Top Ten Festive Favourites

Clockwise from top right: The Snowman (1982), It's a Wonderful Life (1946), Love Actually (2003), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Mean Girls (2004), Elf (2003), Meet Me in St Louis (1944) and centre The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

It's official! Less than one week until Christmas Day and it is finally time to watch all of our favourite festive films.

There may be lots of Christmas movies that we love, but what about those festive scenes and songs in other films that we sometimes forget about?

So with that, here are my Top Ten Festive Favourite films, scenes and songs which you will want to revisit or watch for the very first time.

Festive Films:

1. The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

Out of all the Muppet films, this has to be the best. It is a hilarious retelling of the classic Dickens novel with all the Muppet characters we know and love stringed together with plenty of catchy songs. Michael Caine also stars as the grumpy Scrooge. A great festive family favourite.

2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

This film has become a Christmas classic and an all time must-see (featuring at number 27 on IMDB's Top 250). The black and white American movie stars James Stewart, as George, who comes to learn the true value of life with the help of a guardian angel named Clarence. There has been talk of a sequel which I am certainly not happy about. When you have a cherished classic, leave the sequels alone. This movie is too precious to ruin for myself and cinema audiences.

3. Love Actually (2003)

Love Christmas? Love Richard Curtis rom-coms? Well you'll love Love Actually, actually. Starring many famous faces including: Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, Rowan Atkinson, Liam Neeson...the list goes on. And, of course, Hugh Grant stars as the PM. 

I cannot believe this film came out ten years ago!

4. Elf (2003)

Another film that came out a decade ago is Elf. This is a laugh-out-loud comedy with Anchorman's Will Ferrell taking the lead role of Buddy - a human elf who comes to New York to find his true family and identity during the festive period. Zooey Deschanel and Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage also star in the movie which is guaranteed to have you giggling. 

5. The Snowman (1982)

A nostalgic film from my childhood for number 5. The Snowman is an animated story about a boy who makes a snowman which comes to life on Christmas Eve. The Snowman takes the boy on a great journey through the sky. The whole 26 minute film is on YouTube for your enjoyment and features the atmospheric song Walking in the Air.

Festive Scenes:

6. Mean Girls (2004)

Two Christmassy scenes which you may have forgotten about from one of the best teen movies of all time. The first, and very short scene, involves some candy canes and a chap named Glen Coco:

The second is at the high school talent show, where Cady joins 'The Plastics' for their annual version of Jingle Bell Rock:

7. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

If you read my blog regularly, you know I love When Harry Met Sally. So naturally, I had to include this moment of seeing New York all covered in snow and Christmas lights. The clip also includes Harry and Sally celebrating New Year and having their first 'moment' together.

Festive Songs:

8. What's This? The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington has managed to leave Halloweentown and enter Christmastown. What's This? is the song he sings as he discovers this new land of snow, presents and merriment.

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meet Me in St Louis (1944)

This song is played every year in December, but did you know the song debuted in Meet Me in St Louis? Judy Garland sings the classic Christmas tune in the MGM musical film.

10. Auld Lang Syne, Sex and the City (2008)

I know the movie isn't great, but I really like the version of this song. Auld Lang Syne plays over a montage with all the characters celebrating New Year's in different places, whilst Carrie runs to Miranda so she isn't alone when it hits midnight. Can I just ask how she runs in the snow in heels? HEELS? One of the many flaws in Sex and the City but I will ignore this for the fantastic version of the song.

Do you agree with my choices? Or did I miss any?

What will you be watching this season? 

Tweet your favourites @TicketStubBlog or comment below

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Trailer Tuesday: Frozen (2013)

Image: freefever.com

With the lead up to Christmas in its final week, Ticket Stub has gone all festive to celebrate. So wrap up warm, grab those mince pies, get a glass of mulled wine and enjoy all of Ticket Stub's recommended holiday films.

The first feature this week is Trailer Tuesday. Although this film has been out since the 6^th December, I wanted to pick a wonderfully wintery movie to get us all in the mood for Christmas. 

Therefore, the Trailer Tuesday choice is Frozen.

The new Disney movie, tells the story of princess sisters Elsa and Anna. After their parents die, Elsa becomes queen yet her frosty magical powers hold her back from bonding with her sister and interacting with the people in the kingdom. As Elsa accidentally sparks an eternal freeze across the kingdom, Anna has to persuade her sister to stop the bitter winter so Elsa can return as queen. With help from a hilarious snowman, Olaf, an adventerous hero named Kristoff and his trusty reindeer, Sven, Anna has a big quest on her hands.

I saw the film just over a week ago and loved it. The songs are brilliant, particularly the comical In Summer and Let It Go – which has been nominated for a Golden Globe. The film stars one of my favourite musical theatre actresses, Idina Menzel – who you may also recognise from Disney’s 2009 film Enchanted. Kristen Bell voices Elsa and Glee's Jonathan Groff also stars. 

Another thing I loved is the portrayal of the two sisters. They are both quirky and awkward which I certainly related to and it reminded me of my relationship with my siblings – particularly with the song Do You Want To Build a Snowman? However, I do wish there was at least some variation in the appearance of the recent Disney princesses. Both have a very similar aesthetic to Rapunzel in Tangled (2010). A recent article in the Guardian also picked up on this issue and mentions a marketing campaign after Brave's release which had an illustration of Merida conforming to the typical Disney princess look: big eyes and thin as a stick figure.

This is only one set back. I was thoroughly entertained and I liked the way in which Disney mocks itself.

Not only is the film magical, but the short film beforehand is a treat in itself with a 1920s Mickey and his friends bursting through the cinema screen.

Frozen is out NOW.

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Top Ten Animals in Film

Clockwise from top: Babe (1995), Free Willy (1993), Bambi (1942), Jaws (1975), War Horse (2011), Life of Pi (2012), Finding Nemo (2003) & 101 Dalmatians (1996) 

Animals in film often provide comedy and comfort but also danger and destruction to characters and cinema audiences. With the epic trailer for the new Godzilla (2014) featured as this week's Trailer Thursday, I want to ask: who stands out as your favourite on screen animal?

From sweet little Bambi to the terrifying Jaws, there are tonnes that I have missed out in my Top Ten (including some in the picture above) so tweet me your favourites @TicketStubBlog and YOU could be featured in my next post. 

1. Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967)

Baloo is the lovable bear who becomes Mowgli's guide and adoptive parent through the depths of the jungle as Mowgli returns to the man-village.

Best Moment? Baloo singing Bare Necessities

2. King Kong in King Kong (1933)

From a lovable bear to a frightening giant gorilla: King Kong. The stop animation and effects in this film are remarkable for 1933 and King Kong is still rather scary - made even more so by Fay Wray's shrill scream in the scene above.

Did You Know? Kong's roar was in fact a lion and a tiger's roar combined together and run backwards at a low speed.

3. Dory in Finding Nemo (2003)

The forgetful fish, Dory, who helps Marlin try and find his son Nemo is one of the most comical animal characters on screen. The adorably optimistic regal blue tang fish, voiced by the hilarious Ellen DeGeneres, will return in Pixar's 2016 sequel: Finding Dory.

Best Dory Quote? "Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim!"

4. The Birds in The Birds (1963)

Another scary choice, this time a collective mass of birds. The Hitchcock film sees the birds descend on Bodega Bay and attack all those who live there. The other day, a mass of black birds gathered, as they do in the scene above, when I left for work. Needless to say, I was quite on edge!

The birds gather outside my house!

Did You Know? When audiences left the premiere at Leicester Square's Odeon cinema, they were scared even further by the sound of screeching and flapping birds from loudspeakers hidden in the trees.


5. Dug in Up (2009)

You wouldn't expect a golden retriever in the tropical landscape of South America. And I guess you wouldn't expect to hear its thoughts either. Well, this is what happens in Pixar's Up. Though he may not be the most intelligent dog, and is often distracted by squirrels, Dug has a big heart and is a comforting pet to Russell and eventually Carl.

Want to Know More? I wrote a blog post on ZooScope about all the animals in the film and how they are represented. If you fancy reading, just click here.

6. Jack the Dog in The Artist (2011)

The Artist is a modern take on the silent black and white films of the 1920s. Jack the Dog provides great visual comedy, particularly in the scene with Oscar winner Jean Dujardin at the breakfast table.

Did You Know? Jack the Dog was played by three Jack Russell Terriers: Uggie, Dash and Dude

7. Richard Parker in Life of Pi (2012)

An unlikely environment for a tiger - on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean with a boy named Pi. The ferocious tiger is beautifully digitally animated and a real tiger was used in some scenes. However, recent stories have emerged that the tiger 'nearly drowned' on set.

Did you know? The film won for Best Director, Visual Effects, Score and Best Cinematography at last year's Oscars and is adapted from the best selling novel by Yann Martel.

8. Mr. Fox in Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

George Clooney plays the title role in Wes Anderson's adaptation of Roald Dahl's book. The sly and wild yet urbane fox steals food from three farmers every night. Fed up with Mr. Fox, the farmers seek revenge in destroying the fox's home. Mr. Fox leads the escape for his family and woodland creature friends.

Did you know? It took seven months to complete the very first Mr. Fox puppet

9. Kermit the Frog in The Muppets (2011)

He may be made of felt but he is still an animal - clue is in the name Kermit the Frog. The TV and film star will return in the sequel Muppets Most Wanted (2014) which was featured as a Trailer Tuesday last month.

Did You Know? Kermit the Frog has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

10. Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King (1994)

I cannot pick one - they come as a pair! Timon, the clever meerkat, and his smelly warthog friend, Pumbaa, take care of Simba as he grows up in the jungle after Scar tells the lion cub to 'run away and never return'. The two animals even had their own TV series.

Best Timon and Pumbaa Quote? 
Timon: Gee, he looks blue
Pumbaa: I'd say brownish-gold
Timon: No, no, no. I mean he's depressed
Pumbaa: Oh.


Who is your favourite animal in film?

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Trailer Thursday: Godzilla (2014)

Image: godzilla.wikia.com

Trailer Thursday is here with a brand new trailer for the 2014 Godzilla film which was released yesterday. I had to share it earlier than usual, as it fits in perfectly with my Animals in Film week on Ticket Stub.

When clicking on the trailer, I thought 'I bet this is going to be awful. One of those stupidly over expensive summer blockbusters which I will never want to see'. How I was wrong...

Directed by Gareth Edwards, Godzilla is an epic reboot of the infamous giant dinosaur-monster who takes on destroying the city. After seeing the disappointing 1998 version with Matthew Broderick when I was younger, I have never been hugely interested or engrossed in this kind of action movie. Yet, this teaser trailer is one of the best in a long time and Godzilla is now on my list of must-see films for 2014. 

I did not see that coming.

The movie stars the great Bryan Cranston, of Breaking Bad fame (2008-2013), and Nowhere Boy (2009) and Kick-Ass (2010) actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. French actress Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, who starred in Blue Jasmine (2013) earlier this year, and Elizabeth Olsen also feature in the sci-fi monster blockbuster.

It is only a teaser trailer, but I urge you to watch it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Godzilla is released in the UK on May 14th 2014.

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Trailer Tuesday: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Image: hollywoodreporter.com

Martin Scorsese is back with a new film starring Leonardo DiCaprio: The Wolf of Wall Street. 

The film tells the story of wealthy stockbroker, Jordan Belfort, from his rise to riches to his fall with fraud and corruption. Based on the true memoir of Belfort himself, the film has been described as a biographical black comedy. 

Other cast members alongside DiCaprio include Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey. I'm also pleased to see a cameo by Rob Reiner, director of When Harry Met Sally (1989), Princess Bride (1987) and starred in Sleepless in Seattle (1993). 

It looks to be a thrilling film and, with it being the fifth collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese, I'm hoping it will live up to my expectations. 

The Wolf of Wall Street is released on 17th January 2014

Quote of the Day #5

"I think people should mate for life, like pigeons or Catholics"

Manhattan (1979)

Image: boymeetsgirlproject.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday to Woody Allen, who is 78 years old today.

 What is your favourite Allen film?