a leaf out of her book here in the autumnal scene at Central Park. Notice the same hats, long trousers and masculine look of the two outfits.

Image: thebudgetfashionista.com

Image: thecitrusreport.com

3. Montage

A clear homage is paid here and it was one of the first examples I noticed. Both films have montages showing the course of each relationship, through happy, sad and hilarious moments - such as Sally's fake orgasm scene and Alvy sneezing from the cocaine.

Watch the first 47 seconds for When Harry Met Sally scene:

4. Location

Both are set in New York and use the city to its full capacity in filming. From the quirky diners and small bookshops to the impressive city skyline, you definitely know you're in NYC. The concrete jungle creates a stark contrast to the sunny superficial world of Los Angeles depicted in Annie Hall.

"Well, have a nice life"
Harry and Sally say goodbye after their first meeting by Washington Square Arch

Image: christianallaire.com

"I'll have what she's having"
The most famous scene from When Harry Met Sally, which takes place at the popular diner, Katz's Delicatessen  

Image: en.wikipedia.org

"I luff you"
Annie and Alvy awkwardly confess their love to each other with the romantic city skyline in the background

Image: thirteen.org

"Love fades...God, that's a depressing thought"
As the couple argue in the intense city streets, Alvy turns to New Yorkers to hear what they have to say about love...

5. Soundtrack

It Had to be You is sung in both films.
Annie's version however, is a disaster. She sings it beautifully in the New York bar but no-one appreciates it.

In Rob Reiner's film though, It Had To Be You is sung by the classic voice of Frank Sinatra. This is a far more romantic moment as Harry finally realises that he truly loves Sally.

6. Musings on Death

We all know that Woody Allen is obsessed with this theme and Alvy certainly thinks about death a lot.
He even gives Annie books on the subject:

Harry similarly obsesses over death - "I spend hours, I spend days".
Hear what he does every time he buys a new book...

7. Split Screens

Split screens in Annie Hall happen on two occasions: When Annie and Alvy's mothers exchange conversation while at the dinner table and during both the characters' therapy sessions.

When Harry Met Sally uses split screens for telephone calls. The best one being the four way split screen with Jesse and Marie picking up each of Harry and Sally's calls the morning after:

Both these instances create comedy and are very clever in terms of timing. Yet, it is interesting to notice that the split screens in Annie Hall are always dominated by Alvy's side and his point of view whilst Annie's screen is shoved to the left hand side. It further shows how dominant Alvy is on Annie and her way of life. However, with Harry and Sally the split is even. No dominant. They are both equals and friends, which visually indicates that their relationship is more balanced and solid compared to Annie and Alvy.

8. High Maintenance 

High maintenance or low maintenance? When Harry Met Sally explores this throughout, particularly with Sally's ridiculous food orders:

It is a very brief moment I noticed in Annie Hall but one none-the-less! A very quick instance shows this difference between Alvy and Annie as they order food at a diner. Just look at Alvy's face as Annie orders.

Although both these films have many similarities, it is the fate of both relationships and the outlook of the two that differ. Harry and Sally have their ups and downs but develop a strong friendship leading to their long lasting relationship together. Annie and Alvy seem like a great match but ultimately do not see eye to eye and, as we know from the very beginning of the film, they are not destined to be together.

It is fascinating to note that the original ending of When Harry Met Sally did not have the couple getting together. This ending didn't resonate with test audiences so was scrapped. The perfect Hollywood ending. So, although there is a clear respect and homage to Annie Hall, the conclusions of both the films are widely different.

Trailer Tuesday: 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Image: patheos.com

Ticket Stub's Trailer Tuesday this week is the widely anticipated, 12 Years a Slave.

12 Years a Slave is based on the true story of Solomon Northup. The well-educated man from Saratoga Springs, NY was born a free black man until he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. 

Directed by Steve McQueen, the film has achieved critical acclaim since its world premiere at the 40th Telluride Film Festival earlier this summer. Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Northup, has already been tipped for Oscar glory. Other cast members include Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt and Benedict Cumberbatch whilst also debuting new performances by the likes of Lupita Nyong'o.

The film has been on a limited release across the US and is steadily notching up big figures at the box office. We still have a while to wait here though, as the film is not due out in the UK until January 24th 2014. But for now, enjoy the trailer. It looks to be a very moving story showing the struggles of holding on to humanity in a world of extreme cruelty and suffering. 

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Sunday Classics: Annie Hall (1977)

Image: cracked.com

Arguably Woody Allen's best film, Annie Hall is this week's Sunday Classic.

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy starring Allen as Alvy, a New York comedian who examines why his relationship with Annie, played by Diane Keaton, had to end. The film is often seen as autobiographical though Allen has been quick to dismiss this suggestion.

Allen's filming techniques and collaboration with cinematographer Gordon Willis was certainly groundbreaking. Particularly after his slapstick comedy films, such as Sleeper (1973) and Love and Death (1975), Annie Hall was and still is completely refreshing. 

Some of the best moments include a scene based on Snow White - where Annie becomes the evil queen...

 Or where both Alvy and Annie talk on the balcony, but the subtitles tell us what they are truly trying thinking... 

There are also many instances where Alvy breaks the fourth wall, talking to the audience directly:

All of these examples, and many more, show the beginnings of the filmmaker we all know Woody Allen to be today.

Keaton is adorable in this film and I love her wardrobe. In fact, nearly all of Annie's costumes are Keaton's own clothes. She won an Oscar for her performance along with the film's Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Also, keep an eye out for a wonderful cameo with Christopher Walken as Annie's psychotic brother.

Many films since have been heavily influenced by Annie Hall, especially romantic comedies. Most recently with Frances Ha (2012), (500) Days of Summer (2009) and When Harry Met Sally (1989). 

Later this week, I shall be looking at When Harry Met Sally and Annie Hall a little more closely. To keep updated on all future posts, follow @TicketStubBlog on Twitter.

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Top Ten Firework Scenes

Remember, remember the 5th of November...but what movie scenes can you remember with fireworks? 

I've picked my Top Ten but I'm sure there are plenty I've missed. 

Feel free to tell Ticket Stub your favourites by tweeting @TicketStubBlog and you could be featured in the next post!

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Merry and Pippin are the two cheeky chappies in this first film of the epic trilogy. They attempt to steal one of Gandalf's magical fireworks, however, the two hobbits get into a little spot of bother...

2. Toy Story (1995)

Buzz is strapped to a rocket and it's about to blow up in the sky. How will Woody and Buzz escape?

Woody: "Hey, Buzz you're flying!" 

Buzz: "This isn't flying. This is falling, with style!"

3. Manhattan (1979)

Woody Allen's black and white classic is one of the best ever film openings. Along with Allen and his character Isaac, we as the audience begin to romanticise New York "all out of proportion". With George Gershwin's masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue and the fireworks exploding over the Manhattan skyline, how could you not fall in love with this city?

4. Mary Poppins (1964)

The fireworks during Step In Time cause all the chimney sweeps to rush down Mr Banks' chimney and take over proceedings in his town house. The effects are rather impressive for the time too.

5. Mulan (1998)

Fighting Shan Yu on the rooftops of China's Imperial City, Mulan is running out of ideas...cue the little dragon, Mushu, who fires a huge firework rocket on Mulan's command which instantly kills the villain, but also sets off a great display!

6. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

There is no video available on YouTube, but I have inserted a picture here. This scene shows Ennis (Heath Ledger) beating up two guys who insult him with homophobic remarks during the July 4th celebrations. 

Image: theatlantic.com

7. The Little Mermaid (1989)

This is where Ariel first sees Prince Eric. His world is made even more mesmerizing by the fireworks display from the ship. Ariel just has to see more, much to the dismay of Sebastian. 

"Jumping jellyfish!"

8. To Catch a Thief (1955)

Fireworks and sparks fly between Grace Kelly and Cary Grant as they look across at the display on the French Riviera. And we all know what those flashes of fireworks symbolise, Mr Hitchcock...

9. Titanic (1997)

(Again, there is no video on YouTube - I will get the actual screen-grab soon.) For me, this has always been a memorable scene. All alone out in the cold Atlantic, it is the extreme over-head wide shot of the ship releasing the firework that shows how fatally doomed the Titanic and its passengers truly are. 

Image: thetruthaboutguns.com

10. A Bug's Life (1998)

You can always count on Pixar to be clever - here the "harvester salute" sees the harvested plants collide together in the air to create the insects' very own fireworks display as the 'warrior' bugs return to their home.

I hope you all have a wonderful Bonfire Night! Wrap up warm, enjoy the fireworks - and if you can't go to a display, be sure to take a look at these movies instead!

Quote of the Day #4

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

The Princess Bride (1987)

Image: comicvine.com